Arghh pedals and shoes !!

copster

So I'm about to purchase my first road bike (Cube Peleton Race). To be used for my commute and weekly training rides. Need to get some shoes/pedals but can't decide between MTB types and road types. My commute includes a train ride so I need to be able to walk a few hundred yards each end of the train station. Will that be a problem in road shoes?

What shoes/pedals are recommended for a beginner? I am used to riding in flats...

Kerguelen

Well, if you're going to be walking about I'd recommend going down the MTB route - Shimano PD-M540 and Specialized BG Sport Mountain.

There are lots of options out there though.

Mr Will

SPD's all the way. The recessed cleat and easy action beats any of the road pedals hands down for commuting use.

Don't think that this means you need MTB shoes/pedals though, there are quite a few road biased SPD options out there (often refered to as "Touring" shoes/pedals). Try looking at Shimano A520 or A530 pedals (depending whether or not you'd like to keep the option of riding in flat shoes from time to time) and Specialized BG Sport Touring Shoes (or similar)

simon_e

Kerguelen wrote:

There are lots of options out there though.

and many, many discussions already conducted in these forums:

search.php

(though I'd say Kerguelen has given you a good starting point).

copster

Thanks for the pointers guys. Off to check out the suggestions :-)

g00se

It's not just Shimano SPDs that are the only option for 2-hole resessed cleats - check out Time ATAC pedals. A good road-like MTB shoe to check out is a Mavic Pulse.

jezzpalmer

I'm using Shimano A530 pedals and Shimano RT82 shoes, and it works well for me.

sexysi

SPD's all the way, have 3 road bikes and 1 MTB, with 2 pairs of shoes, all have SPD's fitting, great for commuting, bit harder on the MTB, espically off road.

si

nickellis

I've got Shimano PD-M520's on my commuter, and PD-A520's on the beast bike. Paired with Sidi Eagle 5 MTB shoes.

I decided the comfort of a quality MTB shoe was more of a priority that rocking some fancy road pedals on a road bike,

rpd_steve

Depends on your view - souly for commuting short to medium distances (up to 12-15 miles)SPD shoes will probablly be perfect for you. On longer rides the addtional stifness/cleat area of a road shoe/pedal may be worth the walk being a bit tougher? The differance this makes will be largely down to your shoes - very stiff shoes mean that SPD to SPD-SL/Look/Speedplay may not be that big a diferance, but with cheaper shoes you will feel it.
if it was me I would put up with the penguin walk if the ride was more than 10 miles.

Also bear in mind if you plan on doing long rides or club runs so you dont need to buy 2 sets... Personally I do 15 miles each way with a 2-300m walk each end and I use Speedplay Zeros-known as the worst to walk in - and I find it OK.

briantrumpet

RPD Steve wrote:

if it was me I would put up with the penguin walk if the ride was more than 10 miles.

And I'm quite happy to ride 100+ miles with SPDs, and am not pootling along. I wouldn't do that if I weren't comfortable though - whatever system you use, comfort and convenience are the watchwords.

rpd_steve

For sure! I don't get on too well with SPD hence my choice... Has the OP any friends/club where they can try both to see if they find any preferance?

copster

Thanks for the advice guys really helpful.

From looking around taking it all in I think I am most likely to go the MTB type route. Something like Shimano M540's and Specialized Pro MTB shoes is my thoughts. Need to get into my LBS and try some on for comfort.

Remembered that I have some Northwave Goretex Winter boots in the cupboard which are SPD fitment has helped with the decision also!

copster

Just to close this off. Went for shimano m520's and managed to bag a pair of spec BG Sport Road Shoes on eBay for £30 :-)

Having ridden in clipped in for the first time ever I have managed two days without mishap!!

Loving the road bike and already knocked 2 mins off my PB for my commute and increased av speed from 13.5mph to 16mph :-)