problem w/ using road pedals on a mountain bike?

nevusofota
nevusofota Posts: 9
edited April 2013 in MTB workshop & tech
Ok, I am usually a road cyclist but ride a mountain bike on occasion during the week. I would like to use the same shoe/pedal combo on my mountain bike that I use on my road bike, if possible. The reason is because I am used to my road cycling equipment and want to retain the pedaling/unlocking muscle memory when I use my mountain bike.

Background: My backyard backs to a well maintained county owned trail (dirt and gravel, fairly flat, not too extreme). I don't have to dismount and walk while on the trail. The roads around my area are very busy during the week so I tend to train on the off-road trail; its just safer. My mountain bike is a Cannondale F5. I have Look Keo clipless pedals on my Specialized road bike wearing Specialized Sport shoes with Keo cleats. I would like to install these same pedals on my Cannodale F5 so I can use the same shoes that I wear with my road bike.

Are there any technical/practical reasons why this may NOT be a good idea?

Thanks in advance.

Steve

Comments

  • arthur_scrimshaw
    arthur_scrimshaw Posts: 2,596
    my only comment is how well the setup will function when you introduce mud into the equation. Unless you don't plan to ride when it's wet, or has been wet and you never have to unclip a dab a foot down?
  • nevusofota
    nevusofota Posts: 9
    It's not too muddy and I rarely ride in the rain. Are road bike pedals not as dirt friendly?
  • arthur_scrimshaw
    arthur_scrimshaw Posts: 2,596
    I'd say not, MTB spd pedals (for example) have a more open construction to give some mud clearance and the metal cleats less prone to clogging and can take more abuse.
  • nevusofota
    nevusofota Posts: 9
    Arthur Scrimshaw wrote:
    I'd say not, MTB spd pedals (for example) have a more open construction to give some mud clearance and the metal cleats less prone to clogging and can take more abuse.
    Thanks for the advise!

    Yeah, this is what I keep reading online. The only thing is there really isn't much abuse.

    Anyone do this?
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    nevusofota wrote:
    Arthur Scrimshaw wrote:
    Anyone do this?
    Do what use road pedals and shoes on an MTB?

    Nope. MTB shoes and SPDs on the road bike yes.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • arthur_scrimshaw
    arthur_scrimshaw Posts: 2,596
    nicklouse wrote:
    nevusofota wrote:
    Arthur Scrimshaw wrote:
    Anyone do this?
    Do what use road pedals and shoes on an MTB?

    Nope. MTB shoes and SPDs on the road bike yes.

    Hey! I didn't say that! :lol:
  • nevusofota
    nevusofota Posts: 9
    Arthur Scrimshaw wrote:
    nicklouse wrote:
    nevusofota wrote:
    Arthur Scrimshaw wrote:
    Anyone do this?
    Do what use road pedals and shoes on an MTB?

    Nope. MTB shoes and SPDs on the road bike yes.

    Hey! I didn't say that! :lol:
    :lol:

    Yes, that is what I meant. Does anyone use road pedals/shoes on a mountainbike?
  • stubs
    stubs Posts: 5,001
    People have tried it and I think they are still on crutches.
    Fig rolls: proof that god loves cyclists and that she wants us to do another lap
  • nevusofota
    nevusofota Posts: 9
    stubs wrote:
    People have tried it and I think they are still on crutches.
    :lol::lol::lol:

    Then I guess the next question would be could I use my road shoes/cleats with Look Quartz MTB pedals?
  • stubs
    stubs Posts: 5,001
    No sorry completely different cleats and bolt mounting pattern. Best would be to get MTB pedals, cleats and shoes and use them on your road bike. Lots of people already do this because MTB cleats are easy to walk in. I always find it amusing at our local trails watching roadies trying to walk on the wet cobbles outside the front of the cafe, its a bit like watching Bambi learning to skate.

    A couple of my friends are touring cyclists and they regulary do 100 mile plus rides and they both use MTB pedals and XC racing shoes.
    Fig rolls: proof that god loves cyclists and that she wants us to do another lap
  • mister p
    mister p Posts: 405
    I used to use a set of R540 road pedals and road shoes on my old Cannondale hardtail but on my local trails I never had to unclip So it can be done if you want to.
  • njee20
    njee20 Posts: 9,613
    As with Mister P, I've used my carbon/ti Keos on my MTB on occasion (literally 2-3 times), and it's been fine. Clipping in is more a faff, they won't handle mud well, and obviously walking in the shoes is a pain. If none of those are issues then go nuts!

    I'd never do it as a first choice though.
  • Twelly
    Twelly Posts: 1,437
    There is a lot more float with my MTB pedals/shoes than on my road pedals/shoes which virtually cement my foot in place. (adjustable I know)

    I wouldn't like to have little to no movement when on a trail. I predict broken ankles.

    Why cant you just use road stuff on the road bike and MTB stuff on the MTB? You know, like they were designed to be used? :s
    Epic Threads

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