Wish I'd tried these earlier ....

[Norry1]

and no that isn't cleats - it is just using Shimano shoes rather than trainers. It seemed to me that it made a big difference, the stiffness of the sole seemed to transmit the power much better than trainers. I suppose trainers do what they are supposed to, i.e. absorb the impact which is exactly the last thing you want when ridng a bike.

Has anyone else noticed this difference?

I'll probably move to cleats soon, but I'm not sure I'll see such a difference again.

Martin

 

[HLaB]

I would expect so but having gone straight from trainers to the cycling shoes/ clipless option I couldn't testify as to the performance of the shoe on its own.

I think you will see further difference when you upgrade to cleats. The biggest difference offered by cleats apart from the pedalling efficiency IMO is that I feel more connected to the bike and my feet won't slip off in the wet

 

[Norry1]

I would expect so but having gone straight from trainers to the cycling shoes/ clipless option I couldn't testify as to the performance of the shoe on its own.

I think you will see further difference when you upgrade to cleats. The biggest difference offered by cleats apart from the pedalling efficiency IMO is that I feel more connected to the bike and my feet won't slip off in the wet

I use them with clips - or straps, which I don't have on very tight. This works well.

I did ride today along the canal in the wet on my Crosstrail with no straps and it was hard work - slipping off all the time. I think I'll put the pedals with straps on my Crosstrail when I move to cleats on the Secteur.

Martin

 

[Nozzer]

Stingers!!!

Get those cleats on, you know it makes sense

 

[gbb]

My commutes only a short one, but i ALWAYS wear a pair of Shimano shoes (can't remember the ones..not road shoes) and it does make a noticeable difference.
They can slip a bit in the wet, but it's just to much aggro to put my other cleated shoes on and off at work.
One thing struck me...what good 'build quality' they are. I wear mine all the time at work and when commuting.
They're about two years old and although the heels going on them (that's my fault..i don't undo the laces when removing them )
Two years of almost daily, all day work use and commuting....and they're still holding up well. Bl**dy good shoes.

 

[Globalti]

Seconded. I've been using the same Shimano winter MTB shoes and summer MTB shoes for years and both pairs are still going strong despite the hammering they get. My Shimano road shoes, fitted with BG footbeds and Look cleats on Keo pedals are supremely comfortable, especially when I'm out of the saddle and exerting maximum pressure through my feet; they feel like big flat comfortable platforms that I'd be happy to stand on for ever.

Mind you I was comparing my current £50 Shimano road shoes with some £120 Shimano road shoes yesterday and there's a huge difference in weight and stiffness.

 

[J.Y.Kelly]

I've got a pair of Shimano shoes that are over 5 years old, and also have to admit to they are very well made, and should last another couple of years yet. I also have a pair of Sidi shoes that are for pedals and straps, which are even older and still in fine fettle. I must admit though, I do take care of them.

 

[Norry1]

Well I've gone the whole hog now and moved to clipless. I had my first ride yesterday and didn't find them hard to get used to at all. Hopefully I won't be eating my words soon.

I didn't notice any power increase but I did like the feel.

 

[TVC]

Nice one, now all you have to do is remove your valve caps and you're one of us.

 

[asterix]

If you see any Lidl shoes don't be offput by the cheap price, they are very good. I have done 2 Raids Pyrenean in one pair and they are still good as new. Very comfortable too.

 

[decca234uk]

I'm looking for a new pair of cycling shoes, mght give these a try.

 

[Norry1]

Nice one, now all you have to do is remove your valve caps and you're one of us.

I don't even know what that is and why it is done - do tell and I'll have a bash

Martin

 

[TVC]

<br />I don't even know what that is and why it is done - do tell and I'll have a bash <img src='http://www.cyclechat.net/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/thumbsup.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> <br /><br />Martin<br />

<br /><br /><br />


If you're riding a road bike then the dust caps on the tyre valves must be removed, for the obvious reason.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

If you see any Lidl shoes don't be offput by the cheap price, they are very good. I have done 2 Raids Pyrenean in one pair and they are still good as new. Very comfortable too.

just regularly check that the bolts are tight on the cleat.

having been strictly a look man previously, i have found that by commuting in spds, i don't need to carry a spare pair of shoes in my rucksack…

 

[dellzeqq]

great shoes, very longlasting and not expensive. The SPDs will make a difference, but the really telling comparison is the one between Shimano MTB shoes and Sidi Ergo 2 carbon soled road shoes - there's not a great deal in it for comfort and the transfer of power.