MTB or Road shoes right for me?

[Xiorell]

Ok not exactley a "what clipless" question just a what type.
I know I am going to be going clipless it's just, do I go for a MTB type setup, or a road bike setup (It IS a road bike)

I ask because as I understand it, MTB pedals are double sided and easier to clip in/out in a hurry.

I use my bike for long rides (well, this is a new bike but the old one used to go on long rides) when I don't have to stop peddling for miles on end, but then I DO commute in the week and sometimes, like this morning, there can be a lot of stop / start

So, would I loose anything on my long non stop rides by having MTB pedals/shoes in terms of performance, or would road pedals/shoes not interfear with the stop start commutes?

 

[smokeysmoo]

If you don't have to walk far in them I'd go for road shoes everytime

 

[youngoldbloke]

Shimano A520s - SPD system, road pedals. Good compromise. Single sided, but shoes much more practical and convenient for the commute. Looks right on a road bike too. Wellgo also make a 'road' SPD pedal.

 

[johnr]

I have a pair of MTB 'summer' shoes and winter boots without the extra rubber - they're really hard to do anything but ride in (like if the p******e fairy visits). I'd go for comfort and utility.

 

[Hydra]

If this is your fist venture into 'clipless' pedals I'd suggest going for SPDs. I run Shimano M520s on each of my road bikes and I love them. The dual sided system aids the clipping in, and the more recessed cleat position in the shoes means walking about isn't unnecessarily awkward.

 

[Cubist]

I would advise a great compromise setup, either Shimano A600pedals or A520 depending on budget and taste, coupled with a decent pair of MTB shoes such as Specialized BGs.

The pedals have a big surround for contact, and I wear a pair of BG Expert Carbon shoes. They are stiff, but can be walked in. Power transfer is very good indeed

The beauty is that all the bikes I have now have SPD pedals, and any of the shoes I have will go on any of the bikes.

 

[TobyM]

I also use Shimano M520 pedals, and they seem fine to me! As for shoes, I use Aldi ones which are more like mountain bike shoes than road shoes, but they're comfy and I can't see that they would cause any disadvantage. The only real advantage I can see to road pedals and shoes is that they look so much more professional and sporty, but looks aren't everything!

 

[Bicycle]

I have both.

I like road shoes and they do seem to make me faster (all my fastest times on a 21-mile coommute), but I rarely use them.

Putting a foot down when stopped on a wet road is less pleasant: There is that feeling in the back of one's mind that it might all get a bit 'ice-rink'.

Clipping is with road shoes is easy-peasy, but with SPDs it's easier-peasier.

Also, you don't end up walking in socks or bare feet from bike shed to locker room.

I believe that Look-style road pedals with a good, stiff-soled shoe are the optimum transmitter of energy from foot to pedal.... but I prefer SPDs (or in my case Egg Beaters) despite the slight loss in mechanical efficiency and the less locked-in feel.

 

[gaz]

Shimano A520s - SPD system, road pedals. Good compromise. Single sided, but shoes much more practical and convenient for the commute. Looks right on a road bike too. Wellgo also make a 'road' SPD pedal.

No, just no

 

[youngoldbloke]

'No, just no' - A520s - decide for yourself. I like the look of them myself.

 

[youngoldbloke]

- and here is the Wellgo one - not so much support.

 

[Cubist]

'No, just no' - A520s - decide for yourself. I like the look of them myself.

I'm with you on this one youngoldbloke.

Didn't have you down as a Nazi Gaz!

 

[Cubist]

- and here is the Wellgo one - not so much support.

No, just No.

 

[Cubist]

These for the Cube if it ever arrives

 

[Willo]

I went for a compromise of SPDs, but with shoes that have a rigid sole and offer decent support for longer rides. Mainly because I struggled to get a decent fit with other makes, I ended up with a pair of Sidi Dominator 5s which are really comfy. Other than some mimimal tread underneath (and it is minimal so they're not the best for walking but okay for my commute), they look and feel like a road shoe. I use them with A530 pedals that have been fine.