Shoes for someone who knows nothing about shoes

dnme

I cycle a bit in the evenings on a simple hybrid bike. I have ordinary non clip flat pedals and recently have been cycling in sandals. I'd like to get a pair of actual cycling shoes so I need a bit of advice.

These
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=55382

Any good for me? Is it ok to use them on a flat pedal with no clip on system? Would they be ok in the wet? I want to keep it simple here, dont want to spend a fortune. I cycle maybe once a week (30k) so I'm more leisure then performance if you get me.

Does anyone know how the sizing works? I'm a size 12, what would the equivalent be?

Many thanks

Squidgy Black

dnme wrote: »

I cycle a bit in the evenings on a simple hybrid bike. I have ordinary non clip flat pedals and recently have been cycling in sandals. I'd like to get a pair of actual cycling shoes so I need a bit of advice.

These
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=55382

Any good for me? Is it ok to use them on a flat pedal with no clip on system? Would they be ok in the wet? I want to keep it simple here, dont want to spend a fortune. I cycle maybe once a week (30k) so I'm more leisure then performance if you get me.

Does anyone know how the sizing works? I'm a size 12, what would the equivalent be?

Many thanks

Cycling shoes with flat pedals are absolutely pointless and will give you no grip at all. The whole point of the shoes is to clip into pedals and give you a seamless transfer of power with stiff soles. You need the clipless pedals. You can buy pedals that have the spd's on one side, and flat the other, so they're perfect if you need a flat side for a run to the shop etc.

You tend to size up for shoes, but I'd suggest trying them in a local store first for sizing.

dnme

stetyrrell wrote: »

Cycling shoes with flat pedals are absolutely pointless and will give you no grip at all. The whole point of the shoes is to clip into pedals and give you a seamless transfer of power with stiff soles. You need the clipless pedals. You can buy pedals that have the spd's on one side, and flat the other, so they're perfect if you need a flat side for a run to the shop etc.

You tend to size up for shoes, but I'd suggest trying them in a local store first for sizing.

You see this is where Im getting confused. If you're telling me the point is to clip in, and then you say I need clipless shoes.....?????

Squidgy Black

dnme wrote: »

You see this is where Im getting confused. If you're telling me the point is to clip in, and then you say I need clipless shoes.....?????

Clipless pedals are the pedals you clip in to. Clipless refers to the fact that the toe clips that were used before on old road bikes are replaced by the clip in mechanism.

dave_o_brien

dnme wrote: »

You see this is where Im getting confused. If you're telling me the point is to clip in, and then you say I need clipless shoes.....?????

Clipless is the term used for pedals and shoes that engage with a pedal/cleat interface. I as told they are called clipless because there is no visible clip, distinct from toe-straps which are visible. If you want to get the shoes, you will require a compatible pedal system.

dnme

Is there nothing a bit more casual?

i.e. a show with no clipping system at all, just a bit firmer sole that allows for casual peddling or walking?

Harrybelafonte

The shoes you've picked there are pretty much what I started with. I bought them in a shop so got to try them on first. It might be worth checking in shops for prices, might be worth paying a few extra euro for confidence in fit.

As for the shoes themselves, I find them pretty good. They didn't feel too flexible and I rarely got any pains. If I did it most the fault of cleat positioning. However, there was one thing I greatly dislikes about them. The gaping ventilation hole at the front. If you plan on riding during the colder and wetter months, that hole is like an invitation to freeze and drench your toes. The simple solution though is shoe covers, which you'd probably be best off getting anyway f you're going to ride in that weather.

Boardnashea

dnme wrote: »

I cycle a bit in the evenings on a simple hybrid bike. I have ordinary non clip flat pedals and recently have been cycling in sandals. I'd like to get a pair of actual cycling shoes so I need a bit of advice.

These
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=55382

Any good for me? Is it ok to use them on a flat pedal with no clip on system? Would they be ok in the wet? I want to keep it simple here, dont want to spend a fortune. I cycle maybe once a week (30k) so I'm more leisure then performance if you get me.

Does anyone know how the sizing works? I'm a size 12, what would the equivalent be?

Many thanks

If you want to use these shoes you need to change your pedals to allow you to clip into pedals. You can get pedals that will allow you to use these shoes on one side of the pedal or to use ordinary shoes on other side of pedal.
If you want to get a better shoe but not change your pedals maybe look at a more waterproof running style shoe or else buy a pair of shoe covers to put over whatever you are wearing.
The advantage of the shoes you are looking at is a stiff sole which - as mentioned by first reply - give you better pedaling power. The flexibility of an ordinary shoe is a wate of energy. You are also able to pull the pedal up on the second half of pedal circle.
The disadvantage of these pedals is that the clip, which attaches to the sole means you should not walk on them. You can get cycle shoes where the clip is flush with the sole and these allow you a little more walkability. Maybe something like this would be more suitable for you. Look at the Mountain bike shoe section
I'm no expert - I just bought my first pair recently from my LBS and have't had them out of the box yet! I'll try to get you a link this evening. The whole outfit cost me €100 for shoes, cleats and pedals (clip one side, flat other).

tomasrojo

My choice is probably regarded as a bit eccentric, but I use BMX pedals and non-cycling-related rubber-soled shoes or boots. The pins give you pretty good grip, and even allow you to get a bit of purchase on the upstroke if you need it.

I just can't be bothered with having different shoes off the bike and on. I don't seem to suffer any shin injuries due to the pins either, though I remember a few small scrapes early on.

Lusk Doyle

dnme wrote: »

Is there nothing a bit more casual?

i.e. a show with no clipping system at all, just a bit firmer sole that allows for casual peddling or walking?

Yes. It's called a runner.

07Lapierre

dnme wrote: »

Is there nothing a bit more casual?

i.e. a show with no clipping system at all, just a bit firmer sole that allows for casual peddling or walking?

These?

dnme

I'm gonna upgrade the lot, the bike, and the gear. So I'll wait til then and try and get an all in deal at my local BS. Looking at a Trek 1.1 (posted another thread). In the meantime, I got a pair of runners in Dunnes at lunchtime for 15 quid. They'll do me for the summer. Might go out for a spin tonight with a couple of plastic bags over em

Boardnashea

Perfect! The main thing is - get out there.:) You have loads of time for spending money another time.

Legits

Boardnashea wrote: »

I'm no expert - I just bought my first pair recently from my LBS and have't had them out of the box yet! I'll try to get you a link this evening. The whole outfit cost me €100 for shoes, cleats and pedals (clip one side, flat other).

€100 sounds like great value was the LBS in Dublin?
I have been meaning to go clipless with double sided pedals and MTB shoes. What set up did you get?

Boardnashea

Legits wrote: »

€100 sounds like great value was the LBS in Dublin?
I have been meaning to go clipless with double sided pedals and MTB shoes. What set up did you get?

Nigel in Galway did the bis for me. Fitted and all. AND still in the box. At this stage it will be next week before I get out>:(

Boardnashea

Spiuk Nervio MTB shoes. And if I can get my puncture fixed this evening I'll wear them to work in the morning.