How much of a difference

[Angelfishsolo]

How much of a difference do stiff road shoes make to a riders performance? Wondering if it is worth adding a pair to my Christmas want list or spending the money on changing my rear mech and cassette instead?

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

My understanding is that as well as putting more power where you want it, they also help to eliminate hot spots on your feet: the flexing of the sole creates heat.

I've just ordered some new shoes (on a recommendation from gds58); I'll be interested to see how marked the difference is from my Lidl MTB-style shoes...

 

[Angelfishsolo]

My understanding is that as well as putting more power where you want it, they also help to eliminate hot spots on your feet: the flexing of the sole creates heat.

I've just ordered some new shoes (on a recommendation from gds58); I'll be interested to see how marked the difference is from my Lidl MTB-style shoes...

They look seriously good and at a great price as well. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

You're welcome; I'll let you know how I get on with them...

 

[fossyant]

I'd say a big difference.

My current Lake SPD shoes, are much stiffer than some old Diadora Road shoes I have. The soles are much stiffer, and the uppers better designed. The Lake's RRP is about £80, I paid about £45 in a sale.

For road I've got Spesh BG Pro Carbon's and they are superb, but very expensive.

The stiffer the sole, the more comfortable for cycling as this relieves pressure on the foot and your arch. Uppers are usually better designed if you spend a bit more, and hold your foot better, without being too tight.

 

[fossyant]

For worthwhile upgrades, look at the bike/person interface first. Good shorts, shoes, mits, bar tape, saddle - these make things much better. Then look at other upgrades. Tyres and wheels being the first performance upgrade.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I'd say a big difference.

My current Lake SPD shoes, are much stiffer than some old Diadora Road shoes I have. The soles are much stiffer, and the uppers better designed. The Lake's RRP is about £80, I paid about £45 in a sale.

For road I've got Spesh BG Pro Carbon's and they are superb, but very expensive.

The stiffer the sole, the more comfortable for cycling as this relieves pressure on the foot and your arch. Uppers are usually better designed if you spend a bit more, and hold your foot better, without being too tight.

Thanks very much indeed. Another question. Are Shimano the only company to undersize their shoes? I normally take 11.5 to 12 buty I need a 13 (48) in Shimano.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

For worthwhile upgrades, look at the bike/person interface first. Good shorts, shoes, mits, bar tape, saddle - these make things much better. Then look at other upgrades. Tyres and wheels being the first performance upgrade.

I was thinking of the rear casette and mech after some of the hill climbing yesterday. Two Cat 2 hills with a 39-28 combo had me at my limits but I also lost out on some flat speed with the 53-14 option. Would like to go for a 11/12-32.

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Thanks very much indeed. Another question. Are Shimano the only company to undersize their shoes? I normally take 11.5 to 12 buty I need a 13 (48) in Shimano.

Generally speaking, all Italian shoes (like their clothes) are undersized.

However when I queried this with the shop before ordering mine, I was told that Chain were pretty spot-on. So I measured my feet using this guide and ordered my "correct" size.

There was a little rounding-up during the conversion process which will, I hope, allow for my feet to swell a little.

I'll soon find out...

 

[smokeysmoo]

Thanks very much indeed. Another question. Are Shimano the only company to undersize their shoes? I normally take 11.5 to 12 buty I need a 13 (48) in Shimano.

FWIW AFS I've found all manufacturers undersize their footwear. I currently use LAKE CX236C shoes, NORTHWAVE FAHRENHEIT GTX boots, and SHIMANO MT22 shoes. All of which are one size up from my normal shoe size.


I've also had Sidi shoes and boots and had to go up one size with these as well

 

[Angelfishsolo]

FWIW AFS I've found all manufacturers undersize their footwear. I currently use LAKE CX236C shoes, NORTHWAVE FAHRENHEIT GTX boots, and SHIMANO MT22 shoes. All of which are one size up from my normal shoe size.


I've also had Sidi shoes and boots and had to go up one size with these as well

Great stuff. All good information

 

[jayonabike]

Also worth a look are these dhb roads shoes under £50 I have these and find they are very comfortable. I'm size 11 and the 46 fits perfectly.

 

[screenman]

Just a thought on your gearing bit, for 30 mph the following applies.

53 12 @ 87 rpm
53 13 @ 94 rpm
53 14 @ 102 rpm
53 15 @ 108 rpm

As for shoes I prefer quality and stiff soles, but with a purpose built insole.

 

[smokeysmoo]

I went through a stressful learning curve of ordering and then returning shoes, (due to poor sizing). I think Wiggle do free returns now that helps and is worth considering.

A lot of folk prefer to buy shoes from their LBS for the benefit of being able to try them on as well

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Also worth a look are these dhb roads shoes under £50 I have these and find they are very comfortable. I'm size 11 and the 46 fits perfectly.

They look very interesting