Rode the 5 miles to the bike shop with the new shoes in the backpack. Shimano pedals and cleats installed on the CX bike and the shoes. Bit of a giggly session in the shop getting the feel of the very stiff shoes and the pedals, by the end of which I wasn't having to look at my left foot going in though I was a little more toey (Aus.-wary or edgy) with the right foot. Did a few laps round the block and didn't fall off so decided to risk the roads and keep the clips on for the return journey.
Unclipping slightly before junctions etc, by the time I had done a mile I was doing both without looking. Feeling cocky by how easy it seemed (I was bricking it before I started) I decided to take a very long way home and tested myself on Harpers Lane & Heights Lane in Pendle - did them clean, though a little slow. Even stopped on Harpers, just before the killer kick, for a gratuitous bike pic or two. On return home I found that I had put in a PR on a long tedious ascent.
Now kicking myself for not going clipless years ago.
RE the Muddy Foxes - they were the only MTB clipless shoe in my size for miles around. They are only my intro shoe and I will decide over the course of the next few months what sort of clipless shoe I really want.
They work fine and were under £40. They are reputedly about £80 RRP. At that price they would be a rip off. I am normally a 10 and had to get an 11. When actually riding I can only manage a summer sock in them but that was warm enough today (6C and very little wind). The sole is very stiff and felt good on the pedal. Not so good off the bike as the lugs are hard as rock & feel slippery just walking around on hard surfaces. Be fine on soft ground but no grip on tarmac, stone, wet grass etc.
At £38 I'm not grumbling, they will do the job until I decide what I really want then they will be spares/loaners.
I will no doubt be wanting the hive knowledge and experience when coming to getting the next pair
