Fastpedaller
Über Member
It must be even more confusing to anyone new to cycling who is unaware of toeclips and straps. Why were they called toeclips ? .... I've never pondered that before today. Toestops anyone?
Thinking of going from SPD-SL to SPD
- Thread starter philipgonzales3
- Start date
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Dogtrousers
Kilometre nibbler
I often think about this while adjusting the bolt on my threadless headset.
Alex321
Guru
- Location
- South Wales
Because when tightened down, they clipped your toes to the pedals.
If you rode them without tightening, then they did act more as you suggest.
Vapin' Joe
Formerly known as Smokin Joe
- Location
- Bare headed cyclist, Smoker
The French call them "Automatic pedals", I believe.
Dogtrousers
Kilometre nibbler
My new shoes arrived yesterday 
No cleats included though, so a trip to buy some needed.*
By the way I have never disassembled and greased a cleat. I was vaguely surprised to find it was a thing.
*Edit: a trip to the bits box was all that was needed.
No cleats included though, so a trip to buy some needed.*By the way I have never disassembled and greased a cleat. I was vaguely surprised to find it was a thing.
*Edit: a trip to the bits box was all that was needed.
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OP
OP
philipgonzales3
Well-Known Member
I went with the specialized recon 1.0, for the simple fact that they seemed to fit well both in terms of my fit and with the budget. The only other shoe that fit me was a similar ~$500 specialized shoe, but it had two boas with micro adjustment, which was sweet but figured for my needs this one is fine. I can always upgrade later if needed.
Haven't ridden on the road in a good while, so I was a bit like a baby deer learning to walk again, especially for the initial few minutes on the bike lol. But I have to say, I feel a lot more comfortable out on the road in these shoes vs road shoes. Feel much more planted and stable when I have to stop and put my feet on the ground. Walking is much easier and clipping in and out is a breeze, and pedaling without clipping in seems easier compared to road cleats as well.
One "issue" is that when I stood to pedal, the bike felt more wobbly than I remember. Like the steering jerks a bit or what not. Very likely that I'm just so used to the trainer at this point, as I did note I had to practice judging stopping distance and cornering as I'm a bit out of touch with being out on the road with my bike. We'll see how I get on as time goes by. I wonder if my cleat placement is optimal, but good enough I think. I went pretty neutral/even in all directions to start.
It was pretty darn hot on my 15 mile ride around the neighborhood at 100F, but all good. It felt good to get back outside.
Haven't ridden on the road in a good while, so I was a bit like a baby deer learning to walk again, especially for the initial few minutes on the bike lol. But I have to say, I feel a lot more comfortable out on the road in these shoes vs road shoes. Feel much more planted and stable when I have to stop and put my feet on the ground. Walking is much easier and clipping in and out is a breeze, and pedaling without clipping in seems easier compared to road cleats as well.
One "issue" is that when I stood to pedal, the bike felt more wobbly than I remember. Like the steering jerks a bit or what not. Very likely that I'm just so used to the trainer at this point, as I did note I had to practice judging stopping distance and cornering as I'm a bit out of touch with being out on the road with my bike. We'll see how I get on as time goes by. I wonder if my cleat placement is optimal, but good enough I think. I went pretty neutral/even in all directions to start.
It was pretty darn hot on my 15 mile ride around the neighborhood at 100F, but all good. It felt good to get back outside.
Attachments
- Location
- Somewhere wet & hilly in NW England.
Shoes look good but why would you ever think of "upgrading" them?
OP
OP
philipgonzales3
Well-Known Member
Eventually, I hope they become old and worn. To me, trying new things and spending money keeps things fun and interesting 😆. Sometimes it's just fun to look forward to buying things. I know that may not make a ton of financial sense, but just being honest haha.
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
I have 2 road bikes that I do most of my riding on - an old Specialized Allez and an old Cannondale CAAD 5. They feel very different out of the saddle. The Specialized feels like it just goes wherever I want it to, but the Cannondale feels like it is resisting me. I haven't worked out why there is that difference between the bikes and I soon adapt, but I always notice when alternating between them.
PS It may be partly due to different handlebar stem lengths - 12 cm on the Allez vs 13 cm on the CAAD 5?
