MTB Gear - is it OK for Singlespeed bike?

ssvanmaanen

Hi

I commute each day to work and getting sick of slippery stock pedals and runners.

I am checking out this combination - I love my bike and happy to pay a bit more on these items. I just want to be able to walk short distances and enjoy the benefits of cleats. I also have a race bike and used to SPD-SL shoes.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-m087-mtb-shoes/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-xtr-pd- ... ce-pedals/

I think they go together but they are both MTB - will this be ok for a courier style, single speed bike?

THANKS!

cooldad

I'd stick decent flats on, but what is OK is up to you. You ride it.

ssvanmaanen

I am considering that - the main issue is that my runners don't "fit" well into my stock pedals. When it rains they get soaked too.

I was also considering some V8 flats with the same shoes (even though they are SPD) as you can still walk in them and use your flats whenever you hit the pub etc.

cons: The DMR V8's would chew up normal shoes and i like being clipped in

davewalsh

The combo above will work, however XTR pedals are overkill for a commuter. I'd go with the M520 pedals, save a load of cash and not have blingy pedals that make the bike stand out, the M520's are less of a target for thieves.

Drfabulous0

M087s will not work with flats, they don't have a proper sole, as they are mountain bike shoes and designed for riding and digging into mud when off the bike. You would be much better off with a more casual shoe that looks less like a cycling shoe and feels more like a trainer (albeit with a slight compromise in on bike performance). These :- http://www.royles.biz/product/7114/Shim ... _Blue_2011 would be a good choice, they have a flat sole so work with flat pedals and are more flexible than specific MTB shoes so you can walk around all you want as if you were in ordinary shoes. I have the Vans ones, but I wouldn't recommend them.
XTRs are a bit pricey but lovely smooth pedals with a clipping in and out action which is always pleasing and firm without ever being slow to release or engage. They also last a very long time with minimal (no) maintenance and I don't have to worry about them being attractive to thieves because the logos have long since scratched off. The M520s are not in the same league and will last 2 winters at most, however they are still an excellent choice because of the incredible price, consider nothing else if this is your budget. M520s are not suitable for a fixie because the cleats rip out when leg braking, but some of my colleagues use them on SS and they are fine.
And if you are thinking of getting bike shoes then you would be silly not to get proper pedals (SPDs), because of the myriad benefits.

ssvanmaanen

Thanks guys - an awesome wrap up

I have not fixed the SS so bike shoes still an option. I have moved from a big city where flats were essential for my state of mine to a small city where there is more cycleway and less traffic.

Still using my SS every day to get to work as a lot of bike theft is going on around here. That way my courier bike is a fun banger and I take out the road bike on weekends.

This info really helps to get things just right where I can fang into work (only 7km) through a bit of city, be able to walk in shoes to work / or pub.

70\ʹspenguin

For a more all round pedal id recommend these http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shimano/m424-spd-mtb-pedals-ec006136. I have em for shop runs and they are fine with trainers for a mile or so. You can grab them on ebay for around the same price as the 520's

The shimano shoes above are disappointing in real life. They are very narrow and look like cheap Tesco trainers. However its all subjective :P. The Specialized Sonomas are decent with a good fit too. Easy to walk on. Look weird on the adverts but much better on.

ssvanmaanen

OK... this is more good info!

Will do a bit more reading