spd V sdp sl

andyh01

So it was my birthday yesterday and the family got me a set of spd sl, which is great just want I want however without been ungrateful, I think I'm better off with spds, I've discussed and they're in agreement but just want to check my understanding,

For about a mile I'll be towing my 5 year old Son and his bike to/from school before disconnecting the tag along and continue cycling to work/home. Also most of the cycling is in urban areas with lots of stop/starts. I only have one good road bike used all year round bar snow when be on mountain bike. The commute is only short aprox 5 miles each way inc the mile towing, so don't think get the benefit of efficent less flex sole main advantage I see is being connected to the bike to save feet from slipping, I currently have toe clips however the left side is broke so just has cage but 9/10 my left foot is just flat on the other side. I need to be able to walk a bit in them too around the playground in the morning and also across the car park about 500 meters from bike shed to office where I'd change into work shoes (office based) given the above am I better off with spds or sls ??
Thanks
Andy

unixnerd

I'd use SPDs. I don't like SLs in traffic, if you don't clip in first time you have no drive - good fun at junctions. With SPDs if you miss you can still push down on the pedal, if you try that with SLs your foot will just slip off. Also you can't really walk any distance in SLs, SPDs are far handier if you need to walk from you bike to your desk or go into a supermarket.

Generally SPD shoes have a bit of padding and are better in the UK climate than the often mesh coated SLs. I have both and whilst I like the SLs on my road bike the SPDs are more practical and safer.

trek_dan

I'd agree SPDs are way more practical for general cycling use and to be honest the difference between the two in terms of stiffness/contact area is minimal if you compare shoes like for like.

ddraver

+1 for spd

If you want to throw down when you re on your own then get a decent set of MTB race shoes, you ll still be able to clip in easily, still be able to walk and unless you re sprinting for a TdF stage win, you'll not notice the difference

andyh01

Thanks thought as much.

Do I go for dubble sided or combo flat one side/spd other pedals thinking these;
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-pd-m520-pedals/
how easy would they be to pedal in unclipped? (when towing Son?)

Any recommendations for the shoes do like these;
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-m20c-carbon ... ling-shoe/
How muchdifference is there between glass fiber and carbon for spd again though guess as mainly commuting no competition benefits am I just paying extra for something I don't need and better off with something like;
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-m10-mountai ... ling-shoe/
or
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-m088-sp ... ike-shoes/
Thanks again

keef66

I had some flat / SPD combo pedals on the MTB for a while, handy for when my son took it to uni for general getting around town. I've got double sided SPDs on both my road bikes; I like being able to clip in either side. Shoe wise I have an old pair of Nike touring shoes. Certainly no carbon fibre in them, possibly fibreglass stiffening of some kind? They are plenty stiff enough anyway, I've been riding in them for 8 years and find them perfect for my recreational cycling, covering up to 80 miles at a time. And being able to walk about normally when I get off the bike is a bonus.

ddraver

The Deore pedals are outstanding if you like Shimano, If you want a bit more bling then go for the XT ones

Shoes, the carbon is lighter is all