first MTB shoes

2wheelzgood

Hi, I've tried searching but couldn't find anything completely relevant, so sorry if it's been asked before.

I bought my 1st MTB last winter (commencal combi disc) and at the time got some powerplay clipless pedals thrown in.
However, I;ve been reluctant to use these as I've been commuting for years on flats and when I did upgrade the pedals, I bought DMR V8s.

I've read through a fair few topics on here and also thinking recently that maybe I should give the clipless ones a go...

I'm still a beginner but have ridden Dalby and quite enjoy the tricky technical Stainburn singletrack. I'm worried I'll not cope to well with clipless as I still have to dab and stop often on the tricky bits. Then again, I'm likely to have better control and power, right?

So basically, would you guys recommend I try them out and if so, maybe I should stick to easier stuff like bridleways and fireroad.. boo hiss!!

And what is a good, cheap pair of shoes that will be good for me, not too serious, comfy and decent tread grip ( I somehow feel that is important)

Thanks.

jacktheoc

i think clipless pedals are pretty useless unless on long journey i wouldnt like to be at dalby with clipless as when i was on the black i was always putting my feet down quickly so i didnt fall :shock: , as for shoes just go down to your lbs and try some on. also what is stainburn like i am going there this sunday for the first time and dont really have a clue what is there.

2wheelzgood

Thanks, have a gander on www.singletraction.org.uk
Stainburn has a mix. a short red warm up, a very technical loop into the woods. best if dry and in goo ddaylight. with bit or northshore, rock sections steep climbs etc
and a more natural trail in the woods on the otherside of the road. that side is free access land so you can go whereever but the guys have marked a route which is nice, not that technicall apart from the skinny bridge and tranversing the wet roots! oh and the mega steep short downhill ending between 2 rocks!

It's fun, enjoy

Panhandling Prince

Northwave Lizzards. The best shoe I have ever had.

dan1983

If you're unsure, why not try borrowing some shoes off someone first and try those for a few rides to see if you like them? As you already have some pedals this would be a cost free experiment. If this isnt possible just buy some cheap ones or second hand ones first. Then if you do like them, buy whichever ones you like and are comfy with. And yes, I was advised to buy some with a decent tread incase you need to stop suddenly, you can dig them into the ground.

The Spiderman

When I first tried SPDS I went for the Shimano M424 pedals which have a platform.It gives you more to aim for when learning,and you can still pedal when not clipped in.
I would also reccommed you back off cleat tension to its lowest setting.
Once you have programmed your brain to kick your heels outwards,getting out of SPDs becomes instinctive.

Shimano MT20,31 and 40 are good starter shoes which would meet your requirements.