http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: First steps into SPD shoes...geddit??!!?? en Tue, 09 Jun 2026 06:20:15 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496&page=2#post-115234 Thu, 20 Jun 2013 13:04:54 +0000 PS 115234@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Shoes are tricky - even when they feel a good fit in the shop, you can't replicate the pressures you put through them on the bike to be entirely sure. Then, once you have attached the cleat it's too late to take them back.</p> <p>I've got pair of Giro road shoes that are very comfy off the bike. On the bike, they've been a bit hit and miss - sometimes they fit like a (foot)glove, others they're not quite right. I've tweaked the cleats, but I think I've narrowed the issue down to how I fasten them up - my foot needs to be as far back in the shoe as possible when I tighten them. </p> <p>What they haven't had is a really good soaking, which from past experience helps deform and reform shoes to your foot. However, as they are my summer cycling shoes it won't be long before they receive one of those... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496&page=2#post-115224 Thu, 20 Jun 2013 12:41:39 +0000 Snowy 115224@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I have wide-ish feet and tend to find proper road shoes a bit restrictive. For both on road and off road, I settled on a pair of Specialised MTB shoes in combo with Time ATAC pedals. The ATACs have loads of float but release quickly and they don't get gummed up with grime. With the shoes, I probably lose a wee bit of efficiency since the soles are not fully rigid, but the MTB shoe comfort factor is great and they can be worn all day on and off the bike. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496&page=2#post-115177 Thu, 20 Jun 2013 10:34:46 +0000 nevelbell 115177@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm a size 10 and a bit and tried many shoes. For me, the Shimano sizes were all over the place, 43s too small, 44s too big etc. I ended getting a pair of Sidis and broke the bank at the same time, but they are like wearing a pair of slippers, so comfy! </p> <p>The only way to be sure is to try them on. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496&page=2#post-115114 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:16:30 +0000 allebong 115114@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I picked up a set of Shimano mtb SPD pedals from the bikestation for all of £3. Think they're 530s and while they look like they've seen plenty of abuse the bearings are virtually perfect. Left one is a little loose even when firmly clipped in but I can live with that for the price. Of course you can get new 520s for around £15 online these days. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496&page=2#post-115096 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:24:19 +0000 minus six 115096@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>SPD-SL for the fast road commute</p> <p>PD-A520 for everything else </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496&page=2#post-115095 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:14:53 +0000 Baldcyclist 115095@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Must admit, I've been thinking of new pedals, the ones I bought second hand for the commuter have given up the ghost.</p> <p>Hmm, mtb pedals look much cheaper than road ones, but the cost of the shoes on top, and the fact my cycling budget is being seriously squeezed at the moment due to too many expensive maintenance purchases, hmm. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496#post-115094 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:12:41 +0000 PS 115094@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I prefer SPD-SLs. Who needs to walk? :p </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496#post-115085 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:49:57 +0000 gembo 115085@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Protect the cleat</p> <p>Follow the gourd </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496#post-115064 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:41:47 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 115064@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yep, MTB shoes and pedals for me too. I just think it's worth it to be able to walk normally off the bike, and protect the cleat. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496#post-115062 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:38:00 +0000 allebong 115062@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Another very happy user of mountain bike SPDs here - though ironically my actual mountain bike has flats. I love being able to walk confidently past roadies who are teetering along on their road shoes. I'm sure there is some stiffness advantage to SPD-SL but you pay such a price.</p> <p>I set the release tension of the pedals (M520s) to the lowest and have never felt a need to increase it. In fact the ease of release has saved me from several nearly clipless-moments. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496#post-115025 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:18:43 +0000 Two Tired 115025@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>For years I never used anything but the middle ring of a triple. It wasn't a matter of pride or comfort really I just never thought about it. I wouldnt even use the top or bottom gear within that range either as the chain rubbed and the noise annoyed me. </p> <p>Recently though I have been doing far more reading on cycling technique and have been making a proper effort to let the bike do the work. And the results are great; I seriously put my being able to roll down into St Andrews last weekend with fresh legs almost entirely down to better gear changing. That and the marvellous hydration tablets I bought, whether they had a placebo effect or not.</p> <p>And the tailwind, gotta love a tailwind. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496#post-115023 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:12:39 +0000 wingpig 115023@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Wilmington has to go in a highish gear up hills so that his bike's lateral oscillation is slower than his Carradice's sway-frequency so that he doesn't resonate himself off the road. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496#post-115011 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:45:59 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 115011@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Oh absolutely, but there's a difference between that, and turning away in a high gear till you're almost at a standstill, then crunching down to a lower gear, often throwing your chain off in the process. Rode everywhere in the big ring of a triple. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496#post-115008 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:37:44 +0000 neddie 115008@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Not just a matter of pride. Some people are more comfortable to push a higher gear rather than spin away like mad. (myself included) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496#post-115004 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:31:12 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 115004@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"<em>Indeed. Youngish boys (is it gender specific??) see riding high gears as a matter of pride (or something).