Pedal Conundrum!

[bikeman66]

Hi all,

Having bought myself my first road bike in 30 years, I have fitted a pair of my MTB clipless pedals to it (Time ATAC's). Always loved these pedals out on the trails, as they have plenty of sideways float and are so easy to engage and disengage from. My MTB shoes are super stiff soled (by MTB standards) Movecs. The whole set-up works really well, but looks a little clunky. I'm also aware that there is probably a significant weight penalty over a road pedal/shoe combination.

Any of you guys able to suggest a good road pedal that has a generous amount of float, to save my knees, is reasonably priced and not too heavy? I'd obviously be in the market for some roadie shoes too, and have looked at (don't laugh) Muddy Fox RBS200's which are available at an astoundingly good deal from Sports Direct (£25.00, down from £89.00). I realize that £89.00 is cheap for road shoes, but at this stage I don't want the whole set-up cost the earth. I guess I'm trying to test the water with road shoes and pedals before committing to a big spend.

The current MTB pedal and shoe combination works well, so do you guys think it is worth shelling out on a more roadie oriented deal? Any advice will be much appreciated, thanks.

P.S. The pedals need to have a good amount of float, as I had quite a big operation on my knee a few years ago and don't want it put under stress by being fixed in one position.

Thanks people.

 

[ianrauk]

If the set up works well for you then why change it? Keep it as it is.

 

[guitarpete247]

Shimano R540's are a good entry pedal as are dhb R1 shoes. There are better pedals and shoes but I've had this combination, all be it the old version of the shoes, for 3 years now and have had no problems with them.

 

[bikeman66]

If the set up works well for you then why change it? Keep it as it is.

It was mainly thinking a road set-up might be lighter and the shoes a bit stiffer, making the whole deal slightly more efficient (which could be a bonus during my upcoming trip to Mont Ventoux in April).

 

[ianrauk]

It was mainly thinking a road set-up might be lighter and the shoes a bit stiffer, making the whole deal slightly more efficient (which could be a bonus during my upcoming trip to Mont Ventoux in April).

Good MTB shoes are just as stiff soled as roadbike shoes.
And as for lightness, you really wont notice any difference.

 

[Alun]

Stick with MTB shoes, at least you can walk in them if you have to!

 

[Klassikbike]

Never heard of Movec shoes (Mavic?). The XT and XTR pedals offer nice float with easy step but maybe that would be too much float for a roadbike.
Theres plenty of very stiff MTB shoes around (Mavic, Shimano, Sidi...).
The top range models of these brands might be over budget for you but you could have a look at 1-2 models just below the top of the line.
Best would be to visit 1 or 2 dealers near you and have a look at what they offer to test and feel the shoes.

 

[bikeman66]

Never heard of Movec shoes (Mavic?). The XT and XTR pedals offer nice float with easy step but maybe that would be too much float for a roadbike.
Theres plenty of very stiff MTB shoes around (Mavic, Shimano, Sidi...).
The top range models of these brands might be over budget for you but you could have a look at 1-2 models just below the top of the line.
Best would be to visit 1 or 2 dealers near you and have a look at what they offer to test and feel the shoes.

The Movec shoes were purchased from a bike shop in France last year. I believe they are made in Holland. They're a good shoe, pretty stiff, well ventilated, good fit with Velcro and ratchet closure system. Paid about 90€ for them, which I thought was fairly reasonable.

 

[Cubist]

Personally I would steer clear of the Sportsdirect "bargains". They've never seen a £90 price tag, and are worth every penny of a tenner. There are plenty of shoe bargains around at the moment, but those aren't one of them.

If you want float, stick with your Ataks. If you want something a bit less cumbersome, Crank Bros Eggbeaters are very floaty, as well as being light, and you can get some XC race style shoes like Specialized BGs that look more like road shoes, or look at DHB at Wiggle.

 

[Venod]

If the pedals work for you keep them, I now use Shimano 520/540 pedals on all my bkes, I even use £10 Aldi shoes in the bad weather and manage fine, you will get lighter road pedals and shoes but not much lighter, plus you can walk in MTB shoes.

 

[Onyer]

I use Shimano PD-A600 pedals, which use the MTB cleats. So no need to change your shoes but this pedal gives a wider platform and are good for touring. They look a bit smarter than mtb pedals. But they are only single-sided which some people find to be a problem.

 

[vickster]

I use Shimano PD-A600 pedals, which use the MTB cleats. So no need to change your shoes but this pedal gives a wider platform and are good for touring. They look a bit smarter than mtb pedals. But they are only single-sided which some people find to be a problem.

Yes, the flipping things are ALWAYS the wrong way round when setting off from a stop! Good pedals otherwise though (bit only clipped in, platforms too small to comfortably use with trainers with my big feet)