Shoe Advice pls

Wobbler72
Wobbler72 Posts: 31
edited January 2012 in Road beginners
hi all

I'm just about to start my cycling career at the grand old age of 51. I'm pretty fit from kickboxing and general gym work.

I'll be commuting a few days each week, 10 miles each way, but expect to add some detours as the weather gets better. Also intend to get some bigger miles under my belt at weekends and will be doing a 100 miler in June.

My question is which shoe to go for? I was thinking of going for the BG elite road shoe (on looks and both cleat options) but the local specialised shop suggest going for the Spesh BG sport touring shoe. Their logic is that the "slipnot" sole will protect the cleat when putting my foot down / walking. However, I'm assuming the the 3 bolt cleat system ultimately is the better option and that isn't available on the tourer. Is there much difference though? Also, how quickly am I likely to wear out / damage the cleats on the elite and can you repair them?

Thanks in advance

Kev

Comments

  • Pigtail
    Pigtail Posts: 424
    Hi and welcome to cycling!

    I started seriously just over a year ago at 48, so I'm not far behind you. I have the BG Elite road shoes. I got them for Christmas last year and I'm on my second set of cleats. You can't repair them, you need to buy more. I really like them and only use them for leisure rides - I don't commute on them, but a lot of people on here recommend the spd 2 bolt system for ease of use and being better able to walk in the shoes. They do take a bit of getting used to, and are certainly an acquired skill.
  • Wobbler72
    Wobbler72 Posts: 31
    Thanks Pigtail

    How much is a second pair of cleats and are they easy to replace?
  • Pigtail
    Pigtail Posts: 424
    I paid about £17, and they were very easy to replace. I marked around them with a permanent marker to ensure I got the new ones in the same place, then unbolted them and bolted on the new ones. They come with new bolts and little metal fitting plates.
  • jgsi
    jgsi Posts: 5,062
    Sounds like spd, mtb type shoes and cleats better for you and your described cycling career.
    I am a fan of Spesh shoes and they do do mtb shoes with cleats that are easier to get about in.
    My s works carbon road shoes DO NOT get walked in at all.
  • DavidJB
    DavidJB Posts: 2,019
    JGSI wrote:
    Sounds like spd, mtb type shoes and cleats better for you and your described cycling career.
    I am a fan of Spesh shoes and they do do mtb shoes with cleats that are easier to get about in.
    My s works carbon road shoes DO NOT get walked in at all.

    How do you get from your house to your garage/shed then?
  • jgsi
    jgsi Posts: 5,062
    In my socks, I then track stand on the slip road down to the main road whilst I adjust me shoes on. :wink:

    Seriously , when I race I will have to hand my trainers or at worst socks to make that last dash to the bog before the off.
    After a half season , they is still immaculate. My middle initials are ocd

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