Convince me I need new SPD's.
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Let me tell you about the time I did the Gospel Pass audax
It runs in February and that year there had been snow that week. But at the start the roads were clear and for all the way to Hay on Wye everything was fine
Coming back from Hay the route goes over Hay Buff, which is very high up and down the actual Gospel pass
Only trouble was there was still snow up there. We rode past where the cars could go and the 4x4s and the tractors
Then we had to get off and walk. Then drag our bikes through snow drifts. Finally after getting over the top and onto the other side there was a tiny strip of road to ride on.
I had SPD shoes on and I was fine. MTB shoes have a bit of tread on them too
One of the people I was with said "these cleats were new last week but they are worn out now" Must have been tough for them riding the last 50km with worn out cleats
MTB shoes are better if you think you will be using the 24" gear
All my road bikes have SPD pedals, M5400 -
Great story, and if I ever take my road bike out in the snow or anywhere only tractors and 4x4's go I will put the SPD's back on it.
Cleat wear is a red herring.
If you use them as they are meant to be used they last a reasonable amount of time, and then you buy new ones.
People who think road shoes/pedals are good seem to be offering advice on the benefits.
People who prefer SPD's seem to have a twisted hatred of road shoes/pedals.
I have both, use both and like both for their respective benefits.
A lot of people that sl4g stuff off on here have never even tried it lol.0 -
Carbonator wrote:Cleat wear is a red herring.
If you use them as they are meant to be used they last a reasonable amount of time, and then you buy new ones.
That really depends on how you define 'reasonable'.
My cleats have been on for the best part of a decade and I have no particular reason to believe that they won't outlast the shoes they're bolted to despite what I put them through.
But if you've a comparable alternative for me to consider...0 -
Simon Masterson wrote:Carbonator wrote:Cleat wear is a red herring.
If you use them as they are meant to be used they last a reasonable amount of time, and then you buy new ones.
That really depends on how you define 'reasonable'.
My cleats have been on for the best part of a decade and I have no particular reason to believe that they won't outlast the shoes they're bolted to despite what I put them through.
But if you've a comparable alternative for me to consider...
Nope, sorry, road and MTB shoes/pedals are not comparable, thats my point.
Road are better for road (if you do not need to walk much), and MTB are better for other things.
I do not really want to 'convince' anyone to use road shoes or find a long lasting road cleat for anyone because I do not give a monkeys what people use if they like it.
All I would like is for people to accept there are better alternatives for things and not Que up to knock them just because they are a bit more specialised or expensive.
Life's too short and I enjoy cycling too much to base my shoes/pedals on an everlasting cleat.
Would hope they last a year but if its only 6 months then so be it.
They cost a tenner and if I hit hard times I will put the everlasting ones back on and hope I do not get any pictures, as they cost me £5 each!0 -
I have a pair of specialized road shoes. Actually they are MTB shoes! Identical in every way apart from a little strip of stuff on the sole that gives a bit of grip when you walk and allows you to use SPD's.
So, you can ignore any talk that says "road shoes are better". It's the same thing if you shop properly.0 -
Some road shoes are equivalent to some MTB shoes. Others have significant differences.littledove44 wrote:I have a pair of specialized road shoes. Actually they are MTB shoes! Identical in every way apart from a little strip of stuff on the sole that gives a bit of grip when you walk and allows you to use SPD's.
So, you can ignore any talk that says "road shoes are better". It's the same thing if you shop properly.
I don't understand what you mean when you say they're "the same thing if you shop properly". Shopping properly doesn't mean finding a MTB shoe that's the same as a road shoe. It means getting something that'll do the job you want as well as possible within your budget. There is no global "best" that ticks all boxes.
There are better and worse of both types depending on your requirements, priorities and budget.0 -
littledove44 wrote:I have a pair of specialized road shoes. Actually they are MTB shoes! Identical in every way apart from a little strip of stuff on the sole that gives a bit of grip when you walk and allows you to use SPD's.
So, you can ignore any talk that says "road shoes are better". It's the same thing if you shop properly.
Make up your mind lol. They are either road or MTB.
Road and MTB are never the same thing.
Sounds like you have touring shoes. Hope you do not use M520/540 pedals if they are ;-)
Touring shoes I have seen should really only be used for touring with touring type/compatible pedals (with a bit of a platform) IMO.
They are a niche market and ironically go down the same route of 'spending money to do things better/properly', as road shoes/pedals do for when riding on roads and not snowy/muddy tracks or stopping off in towns to visit museums.0 -
Eh? They're Shoes .... you can use them for whatever you like.Carbonator wrote:Make up your mind lol. They are either road or MTB.
Road and MTB are never the same thing.
I don't follow why you say SPD-SLs are "better" for road bikes ... can you quantify that?
I don't think SPD-SLs are wrong for road bike - they'd be not as good for rides where you expect to need to do some walking - unless you can get some covers for them.
I don't think SPDs are wrong for the road bike - you need stiff soles in the shoes to prevent hotspots and if you're using them for any walking then you need the tread so the cleat is flush. The only downside I've discovered is the eventual squeak from metal on metal when the cleat wears.0 -
Carbonator wrote:Make up your mind lol. They are either road or MTB.
