Clip-in pedals. What's the difference?

Shocker33

Hi,

I'm considering on purchasing some clip-in shoes for the first time. My first pair is probably going to be a relatively cheap pair, to see if i enjoy them before splashing out on something expensive.

So my question is....

What should i be looking for? Any certain features and/or technologies/designs?

Apart from build quality, is there much difference in them between prices? So if i spent an extra £10-£20, would i actually see a difference?

Also what is the difference between MTB and road clip-in shoes? I've noticed the obvious thread difference but is there anything else?

Cheers for any help in advance.

The Rookie

Road and MTB use a different cleat, MTB is SPD (Shimano or Shim compatable), Road is SPD-SL.

More money gest you less weight, start with Shimano M520's, can be had for around £20 or less, go from there.

rockmonkeysc

Start with M520's to see if you like them. If you do then replace them with some XTR pedals when they wear out in a couple years. Be prepared to just topple over when you forget to unclip several times on your first ride!

angry_bird

Roadie shoes tend to be super stiff and a nightmare to walk in, MTB shoes tend to have soles with some tread, where the cleat doesn't stand completely proud so that you can walk in them. Aside from that, MTB shoes are a 2 bolt design for SPD cleats whereas roadie shoes are generally 3 bolt design for Look and SPD-SL type cleats.

Price wise, the more you spend the lighter they can start to get, different materials get used, soles become stiffer, binding mechanisms become more fancy, and you get more features such as removable spikes for the toes.

Just as some examples these are pretty cheap, I had a similar pair for about 3 years until they fell apart. The sole isn't the stiffest, they've got no toe studs, only got 2 straps on them which may be a bit less comfortable than a 3 strap design, and when it comes to winter your feet will die of cold (but you can wear sealskin socks, overshoes etc. to overcome this).

These cost a bit more, but have a stiffer sole, 3 straps and weigh a bit less.

These are more expensive and heavier than the other 2 pairs, but have 3 straps and the top strap has a ratchet which makes it easier to get them just as tight as you want them, and easier to adjust on the move.

Or then there's something like this which is easier to walk in and doesn't make you look like a spaz when you're off the bike, never used this kind of shoe myself so can't really comment on them.

And obviously there's more brands than just shimano... they're just the shoes I like use as I find they normally fit me quite well, but there's loads of brands to choose from.

stubs

Aldi is having a Bike day soon (on May 2nd iirc) they usually have a pair of cheap SPD shoes and cheap SPD pedals in amongst the other kit. When I say cheap they cost cheap but are a quality bit of kit, my sister got them 2 years ago and she loves the shoes though the pedals were soon taken off for a spare pair of M464s I had lying about.