MTB shoes for Road riding - any suggestions?

Recess

Hi folks,

I realise that this isn't the preferred setup for most, but i use SPD pedals on both my commuter bike and on my road bike. The main reason is that I just want to have one pair of shoes - no need to worry about wearing in two pairs and that I'm just plain too tight to buy two pairs of shoes. MTB shoes are 'neccessary' as I have a short walk on the commute, and don't want to do that in traditional road shoes.

However, my current pair are knackered, and need replaced. So I'd like a new pair.

As I'm now doing more road stuff than commuting, and the commuting I do is now on roads (my commuter is a cyclocross bike) I'd like to get a MTB shoe that's stiffer and better at power transfer than my current Northwave pair.

I saw the Shimano RT81's have just been released, which pretty much tick my box, but as I can't try a pair on, I'm loath to hope that a 45 will be my size 10, and hope they fit - order online, then go through a pain of returns process.

So - my thought is, are there any better shoes for my needs? (MTB, stiff, ok to walk in (though it's not like I'm hiking in them, just 100m through crowded streets that i'd rather not duck-walk in). Shops in my area like Alpine cycles and Dales both seem to be good stockists of Shimano and Specialized, (though obviously not good enough to get the RT81's yet) - so hopefully a suggestion of the more common ones from those makes might be available in these shops to try on.

Long post, hope you get my drift. And I hope you've all have a good weekend.

John

Lagavulin

I've just bought a pair of these*.
They look great and they're lighter and - I think - a bit stiffer than the Spesh Expert MTB shoes I've now relegated to manky weather shoes.

I like the practicality of SPDs. I've used them since I started road cycling and while I was tempted by Speedplays I think I'll probably order another set of these.

* They also come with what looks like a set of football studs which I've not installed but I guess they screw into the toe area to further save your cleats when walking.

skyd0g

The RT81's you mention seem to tick all the boxes you need. Possible alternates in Shimano - M161, M086 & M076. Sidi is another make to look at, but you may have to revise your budget. I'd go to your local stockists and try on some other Shimano shoes to get an idea of their fit before buying online.
Like most thing cycling, manufacturers tend to be 'imaginative' with their sizing.

Spatulala

I bought the previous version - the RT80. Paid £50 for them from CRC, but I see they go as low as £40 now depending on your size.

Haven't ridden many different shoes, but they feel good. Be warned they can size a little small, mine are half a size bigger than I would usually buy. Same went for my Shim MTB shoes.

The Spiderman

I use Specialized BG Sport soes for the purposes you describe.Very comfortable,easy to walk in yet stiff enough too.

rich164h

The Spiderman wrote:

I use Specialized BG Sport soes for the purposes you describe.Very comfortable,easy to walk in yet stiff enough too.

Same here. Very happy with them.

Tail end Charlie

+1 for the Specialized BG Sport. Bought a pair last year and was so impressed I immediately went out and got another pair.

Wheelspinner

Don't now what the model number is because I chucked out the box, but I ended up buying a pair of the Pinarello MOST MTB shoes, which look nice, but most importantly are superbly comfortable as road shoes. I I got them to use on the flat bar roadie with those new Shimano A600 Ultegra SPD pedals, and they are fantastic. Soft supple uppers and a decently stiff sole.

Good price too from my LBS.

fungus_the_muffin_man

I started out with these from wiggle
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/dhb_M1_MTB_Shoes/5360033176/

they're cracking shoes and especially good during winter.

antfly

+2 for spesh BG sport.
I have shimano RT51 shoes also and they are not as good for walking in or cycling in. The cleat scrapes on the ground too much.

StanwaySteve62

Just got the rt80s form CR for £40 and as a size10 went for the 46 which are spot on

Recess

Thanks for all the replies everyone!

I had a look in a couple of local bike shops, and one of them is selling the Bontrager RXL Mountain for £70. Sadly the store only had a size 11, so I'm waiting for a size 10 to arrive. I'll still check out the BG sport and other shoes mentioned on here - but as this is a good price, I thought I'd ask opinions.

The size 11 had a little heel-lift, which I know is a problem (even with the review on this site) but does anyone have any experience with them?

John.

Brassknocker

Hi Recess,
I'm the same, I use SPDs on my MTB, road and commuter bikes. Means I can buy one pair of good shoes, and I can walk about in them.

I just bought a pair of those Bontrager RXLs in white, size 10s from Alpine Bikes in Edinburgh.
they seem like great shoes, but after walking about in my flat I decided that they were actually a bit sloppy in the heel so returned them the following w/e. the Bikeradar review was pretty much spot on I thought.

I wish they had fitted as 70 quid was a real bargain for carbon - they're light and very stiff.
I'd be very interested in the newer version that apparently rectifies these issues.

I currently use an old pair of Sidi Dominator 5s - and they're very good - but very pricy now!

Recess

Hmmm interesting. (Incidentally, it's Apline in Glasgow I was talking about). I'll maybe flick up to a couple more stores while i wait for these to arrive. Thanks Brassknocker.

J

maddog 2

Spesh here too. Shimano are good but the Speshes are better IMO.

I have some mtb Pro Carbons, road pro carbons, and some regular mtb carbons.