Or it just so happens that this is what Shimano marketing decided to market them as. They could have decided to bill SPD as the 'universal pedal system' instead. For those of us who aren't marketing victims, it's just another way of making a bike go forward.0 -
Slowbike wrote:
Eh? They're Shoes .... you can use them for whatever you like.Carbonator wrote:Make up your mind lol. They are either road or MTB.
Road and MTB are never the same thing.
I don't follow why you say SPD-SLs are "better" for road bikes ... can you quantify that?
No they are not. Road shoes and MTB shoes are compleatly different things.
The nearest you get to merging them is road shoes with two cleat options.
I cannot see any real point to those, but if anyone does use road shoes with MTB cleats, Shimano make. An adapter that makes them a lot easier to walk in. Gives you a raised area so that the cleat is not exposed ;-)
I have already said why road shoes/pedals are better.0 -
I have already said why road shoes/pedals are better.
There is little doubt that they are better for road riding, at least when you are actually riding. The issue comes when you are not riding, and the disadvantages the 'road' system has in that situation. Personal circumstance and preference will then decide if that disadvantage is outweighed by the advantages.
Therefore it's impossible to really say if 'road' or 'MTB' is the better system as it depends on the person and the type of cycling undertaken.0 -
Slowbike wrote:The only downside I've discovered is the eventual squeak from metal on metal when the cleat wears.
And if you want a larger platform with SPD you can have it. I have an SPD-SL pedal here; I might go and compare it to my caged SPD for size.
Shoe weight difference is also in some cases likely to be accounted for by a heavier pair of socks; as if it's very important anyway - overshoes add weight and are used by everyone who cares about aerodynamics (though I'm aware that road shoes are more aero)
Also, the clipping in benefits of a 'road' pedal are surely about as relevant as the ease of walking in SPD shoes. If it's all pedalling and no walking, I'm guessing that you're not spending a large proportion of your time clipping in.
But the SL over SPD arguments resemble the claims that Speedplay and their devotees make about how much better their design is than the 'traditional' Look 3 bolt scheme; last I checked Look and Shimano were still in business. There are some very, very good road cyclists using SPD and you'd think they wouldn't if it were impairing their performance.0 -
Carbonator wrote:Great story, and if I ever take my road bike out in the snow or anywhere only tractors and 4x4's go I will put the SPD's back on it.
...
People who prefer SPD's seem to have a twisted hatred of road shoes/pedals.
...
A lot of people that sl4g stuff off on here have never even tried it lol.
no hatred, just a little true story. Make of it what you will0 -
I am positive that if I changed to spd-sl's and "road shoes" it would have no effect on my riding time or comfort.Carbonator wrote:Slowbike wrote:
Eh? They're Shoes .... you can use them for whatever you like.Carbonator wrote:Make up your mind lol. They are either road or MTB.
Road and MTB are never the same thing.
I don't follow why you say SPD-SLs are "better" for road bikes ... can you quantify that?
No they are not. Road shoes and MTB shoes are compleatly different things.
The nearest you get to merging them is road shoes with two cleat options.
I cannot see any real point to those, but if anyone does use road shoes with MTB cleats, Shimano make. An adapter that makes them a lot easier to walk in. Gives you a raised area so that the cleat is not exposed ;-)
I have already said why road shoes/pedals are better.0 -
These are those adapters I mentioned.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shi ... s-ec028585
Seem a no brainer if you have duel bolt option road shoes and use mtb pedals.
I thought duel bolt road shoes were silly until I saw these.
Would be perfect for spin classes (which are mtb only as far as I am aware) ;-)0 -
Carbonator wrote:Slowbike wrote:I am positive that if I changed to spd-sl's and "road shoes" it would have no effect on my riding time or comfort.
Well thats great then and I am very happy for you
I'm happy you're happy ..0 -
Carbonator wrote:These are those adapters I mentioned.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shi ... s-ec028585
Seem a no brainer if you have duel bolt option road shoes and use mtb pedals.
I thought duel bolt road shoes were silly until I saw these.
Would be perfect for spin classes (which are mtb only as far as I am aware) ;-)
Hmmm ... a spin bike is even less likely to go off road than a road bike - perhaps they're not really "mountain bike pedals" after all ... perhaps they are suited to all sorts of pedal applications ...0 -
Slowbike wrote:... perhaps they are suited to all sorts of pedal applications ...
Psst, that sort of reasonable logic ain't welcome around here. 0 -
Simon Masterson wrote:Slowbike wrote:... perhaps they are suited to all sorts of pedal applications ...
Psst, that sort of reasonable logic ain't welcome around here.
The logical pedal choice would be the one thats best suited to the job IMO.
I certainly have no problem with SPD/MTB pedals on a road bike and always recommend them to newbies and anyone preferring to be able to walk around a lot easier. I have used (on my road bike) and still use (on my CX bike for commuting) them myself!
