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Shoes ; Triathlon v Road v MTB

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  • 01-01-2012 9:19pm
    #1
    conrd
    Registered Users Posts: 18 ✭


    Good evening All,

    With the time of year that is in it, I am keen to upgrade my bike to do some more cycling & triathlons. I have a really sweet Specialized Road bike which is quick like lightening, and I am considering buying new shoes.

    This is where I am struggling.....I have my eye on a pair of Shimano Road shoe's, but then I found this slick pair of used SIDI MTB's on E-bay and I am torn.

    I do want to compete, but I don't think a few extra gram's is going to seriously effect my time. So my question is this;

    Will a tri-cycling shoe enhance my performance enough to justify it over the comfort of a good value MTB during the training? Are the Tri-shoes even more comfortable than MTB's ?
    (They are billed as extra light with flaps for drainage etc, I have no idea how relevant this is)

    Answers / Insight much appreciated,
    Regards

    Conor
    Tagged:


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    #2
    -K2-
    Registered Users Posts: 393 ✭✭-K2-


    MTB shoes usually have mounting points for 2-bolt recessed cleats, like Shimano SPD (not SPD-SL).

    Road and triathlon shoes have mounting points for 3-bolt (triangular pattern usually) cleats which protrude below the sole of the shoe eg: Shimano SPD-SL, LOOK.

    Triathlon shoes may have drainage for the post-swim water and be quicker to put on/off in transitions.

    MTB cleats and pedals are designed to work well in muddy conditions. The pedals are usually double-sided for easier clipping in.

    Road cleats provide a larger and more stable platform for cycling, sprinting etc.

    Note that the cleat/pedal systems are incompatible: Shimano SPD-SL cleats won't fit LOOK pedals etc.

    Basically, decide if you want to use an MTB or road pedal system and then decide on the make/model. Then pick a compatible shoe. Pedals (new!) usually come with the right cleats and bolts.


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