Entry level pedal / shoe combo reccomendations...

Avezius

Sorry for essay - wanted to give enough info to get best adivce!

Ive recently got into cycling - primarily for fitness, as its something my battered knees can handle. Ive been going out about 4 evenings a week on average for 4 & 10 mile sprints over 90% road on my cheapo mountain bike. Im starting to get bitten by the bug - intend to increase mileage now & want to go faster!

Ive managed to pick up a cyclocross bike on ebay - not because im going to race it but really because it has road bike like characteristics with clearance for 35mm tyres on 700 wheels - i.e. a bit more robust for me. It was also in my price range & new decent road/cyclocross bikers were not. Yes - I know this is a slightly flawed argument, but Im content with the result!

Im after some advice on entry level clipless pedals & cycling shoes.

Firstly, I think I want MTB shoes rather than proper road shoes - I want the ability to get off & not look like bambi on ice! If I get on with them, Ill probably stick clipless pedals on the mountain bike too so will be talking about standard 2 bolt shoes/pedals. Lastly, I want them to be comfortable without losing all benefit.

Ive tried a pair of Specialized BG Sonoma which were really comrfortable. I also tried specialized "sport" shoe that wasnt as comfortable plus a few entry level shimano MTB shoes which were somewhere in between. note - Im somewhere in between uk9 & 10 (9 in football boots, 10 shoes/trainers) but tried on EU44s where the sonoma felt tight & snug & the shimanos a little tight. I havent found them yet but how do the northwave lizzard mtb shoes compare? Reccomendations & opinions greatly appreciated.

Regarding pedals, I initially looked at the shimano clip/platform jobbys (i.e. still have a platform if I dont get on with clips) but starting to think full clipless and perseverence is a better bet. Was really looking at M520s, but then read a bit about float & clipping in/out. Clipping out is my biggest worry as my knees are a bit dodgy with twisting (ACL recon 1995 & subsequent abuse!). I read that Time atac aliums are easier on exit.

£100 for shoes/pedals is my budget so Im talking entry level. Reccomendations & opinions greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Dan

MikeWW

The 520's have a reasonable amount of float and are £20 from Merlin. You can also adjust the release pressure so you hardly need to apply any force to release
Shoes are a personal thing and you really need to try before you buy

Scrumple

105's and specialized BG / DHB's

gabriel959

Best shoes you can buy IME are Specialized if you have got big feet.

Buckled_Rims

Well I'd recommend the M520 clipless pedals anyday. They are double side pedals so easy to engage and on it's slackest setting is a nice easy click in and out. I also use Shimano MT40 shoes with them. Looks like this combination is almost exactly what you're looking for.

If you use SPD-SL type "proper" road pedals there are very hard to get used to, no matter what others say. They are one sided and need a strong click in and out. I only use them for long rides over 50 miles which they are then superior over SPD.

Clipping out on my M520 it's just an easy heel out twist, nothing more. The SPD-SL is a strong ankle/knee twist despite it's loose setting.

gabriel959

To be honest my Time I-Clics are easier to click into than the M520s double sided SPDs but they are also 3 times the price and the cleats are more expensive. For the sound of it you should be looking at the M520.

I would still recommend Specialized shoes over Shimano ones though.

Avezius

Great - thanks for opinions.

Have been reassured that I could get away with M520s. Will try to ind somewhere with a better selection of shoes, but will be looking to compare against the BG Sonoma's.

Will update how I get on & what I get later.

Cheers
Dan

Mike400

Im running Shimano M520's on my commuter (MTB) and my road bike. The set on the commuter have done easily 1000's of miles in all weather with no complaints.

£20 from chain reaction:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=3759

As for shoes, im using Shimano MTB MO76's, currently £51.99 again at chain reaction:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=31536

Brilliant shoe, have taken plenty of abuse and unlike road shoes you can actually walk in these, as the cleat is recessed and they have a proper sole.

Rich Hcp

Scrumple wrote:

105's and specialized BGs

+1

garrynolan

+1 on the Shimano M520 pedals - dead easy in and out (also an ACL re-do on left leg which means lots of in and out). I have recently bought Shimano M086 shoes and find them really comfy. They are bronze but look cool and are easy to walk in. A less expensive option are MT32's - look more like runners. Can't say how good they are but if they're anything like my MT20's (not made any more) they'll be great. One caveat - the M086's have mesh so not really a cold weather shoe. Waterproofness IMO doesn't matter as mine dry quickly. Good luck.

Cleat Eastwood

I'd try the shoes on first from different makes,i've trie d9's that feellike 8's and 9's that feellike 10's, thinkits something todo with weird european neighbour sizing.

a.palmer

I just got a pair of DHB shoes from Wiggle. They got rave reviews and I can only concur with what I read. Great shoe for only £50. Using them with Look Keo Easy pedals at the moment and they're very easy to get in and out of.