Beyond that I would say road pedals (of any type/brand) are better (walking aside) and worth a try if you are (like the OP) considering them.
MTB pedals have features that are especially useful for MTB's (which is why they are called MTB pedals IMO) but are sometimes surplus to requirements (but sometimes quite useful) for road riding.
Would you guys say that you could use road pedals on an MTB then?
I use the terms road and MTB because (as far as I am aware) SPD/SPD SL is a Shimano specific term (but sometimes used generally) and I am never really talking about just Shimano's.
I will check it out and be more specific in future 0 -
SPD = Shimano Pedalling Dynamics
To put this to bed I've ordered the pedals oft mentioned above from wiggle just to make the bike a bit sleeker.Advocate of disc brakes.0 -
homers double wrote:SPD = Shimano Pedalling Dynamics
To put this to bed I've ordered the pedals oft mentioned above from wiggle just to make the bike a bit sleeker.
What ones? M520/40? You might miss having a platform if you get those.
I would say get something like Candy 1's (single spring is a better design IMO) or M530's.
Both would look sleeker than your current ones (probably sleeker/better looking on the bike than the M520/40's which are stubby) and give a decent contact area.0 -
But can you quantify "better" ... is it the design or the function?Carbonator wrote:Beyond that I would say road pedals (of any type/brand) are better (walking aside) and worth a try if you are (like the OP) considering them.0 -
Slowbike wrote:
But can you quantify "better" ... is it the design or the function?Carbonator wrote:Beyond that I would say road pedals (of any type/brand) are better (walking aside) and worth a try if you are (like the OP) considering them.
Both.
Design does away with unnecessary 'duplicate' side and being bolted over a larger area (with three bolts, not two) gives a better connection (the thing you are trying to do in the first place) to name but two things.
They are better for road riding. Just live with it.0 -
markhewitt1978 wrote:I have already said why road shoes/pedals are better.
There is little doubt that they are better for road riding
Apparently, there is :roll:0 -
Carbonator wrote:Slowbike wrote:
But can you quantify "better" ... is it the design or the function?Carbonator wrote:Beyond that I would say road pedals (of any type/brand) are better (walking aside) and worth a try if you are (like the OP) considering them.
Both.
Design does away with unnecessary 'duplicate' side and being bolted over a larger area (with three bolts, not two) gives a better connection (the thing you are trying to do in the first place) to name but two things.
They are better for road riding. Just live with it.
Design - you can get single sided SPDs if a double sided bugs you - but I disagree with double sided being a negative - it makes it easier to clip in without having to flip pedals ...
Being bolted over a larger area makes no difference - your connection to the pedal is through your shoe - providing you have a suitable shoe that is comfortable and fits well then you're going to be making the best connection you possibly can and the wider area of an SL doesn't make any difference.
So if that's your definition of "better" then I can conclude that it makes sod all difference to road riding.0 -
Slowbike wrote:Being bolted over a larger area makes no difference - your connection to the pedal is through your shoe - providing you have a suitable shoe that is comfortable and fits well then you're going to be making the best connection you possibly can and the wider area of an SL doesn't make any difference.
So if that's your definition of "better" then I can conclude that it makes sod all difference to road riding.
Temper, temper
Wrong on both counts lol
So would one bolt be just as secure?
Simple physics or even just basic D.I.Y. skills would tell you that three bolts over a wider area are more secure and transfer your input better/more efficiently than two that are very close together.
Why does all this bother you so much?0 -
Carbonator wrote:
Both.
Design does away with unnecessary 'duplicate' side and being bolted over a larger area gives better connection to name but two things.
They are better for road riding. Just live with it.
Just live with it.
I use SPD's, but don't think that they are "better" than SPD SL's, they just suit me.
My riding buddy became a bit of a friendly "standing joke" due to his wobbling about the road trying to clip into his SL's and eventually swapped them for Speedplay's, which he says are "much better".
My shoes are nice and stiff and I've yet to have a cleat move, so swapping pedals shouldn't have any effect on MY cycling what so ever.0 -
What you don't have, you won't miss ;-)0
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Carbonator wrote:Slowbike wrote:Being bolted over a larger area makes no difference - your connection to the pedal is through your shoe - providing you have a suitable shoe that is comfortable and fits well then you're going to be making the best connection you possibly can and the wider area of an SL doesn't make any difference.
So if that's your definition of "better" then I can conclude that it makes sod all difference to road riding.
Temper, temper
Wrong on both counts lol
So would one bolt be just as secure?
Simple physics or even just basic D.I.Y. skills would tell you that three bolts over a wider area are more secure and transfer your input better/more efficiently than two that are very close together.
Why does all this bother you so much?
Temper temper? where's the tantrum?
Right on both counts
Simple physics and even basic DIY skills would tell you that the contact area is in compression whilst the majority of the power is being delivered and thus the bolts - be that 2 or 3 - make no difference.
One bolt could be used as the underside of the SPD cleat is uneven, allowing the cleat to dig into the shoe to ensure security.
Better and more efficiently would only come into to play where there was movement between the elements - but I suppose that's advanced physics which I did study ...
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