Road Shoes for a newbie

dark_jedi_ire

Hi folks,

Cycling more and More now ( mostly for fitness) have a good bike, good gear,
And doing about 30-35K three nights a Week, But havnt moved into shoes,

Seems like a Minefield of different Setups , and clipless vs cleats etc
3 hole 2 hole... ?????

Anyone give me a good idea? Im size 10 and Looking to spend about 50 Euro in getting them and what peddles etc to Go for,, (second hand even)

Also how easy are they to get in and out of... Dont want to be lying on my side at a set of lights stuck to my Peddles etc( also am in my 30`s But have had some bit of hip surgery/replacement- am Bionic basically, so a bit scared of coming off, which is Why Im still using trainers)

Any advise?

shaka

I used to use Shimano system but changed to the Look Keo system about 3 years ago and might be worth looking into for you . There are three colours black,grey and red which indicates how much lateral play you have before you clip out.
Open to correction but think black has no play while red has the most, I use grey- this might be of benefit in getting a comfortable stroke if you have any discomfort with hip. I have a knackered knee ( acl/pcl cartilage etc) and knee isn't mad about been clipped in without bit of movement.

I use Northwave shoes but loads of reputable stuff out there, diadora,mavic,gaerne,spiuk etc. Im not one who swears by one brand andfind northwave comfy but dont know if you would get pair for your budget.
if you keep eye out on line you might pick up deal on pair of shoes from chainreactions or wiggle.

You should be fine with clipping out , I'd say spend time at home against a wall clipping in and out before venturing out on road. It will quickly become second nature but many of us take a spill at the start , for first few weeks you just need to remind yourself coming upto stops to anticipate clicking out rather than reacting.

slap/dash

I've used the standard spd, and easy enough to clip in and out. The pedals can be slightly small in terms of area on the sole if you're climbing. I recently tried out the spd sl and haven't liked them too much...find them quite hard to get in and out of...this is yellow cleats and ultegra pedals...

I was wondering if look are smoother or what have you, myself. I'd advise getting double sided pedals

Felloffmebike

Are you using straps or flat pedals? I was a bit windy about moving to cleats. I had been using old fashioned straps but when I did take the plunge I found it very easy as it was just a different movement to get in and out. Going from flat pedals takes a bit more practice but half an hour propped up between 2 wheelie bins works wonders... I use SPD SL with basic Shimano shoes and have no problems. I spent about €120 for shoes, pedals and cleats. I'm not sure what you'll get for €50.

Dotsie~tmp

You'll need about 80 for new stuff. The two below will get you going for ~80 quid. Or check the adverts for second hand. Took me about a day to get used to em. My main advice is PLAN to stop. I used to barrel up to light with straps and hammer brakes knowing I can get a foot down easily. With the cleats you have to be more wary. If you cant proceed make a decision to stop, pick a spot and unclip in a controlled preplanned manner.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-pd-r540-spd-sl-sport-pedals/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-r10-road-cycling-shoe/

dark_jedi_ire

Thanks ,guys Perfect,,

TO answer some of the questions..

Had hip Replacement surgery on both hips,,( one not as bad as the other) So cant run as the impact is to great,, otherwise, I have full movement and no difficulty in Life,, am normal human with a normal life except they had rebuilt the hips( great fun at airports I can tell yeh :-) ) So no difficulty with movment only if I came off and was unable to unclip fast enought I could end up having to go getting xrayed etc to make Surethe robot bits havnt been damaged,,Which is why you can understand my nervousness in relation to go down this route, but I feel its my next step

Currently just using trainers and normal pedals, and its getting annoying as my strenght and condition has improved so much that when I put some Power down especially taking off I end up slipping and sliding about on the pedals

Thanks for explaining the Colour difference I was wondering about that alright

I think I am going to Spend some time this weekend in a local bike shop (the excellent tallaght Cycle Superstore) and check out the various options,, and see what would put my mind at ease,,

Again thanks for all the advice,, its great and muchly appreciated,, and the links I will check out now,, I know I will be back with a couple more questions,,,,

Again cheers folks

dark_jedi_ire

Dotsie~tmp I am a size 10 runner/shoe,, should I got for the 10.5 or higher? as I read the shimano are very small fit?

dark_jedi_ire

Have also up`d my spending to 120 if you guys can recommand some Shoes and Pedals etc,,,, please do,, Thanks guys

briN_s

I recently bought Shimano spd shoes. Normally 41/42 in shoes, had to go 43 with these. I also tried a pair of specialised spd shoes and was size 42 in them. If you check online you will find sizing charts for the different brands. As always, try before you buy if possible. I was also told that best that the shoes are a little too big than a little too small.

