SPD pedals

paulus69

I've been riding a mountain bike for years now, and even more so in the last 12-18 months. However I've only been mountain biking twice during that time, most of my riding is on roads or paved tracks.

So am looking at getting a road bike through a bike to work scheme (a Specialized Allex 16 2011 most liklely). I want to use SPD pedals as I already use them on my MTB, however can I just stick MTB SPDs pedals on it (as it means I can avoid having to buy another pair of shoes).

Paul

Ezy Rider

ive always used spd shoes on road bikes, if you like them then go for it.

RoadyForever

Yes, it's fine. I have SPD's permanently on one of my road bikes (despite having a spare set of spd-sl peddles). It's mainly used for commuting, they work well.

paulus69

OK thanks,

ineedalager

That is exactly what I just did, been on MTB and hybrid for 4 years with SPD MTB pedals and cleats and I just bought my first road bike a Specialised Allez 16. I had a spare set of new SPD pedals in the garage and got the shop to to fit them. I've done a 115 miles in my first week and a half and the MTB shoes and SPD MTB cleats work fine.

meanredspider

SPDs are the most practical of cleat systems - the cleats themselves are incredibly robust, M520s are cheap and the whole lot is very easy to use

paulus69

Thanks for all the feedback guys, saved me buying another set of shoes!

essjaydee

I've just been out for a test run after fitting some 520's and using DHB m1 MTB shoes. Other than a few (quick) adjustments to the cleats and tension of the pedals they seem great and a lot better than the flats I was using

marcusjb

For us mere mortals, SPDs make much more sense than SPD-SL or other exposed cleat systems. Being able to walk properly in a cafe etc. makes life so much easier - if you're a pro and don't stop at cafes then it's fine to wear something you can't walk easily in!

Run SPDs on all bikes (except the Brompton!) and they work well for me - I've never had any problems with hot foot or similar and the smaller platform compared to SPD-SL has never given me any trouble with either of the pairs of shoes I wear.

As mentioned upthread, 520s are cheap as chips and will be more than adequate for most uses.

prawny

Another 520 user here. Can't afford two pairs of shoes at the mo. Might change in the future but no point currently. I think my pedals could do with replacing though, getting a bit rough looking now, spoiling the look of my new bike!

andyrac

Yeah, I'm another one to use the 520 SPD's and with the dhb MTB shoes, for use on my new Giant CXer....used them for the first time today and had no real problems, although I had them on the least tightest tension - but will tighten as I get used to them.

onlyonearrow

I've stayed with spd pedals in the transition from mtb to road bike too.
I've found the A520 spd touring pedals good on my road bike. Single sided, but save a little in weight compared to the M520.

anweledig

I have m520s on all my bikes (road) and having talked to the others in our club I have decided to stick with them rather than move to road shoes and cleats. I have no problem with hotspots on rides of up to 100miles and like being able to walk around easily. Similarly I have little problem with speed/power transmission through the shoes (mind you I am pretty rubbish in sprints etc anyway) and can keep up easily on club runs etc. I have chronically flat feet and have to have insoles in my normal walking shoes and after a fit for specialised bike shoes also use an insole and their wedge in my cycling shoes. This helps to keep feet and knees in a good alignment to avoid any discomfort although I lie the amount of float I get with the m520s.