Shimano R540 SPD SL Road Pedals UPGRADE???

cuthy5

I currently have normal pedals with the plastic/rubber toe 'cage' ,

just wondering if it would be worth upgrading to Shimano SPD SL Road Pedals with road shoes?? total upgrade would cost around £95.

I was thinking of Shimano R540 SPD SL Road Pedals
with.....
Shimano R077 2011 Road Shoe

Is this a good idea?

thanks

T-Rekster

yes do it...definitely


I went from plastic toe clips to the shimano R540 pedals along with some DHB road shoes, it has absolutely transformed my riding......

nothing left to discuss..!


...

cuthy5

i am quite new to road cycling,

and looking for a cheap shoe for these pedals, the shimano shoe costs around £50-60, is there any cheaper that do the same job?

thanks

Bar Shaker

SPD pedals and some shoes with very stiff soles will make a massive difference to your endurance and to your power in the climbs.

gregster10217

What size are you. I'll have some Diadora Aero shoes, size 47 going soon, once I get my mits on my new Specialized Experts.
Failing that, have a look at Chain Reaction Cycles. Click on Men's Road Shoes then select the 'Price Low-High' tab and see what they've got. However, if you do buy cheap, just be aware (as with everything cycling) you'll want better pretty soon and end up shelling out again for another pair!

nakita222

Have you bought them yet.

T-Rekster

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-r1-road-cycling-shoe/

these get rave reviews and are the shoes I own, they are absolutely fantastic and pretty much the cheapest available

just one word of advice, they come up small on the sizes order a size larger than you would normally get in trainers and you will find them perfect


.

simon_e

I voted Yes but why only SPD-SL?

Standard SPD is good too, and more practical unless you're racing (in which case you don't belong in Road Beginners )

Some recent threads in case you're interested:
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12768340
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12757594
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12769540

T-Rekster

Simon E wrote:

I voted Yes but why only SPD-SL?

Standard SPD is good too, and more practical unless you're racing (in which case you don't belong in Road Beginners )

Some recent threads in case you're interested:
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12768340
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12757594
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12769540

Mmm that old chestnut, yes MTB style casual shoe/cleats allow for a more "normal" shoe and easier walking whilst the dedicated road shoe is a little less practical for walking but more efficient for transmitting power as well as spreading the load throughout the foot.

which one depends IMO on if you get out to cycle or cycle to get somewhere, if your cycling for cycling and only plan to mount/dismount at the beginning/end of your ride then defo go for a full road shoe, if you bike to the shops or to work etc then a MTB style shoe/cleat may be more practical?


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Bobbinogs

I am sorry T-Rekster but I just don't get the "more efficient at transmitting power" argument. I push my foot down onto the pedal and it moves with the same amount of force irrespective of contact pont if the sole is stiff enough, as far as my physics goes. Happy to be proved otherwise.

My MTB shoes (Spesh MTB Experts) have a very stiff sole so I can do long rides with no hotspots (so the load is "well spread") and I can walk when I want (to get much needed cake, etc.). I am not saying road shoes are not good, BTW, just that well made MTB shoes are also a good option.

I accept that none of the pros wear SPDs but the pros do mad mashing sprints (which I don't) and also wear what they're told to (which I don't )

T-Rekster

There are too many different shoes available to really argue the point you make effectively, although it is a good point you make.

wether or not you are racing is a different question, I opt for fitness rides, 20-30 miles at as fast a pace as I can manage, as such I want to believe that every ounce of effort is transmitted to actual power on the road. In car terms it is the difference between power measured at the crankshaft or at the wheel every car loses power through its transmission.

All Road shoes (that I am aware) of have a solid sole, whereas MTB style shoes have a lot of variation some do indeed have solid soles but others are extremely supple. I do not proclaim one is better than the other but I do believe that if you are wanting the best out of the efforts you make then every little difference adds up to a whole and I would either choose MTB shoes very carefully (difficult when buying of the net) or opt for a standard road shoe.

If on the other hand I was cycling for transport and expected to be able to walk comfortably and efficiently as well as cycle then I would defo opt for the MTB style shoe

the potential for power loss between road shoes and "soft sole" MTB shoes is well documented amongst reviewers

My main point is the OP needs to asses why & where he cycles to make the best choice for him.

Super Domestique

I have the pedals you mention (got them from CRC) and the dhb shoes from Wiggle. I had a £5 off voucher from Wiggle at the time too so the shoe/pedal combo cost me about £70 in total. Bargain!

As others have said, really is a good upgrade.

cuthy5

thanks for the advise,

think i might go for the full road shoe and SPD - SL pedals.

thanks