As for getting used to the pedals.... I set my pedals to the loosest setting and had no dificulty unclipping. In my first 500m on the bike with new pedals my chain came off in to the spokes when changing gear for an uphill and got stuck, I found myself unclipping automatically, almost before I realised what had happened! I think an important thing to add to the advice above is to relax when using them, some people get a bit panicky when using them and end up making silly mistakes.

dark_jedi_ire

Excellent.. BriN_s thanks,,,

If Im going Shimano I think I will go for the bigger size as I have seen now lots of folks saying get the bigger size

This is going to sound Silly. but am I correct in saying (fro example the wiggle links above) I also need the cleats?
As what was linked was Shoes and pedals, and looking at the bottom of the shoe and the triangle Shape of how the shoe connects and use the red cleat to give the most give for the first while until I get used to them

Cheers

StaggerLee

dark_jedi_ire wrote: »

Excellent.. BriN_s thanks,,,

If Im going Shimano I think I will go for the bigger size as I have seen now lots of folks saying get the bigger size

This is going to sound Silly. but am I correct in saying (fro example the wiggle links above) I also need the cleats?
As what was linked was Shoes and pedals, and looking at the bottom of the shoe and the triangle Shape of how the shoe connects and use the red cleat to give the most give for the first while until I get used to them

Cheers

You'll need shoes, pedals and cleats, all sold separetly. If getting Look Pedals, go for the Grey cleats, they have some give in them and are generally good for all purpose use. I have a pair of Northwave shoes size 10's which I haven't worn much which I was going to put up in the adverts forum, they have grey cleats. PM me if you're interested in them. You're probably better off going into the LBS and buying the lot though if its your first set. They'll set them up for you, show you how to use them etc etc.

Dotsie~tmp

dark_jedi_ire wrote: »

Dotsie~tmp I am a size 10 runner/shoe,, should I got for the 10.5 or higher? as I read the shimano are very small fit?

Im 11 and it said thats 46. The 46 Shimano fits perfect (R078 shoe) . The pedal i linked above comes with cleats.

mistermatthew

StaggerLee wrote: »

You'll need shoes, pedals and cleats, all sold separetly. If getting Look Pedals, go for the Grey cleats, they have some give in them and are generally good for all purpose use. I have a pair of Northwave shoes size 10's which I haven't worn much which I was going to put up in the adverts forum, they have grey cleats. PM me if you're interested in them. IYou're probably better off going into the LBS and buying the lot though if its your first set. They'll set them up for you, show you how to use them etc etc.

Your pedals will come with cleats. So don't go ordering any:))

RunDMC

Where is a good place to try before you buy? I've looked in Cycle Superstore and Wheelworx, but the range seems limited compared to some of the online stores. Is there somewhere that has a better selection? I'm all in favour of supporting your LBS, but I want the choice too.

R

dermur

Shoes - 70 Euro
http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=48227

Pedals - 50 Euro
http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=46432

120 euro. Job done - can't go wrong with these.

mistermatthew

dermur wrote: »

Shoes - 70 Euro
http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=48227

Pedals - 50 Euro
http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=46432

120 euro. Job done - can't go wrong with these.

Those shoes can't be used with those pedals

dark_jedi_ire

Thanks guys

OK so Im either a 44 or a 45,.,. I think I better go try some on over the Weekend and check,,, and get a show I want,,,

thanks for all in the information guys,, really appreciated

R

dermur

mistermatthew wrote: »

Those shoes can't be used with those pedals

cr@p - you're right - I thought they were SPD-SL.

mistermatthew

dark_jedi_ire wrote: »

Thanks guys

OK so Im either a 44 or a 45,.,. I think I better go try some on over the Weekend and check,,, and get a show I want,,,

thanks for all in the information guys,, really appreciated

R

Yeah go for it, don't be worried, if you fall it will be at standstill speed and you have plenty of time to know whats gonna happen and get your hands out.
The only thing you'll hurt is your pride:)

AlanD

How about shoes with velcro straps versus ratchet/velcro combo's.....what's the benefit of the ratchets?

petethedrummer

Ratchets aren't necessary but they allow you to easily adjust to the exact tightness on the fly. I prefer shoes with ratchets but am perfectly happy with my shoes that are velcro only.

Ratchets won't make you any faster but may represent a small increase in your quality of life.

veetwin

I am a newbie also and following advice here went for SPD pedals and shoes also. Have these pedals which are fine both with cycle shoes for training and long runs and ordinary shoes for popping down to the shop.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-a530-spd-single-sided-touring-pedals/

Bought shoes similar to these and can't complain about them either. As petethedrummer says rachets allow you to adjust on the fly. However in 400kms on the new bike I have not felt the need to do this.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-m087-spd-mountain-bike-shoes/

I should add both pedals and shoes are significantly cheaper online. LBS however gives you the option of trying on (I'm size 11/46 but size 47 in shimano shoes)and cycling away on the spot

AlanD

Are any of the cycling shoes waterproof?

petethedrummer

AlanD wrote: »

Are any of the cycling shoes waterproof?

You can get water proof mountain biking boots for use with SPD pedals. I have a pair. They do a great job out mountain bike when you put your foot in a puddle or deflecting spray while on the road. But if it's raining, water still runs down your leg and in the big hole where you put your foot in.

AlanD

Thanks. I have a pair of shoes, but the slightest splash on the shoe and the socks are wet. I don't mind when it's really wet out, you expect to get wet, but when the sun is shining and you go through a puddle and you're instantly wet, I can't say I like it.

petethedrummer

Overshoes
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=447

Felloffmebike

petethedrummer wrote: »

Overshoes
Just the job. Inexpensive and keep the feet warm as well as dry. I use the BBB Waterflex. About €25 or so.

Road shoes have various vents on them so cold feet can be an issue. And because you're clipped in there isn't much scope to wiggle the toes. So overshoes are essential in the Irish climate.

Tomfla

I'm interested also in buying a pair of shoes/pedals. I was told that its better to get the shoes that have the cleats recessed into the sole as it is a lot easier to walk on these. As opposed to the standard shoe which has the cleat surface mounted. Can anyone please tell me what I need to look for in the description that would tell me I have the right type of shoes or maybe recommend a location/pair.

Thanks.