Nomadski
I Like Bikes
- Location
- LBS, Usually
I think you may have just quelled my hesitation. Thank you.
SPD shoes - any recommendations anyone?
Who else uses flat pedals?
- Thread starter lulubel
- Start date
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I think you may have just quelled my hesitation. Thank you.
SPD shoes - any recommendations anyone?
- Location
- Somewhere wet & hilly in NW England.
Budget?
I have these and they are spot on - I like the velcro tab as it battens down the laces nice and secure.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=70096
Good luck with whatever you get.
These pedals are good and you can get them for under £20 if you shop around:
http://www.probikekit.com/uk/shiman...gle_base_gbp&gclid=CJqygeb4p7YCFUbMtAodPT4A1Q
Nomadski
I Like Bikes
- Location
- LBS, Usually
Cheers for that, I'm already decided on the m540 pedals, think they are very similar to the m520's you linked to.
Going to be trying shoes on before I order anything online but will check yours out, am also looking at these - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-rt82-touring-shoes/
As for budget, am prepared to pay whatever for a damn good shoe as they will have to serve me well.
Last thing, Im gauging overshoes based on other replies in the past, but does anyone wear anything like this for those rainy days - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-mw81-gore-tex-winter-mountain-bike-boots/
- Location
- Somewhere wet & hilly in NW England.
I had a look at some of the smooth soled SPD shoes too but was not keen on the lack of a tread - I have to walk my bike up a rough tracked hill back to the house and it can be slippery at times! If I am to be perfectly honest I was also not keen on the look of them either - although logically that doesn't matter as they are bike shoes not fashion items.
rovers1875
Guru
- Location
- Accrington
All my bike have flats. And the reason is "I like them" have never felt the need to change. They work just fine, I can wear what ever footwear I want. And unless I have worn my leather soled brogues (for the office) I've never had any feet slipping problems
+1. When I took up cycling I went SPD because I didn't know much and was led by the experts. For me, they just ruined my rides. All the fun went out. I now have Wellgo MG1 on both my bikes, my wife too.
Shut Up Legs
Down Under Member
RE: The Shoes Ruse, the extract mickle quoted above failed to mention something: when you're using platform pedals, your ankles are working to keep your feet on the pedals. I was developing Achilles tendon issues when using platform pedals, because I was averaging over 15,000km per year cycling. As soon as I switched to SPD pedals, the developing tendonitis disappeared, because my ankles could now relax. I'm no podiatrist, but this seems to me to be more than just coincidence. Of course, if any of you have another explanation for why my tendon issues suddenly disappeared, I'm ready to listen.
Banjo
Fuelled with Jelly Babies
- Location
- South Wales
If the flat platforms are slippery you will be using energy tensing up to keep your feet in place. If the pedals are spiky enough to eliminate any slipping you can relax again. I have been using flat platform pedals for about a year now after several years with SPD and havent suffered any ill efects.
If SPDs works for you then fine, dont fix what isnt broke but I had multiple reasons for changing to flat pedals and despite initial concerns have not had any problems or noticeable drop in average speed.
Gravity Aided
Legendary Member
- Location
- Land of Lincoln
If this were the States, and you just quoted Grant Petersen in a forum, this thread would have about 20 pages going for it before the controversy died down, only to awaken like some sleeping dragon the next time his name is mentioned. I think he does a nice job of defining a certain lifestyle and bicycle culture. I prefer flat pedals, sometimes with toe clips. Cleats seem to exacerbate foot problems, not the least of which is American size 14.
MacB
Lover of things that come in 3's
- Location
- Farnborough, Hampshire
Oh I've read a few of those and they are quite amusing, I found Grant and his perspective quite refreshing. I don't agree with all of his ideas but it's easy to see why he can get under peoples skin so much. There are things that people hate to hear as they think they undermine their own decisions around spending and perceived value.
I wonder if there's been any statistical work done, I know they did in golf a few years ago. Comparing equipment advances against ability and found that average handicaps were actually slightly higher now. Clearly it was far from scientifically accurate as there were variables that were impossible to monitor or even take into account. But it showed that the biggest gains were in golf ball technology which you could maybe equate to bicycle tyres. It also showed that gains were far from universal with the pros and elite amateurs seeing far greater differences than the average club amateur.
Still I find it quite believable that the better you are, and the better your physical condition/dedication, then the more you can get out of equipment improvements.
I wonder if there's been any statistical work done, I know they did in golf a few years ago. Comparing equipment advances against ability and found that average handicaps were actually slightly higher now. Clearly it was far from scientifically accurate as there were variables that were impossible to monitor or even take into account. But it showed that the biggest gains were in golf ball technology which you could maybe equate to bicycle tyres. It also showed that gains were far from universal with the pros and elite amateurs seeing far greater differences than the average club amateur.
Still I find it quite believable that the better you are, and the better your physical condition/dedication, then the more you can get out of equipment improvements.
Hitchington
Lovely stuff
- Location
- That London
Flats for my commute and journeys during work and clipless for long distance rides/touring.
I'm the only one of a group of six of us who uses flats. Everyone else is on SPDs. I just cant bring myself to have my feet tethered and frequently have enjoyed the ability to put a foot down when I need to without thinking about it (Usually when crashing out of control). They do seem to pull away from me on the long hill climbs though, even the ones who are less fit. They laugh at me.... then, later when they forget they are clipped in and fall over I get to laugh back.... I guess there are pro's and cons to them.
threebikesmcginty
Corn Fed Hick...
- Location
- ...on the slake
I can't even walk in leather soled shoes let alone cycle.
