How much of a difference

[Angelfishsolo]

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.

 

[Baggy]

Am not sure how much difference carbon soles has made to my performance, but they feel much better and more comfortable over longer distances (no more numbness/hot spots on anything up to 200k). They must make a difference to power transfer as they feel much more direct than my touring shoes - I can feel my foot and the sole flexing all over the place in those.

I've had a pair of Spesh BG carbon shoes (mtb ones) for a couple of years, got a nice discount in the sales from my LBS. I always end up with mens shoes, and also always take the next size up.

A couple of friends have the DHB ones and seem to get on well with them, no idea about sizing though.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Am not sure how much difference carbon soles has made to my performance, but they feel much better and more comfortable over longer distances (no more numbness/hot spots on anything up to 200k). They must make a difference to power transfer as they feel much more direct than my touring shoes - I can feel my foot and the sole flexing all over the place in those.

I've had a pair of Spesh BG carbon shoes (mtb ones) for a couple of years, got a nice discount in the sales from my LBS. I always end up with mens shoes, and also always take the next size up.

A couple of friends have the DHB ones and seem to get on well with them, no idea about sizing though.

Thanks for the input. I think I know what will be on my Christmas wish list

 

[Arsen Gere]

If you are buying shoes, get some overshoes too. They make a big difference in the cold.
I once tried extra socks to try and keep my feet warm, but they cut of the circulation and they were worse.

 

[HLaB]

Not Scientific but on my turbo with tahos (less stiff) I can get the speedo up to 54mph whereas with my stiffered soled mtb sports I can get the speedo up to 57.7mph. Or to be more accurate the turbo usually rocks forward an inch in 5 minutes, thats 0.0008mph

 

[akb]

I used to cycle to work just using an old pair of running trainers. Not at all waterproof and subsequently were quite cold. I then brought some Nike Tiempo Football trainers which are both waterproof and pretty solid. I have found that they help also with a)keeping my feet on the peddles in the wet and b) and very waterproof! I can not justify spending £ on proper shoes.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I used to cycle to work just using an old pair of running trainers. Not at all waterproof and subsequently were quite cold. I then brought some Nike Tiempo Football trainers which are both waterproof and pretty solid. I have found that they help also with a)keeping my feet on the peddles in the wet and b) and very waterproof! I can not justify spending £ on proper shoes.

Thanks for the input.