How Do You Cycle in Cycling Shoes?

[BrynCP]

I can see why, having no knowledge of SPD-SL or Look Keo or any cleat systems at all, you could read that page and make the mistake as a beginner. Being compatible with a system does not imply it must be used with a system.

In fact, as noted above, many SPD compatible shoes are just fine on normal pedals without a cleat attached!

That's the sort of response that keeps women off bikes. We don't all have a ready made bank of cycling buddies to learn from when we first get on a bike and I was riding mine for 3 years before I even knew about cycling shoes and cleats.

And beginners in general, not just women. People can feel intimidated going into an LBS, or even Halfords; they should not feel the same intimidation here.

 

[Apollonius]

The OP seems to be a pretty capable and athletic type, as far as I can see. My suggestion would be to get the SL cleats and pedals to go with your nice cycling shoes. She has already realised the downside of soft soles on a bike, and, like most of us, doesn't like slipping and feeling insecure. You can get the yellow SL cleats from Decathlon for £12. They are not as bad for walking in as some make out and they are great for cycling. Basic SL pedals are quite cheap too. Problem solved, and you are gaining a definite improvement in your cycling control and effectiveness. Do not try to put mountain bike style SPDs on them. That really is hard to walk on.
I know that SLs are associated with hard-ore roadies, but they are not difficult really.

 

[BrynCP]

I know that SLs are associated with hard-ore roadies, but they are not difficult really.

Aren't they hard to walk in regardless? I'm considering changing pedals and shoes, but was going to go SPD again, although without a flat side as I have now as I never use it.

 

[Apollonius]

They're not great to walk on, not because they are all that slippery, but because the yellow plastic bits wear off very quickly and that gets unstable. I am always conscious that a new set of cleats is at least £12 and that doesn't work out very economical on a miles walked per cleat basis. You end up junking your cleats when the front tongue and the lip at the back no longer hold. Not being clipped in firmly feels unpleasant.
If you are happy with MTB SPD then why change? I think SLs are better, but it is an expensive and fiddly option. I prefer SLs because they come out easier in a panic, in my experience, but then, I am usually riding on worn ones!

 

[buggi]

And beginners in general, not just women. People can feel intimidated going into an LBS, or even Halfords; they should not feel the same intimidation here.

Indeed, which is why I hadn't heard of them for 3 years.. It took that long to pluck up the courage to go to a "real" bike shop. And yes, men can feel like that too I'm sure.

 

[BrynCP]

If you are happy with MTB SPD then why change? I think SLs are better, but it is an expensive and fiddly option. I prefer SLs because they come out easier in a panic, in my experience, but then, I am usually riding on worn ones!

It's just a case that my shoes are beyond their best now and the right pedal isn't unclipping properly (something may just be jammed as they've been out spreading chippings on the road). Happy with SPDs but had wondered about SPD-SL too, the major point as you saying being you can't walk in them really; not that I do much walking in them, usually its just the odd hill at the end of a long ride or to avoid something.

 

[Apollonius]

If you are going SL, and you have biggish feet, the Bike Factory at Whaley Bridge have some real bargain shoes going.

http://www.ukbikefactory.com/flr-f-15-road-shoe-black-silver.html

 

[Citius]

Good job I didn't mention the dirty knife.

I dunno - one throwaway comment and the entire forum goes into meltdown. Must be very unstable...

To the OP - do two things:

1 Go back to trainers - it will make no difference on flats
2 Hang on to the shoes, and buy the appropriate pedals and cleats.

 

[HertzvanRental]

If you are going SL, and you have biggish feet, the Bike Factory at Whaley Bridge have some real bargain shoes going.

http://www.ukbikefactory.com/flr-f-15-road-shoe-black-silver.html

Large? They only go up to 46!! Footlets!!

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Go back to trainers - it will make no difference on flats

May I beg to differ?
If your trainers are quite "spongy" soled and your flat pedals are of the spiked variety the difference is your feet get sore.
@Short_Lass I too did buy a pair of (much cheaper than yours, mine are from Aldi ) cycling shoes, not in ignorance of the cleats, but because I figured I could wear them without the cleats while considering taking the plunge into clipless
Verdict: the sole is a bit slippery if you walk on them, they are perfectly adequate if you have flat pedals that grip, mb style.
Not good if your pedals are backed with just a strip of rubber.
Not advisable in icy conditions.
Aldi's cycling shoes come without cleats, so if you wanted to go clipless you'd have to buy them separately.
Imo, walking shoes from an outdoor store are better than trainers with flat pedals.
I have also noticed that proper cycling shoes have too many vents

 

[BrynCP]

Aldi's cycling shoes come without cleats, so if you wanted to go clipless you'd have to buy them separately.

The cleats tend to come with the pedals, so if the OP decides to go SPD-SL and buy the pedals they should come with the cleats to attach to her shoes.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

The cleats tend to come with the pedals, so if the OP decides to go SPD-SL and buy the pedals they should come with the cleats to attach to her shoes.

I did not know that
Bought a pair of pedals ages ago, haven't even opened the package ... erm ... chickening out before even starting

 

[Citius]

May I beg to differ?
If your trainers are quite "spongy" soled and your flat pedals are of the spiked variety the difference is your feet get sore.

That's not 'differing' - that's simply enlarging on the earlier point.

Aldi's cycling shoes come without cleats,

Just like all other cycling shoes then.

 

[Mummy3monkeys]

@Short_Lass keep the shoes and if you don't want to go clipless just yet, maybe try pedals with a strap, which will keep your foot in the right place. An easy mistake to make if you are new to this.

 

[vickster]

@Short_Lass did you buy your bike from a local bike shop (apologies I dont recall if you've mentioned it). If so, I would go to the shop with the shoes, explain your dilemma, that you'd like some entry level pedals, which come with cleats. Ask them to fit the cleats and then to put your bike on a turbo trainer, so you can have a practice at clipping in and out. I'm sure they'd be more than happy to oblige at a quiet time, especially if buying the pedals from them. I'd go for these, cleats included. Even if you have to pay full price, it'll be worth it to get their help

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shimano/r540-light-action-spd-sl-road-pedal-ec041944

Don't try to cycle in them without cleats, it's not safe as you've found. Ride in trainers, there's no harm in doing so If not wanting to go for cleats and clip in pedals, you could try pedals with clips and straps