Cleats

[Ben Gast]

Hey Guys,

Currently I have my running shoes on with just toe clips

would you advise the 'Cleats' and if so how much and where can i get some?

thank you

 

[festival]

YES!
You will be aware of the advantages that this will bring to your cycling I'm sure but also if you are a confident cyclist with good handling skills you will feel as one with the bike which will make ridding even easier.
Shoes range from the 'race shoe' with outboard cleat to something like a walking shoes with a cleat recessed in the sole.
Depending on your bike and riding you need to choose the best option for you.
In most case's a shoe with a recessed cleat is best as this will allow you to walk with out slipping over and wearing your cleats out.
Always best to visit a decent bike shop and try some on, different brands vary in size and width fitting despite the label, buy shoes & pedals together and ask for a deal and help in setting them up.
Expect to spend at least £100 to get a combination that is worthwhile, I'm sure some will say you can get cheaper but it depends on what you expect from a product, £150 for a good shoe is normal.

 

[themosquitoking]

But mtb pedals and shoes, you don't want to look like a penguin when walking to the coffee stand mid-ride.

 

[philinmerthyr]

Do the road type cleats offer a significant advantage over MTB shoes and cleats? Is the inability to walk worth it?

 

[Louch]

Look at the pinned thread at top of the page , lots of discussions in it in there to help.

 

[ianrauk]

Do the road type cleats offer a significant advantage over MTB shoes and cleats? Is the inability to walk worth it?

Some say there is an advantage, I say there isn't.
I have tried both. I started of with road cleats then swapped to MTB.
Road cleats wear out, MTB cleats don't.
I like to walk about without having to worry about waddling like a duck, worrying about cleat covers etc.

Unless you are racing and want all the correct kit, then MTB SPD would be my suggestion.

 

[themosquitoking]

^^^^^ +1

 

[Easytigers]

Shimano M520 pedals do the job...they're cheap and cheerful and an inexpensive way to see if you get on with them. I have a pair of Aldi mtb shoes that again were cheap...they're a bit heavy but will upgrade when I can afford them.

 

[Easytigers]

Sorry...meant to say...if you look around you'll get the pedals with cleats for around £18 and shoes for about £20 (I think I saw some in Aldi the last time I went in)

 

[simon.r]

Expect to spend at least £100 to get a combination that is worthwhile, I'm sure some will say you can get cheaper but it depends on what you expect from a product, £150 for a good shoe is normal.

I'm one who says you can get cheaper!

Shimano 520's are excellent pedals and are £17.49. There are plenty of decent shoes to be had at less than £50. These for example. And that's without hunting for sale specials or going down the Aldi / Lidl route.

 

[themosquitoking]

Go for M530's on the pedal front, they have a larger surface area you can use to pedal if you don't get clipped in straight away.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

I'm one who says you can get cheaper!

Shimano 520's are excellent pedals and are £17.49. There are plenty of decent shoes to be had at less than £50. These for example. And that's without hunting for sale specials or going down the Aldi / Lidl route.

You've saved me posting that!

This is what I wear:

£50 for these (they are spot on):

http://www.wheelies.co.uk/p50521/Sh...rce=googleps&gclid=CIuj_-KbjrcCFTIQtAodxWAAmw

And £20 for the M520's you mention.

£70 in total and job done - I'm clipped in, I don't have spaceman shiny shoes on the end of my feet and I can easily walk the grotty 200m rough track back up to my house at the end of a ride. What more do I need?

***

Tis a funny old sport/hobby this cycling malarky - so many people get carried away with what things must cost, upgrades that cost a small fortune for a tiny return and the occasional outbreak of bike snobbery.

Best bike and kit on the planet is the bike and kit that gets used - I have friends who who have some seriously pricey bikes that are just hanging up in the garage that they share with the other mandatory "Boys Toys". Sad!

 

[MaxInc]

How are the Shimano shoes for size compared to say trainers? I'm a size 8 - 8 1/2 normally and I never ordered shoes from the internet but some of the prices are looking really good.

 

[Cubist]

You don't have to spend a fortune, but sorry Spokey and everybody else who keeps recommending M520s. They're cheap, but for an extra fiver you can get M530s or PD A520s. Both caged, one single-sided, and as they have caged surrounds are easier to clip into for a novice.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...g-DT-SE|kw:255746UK_M530+SPD+Trail+MTB+Pedals

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...PLA-PLA-Eng-DT-SE|kw:87640UK_A520+Road+Pedals

 

[ColinJ]

How are the Shimano shoes for size compared to say trainers? I'm a size 8 - 8 1/2 normally and I never ordered shoes from the internet but some of the prices are looking really good.

I found the pair that I had a bit short and narrow for their nominal size so I would advise you to buy a size bigger than you normally do, or try a pair on before buying.