</em>"</p> <p>My 71 year old father-in-law has that pride. Taking him out for rides he'd always be in waaaaay too high a gear. Tried explaining the use of lower gears, but he was having none of it. His new bike is a single chainring, 7 speed, and it's quite enough for him (and he still says with pride that he got to the top of the hill without using the '<em>easiest</em>' gear). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496#post-115000 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:16:45 +0000 chdot 115000@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"think this was because no-one pointed out the benefit of lower-gears and higher cadence"</p> <p>Indeed. Youngish boys (is it gender specific??) see riding high gears as a matter of pride (or something). </p> <p>It's why I wouldn't do fixed - or jogging...</p> <p>Gears are good. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496#post-114998 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:55:38 +0000 amir 114998@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I also had knee problems when younger - but I think this was because no-one pointed out the benefit of lower-gears and higher cadence. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496#post-114997 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:54:22 +0000 amir 114997@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm also an SPD fan - they are more compatible with cafe stops etc </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496#post-114984 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:50:31 +0000 kaputnik 114984@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>SPD* aka "mountain bike" cleats (small, recessed metal cleat, 2 bolts) are MUCH easier to get the hang of than SPD-SL* aka "road cleats" (large, protruding plastic/nylon cleat, 3 bolts). </p> <p>For everyday use, the SPD cleats are harder-wearing (metal vs. plastic) and as they are recessed don't get worn down by walking / putting foot down at lights. They are also generally cheaper (shoes, pedals and replacement cleats) and the soles of the shoes are more suitable for walking in (most "road" shoes have a stiff, moulded, plastic or carbon sole).</p> <p>SPD-type also offer the advantage of a range of pedals, some with the mechanism on both sides, making it easier to locate the shoe on the pedal and others with a flat on one side and a mechanism on the other, allowing you to cycle in "normal" shoes, which have a habit of skiting off the road pedals.</p> <p>* Other non-Shimano brand names are available. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496#post-114969 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:54:11 +0000 DaveC 114969@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Silly Question!!</p> <p>I assume you currently ride flats? Have you considered SPD (non SL)? They are marketed as MTB shoes. The difference is 2 holes instead of 3. The cleat is recessed which makes it easier to walk in, and the sole generally has rubber grips instead of slippery carbon/plastic soles.</p> <p>I have Specialized MTB shoes (cheapest they sold at the time) from EBC. They are still the only shoe I use and I found longer Audaxes no problem. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496#post-114962 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:31:41 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 114962@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>[my usual knee/pedal tale]</p> <p>I tore apart my anterior cruciate ligament some time ago (misdiagnosed for about 5 years, but that's another story) and find that clipless is actually <em>better</em> on my knee than flats (I think, strangely, that more float/movement antagonises the war wound for me).</p> <p>[/mukpt]</p> <p>Basiaclly everyone's knees are different. Give it a try, see if it works... :) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496#post-114954 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:57:55 +0000 PS 114954@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>five or sixa years</em></p> <p>Typed that on my phone last night. Didn't realise I was channeling Mark E Smith-a. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496#post-114941 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:10:41 +0000 Instography 114941@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>My knees are pretty knackered after tearing the ligaments in both of them (separate occasions). Used to be a problem with Time road pedals that didn't float but they're fine quite loosely clipped into SPDs. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496#post-114934 Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:27:46 +0000 DeathbyPompino 114934@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I've found that a combination of mnt bike spd and fixed gear riding has completely solved my knackered knees! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496#post-114933 Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:01:09 +0000 PS 114933@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I used to have a gammy knee (tendinitis). It had been an underlying issue for five or sixa years. Took up cycling and the problem pretty quickly went away. :) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496#post-114931 Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:54:33 +0000 Its_Me_Knees 114931@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Oh Lord...more things to think about. Thanks everyone, nonetheless. </p> <p>Knees are *much better* these days than when I picked my user name, in part due to my renewed enthusiasm for two wheeled transport, but I wouldn't want to knacker 'em again using SPDs. However, it wouldn't be for the commute - solely for my road bike / recreational rides. Nonetheless, have heeded Stiltskin's warning - will proceed with caution. </p> <p>Smudge, apparently I can get 6 degrees of float (whatever that means)with SPD-SLs if I want to, but I've no idea if that would save my knees as much as MTB style shoes would (or indeed if it is relevant).</p> <p>Baldcyclist: like your thinking - will investigate Wiggle's own brand.</p> <p>Thanks again everyone. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496#post-114926 Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:28:55 +0000 stiltskin 114926@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>If it really is your knees then i would think twice before going with SPDs </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496#post-114923 Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:53:00 +0000 Smudge 114923@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I assume it's a deliberate decision to go for the "road" spd's? Quite apart from the ability to walk normally off the bike, one of the reasons I have stuck with MTB type recessed SPD's is the extra sideways float (as I have 3/4 knackered knees...)</p> <p>Not a criticism, just an observation ;-) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496#post-114922 Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:50:51 +0000 Baldcyclist 114922@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I was put off of Shimano shoes because of the hole in the front of the sole. The hole continues through the insole, which of course makes perfect sense for ventilation, but I just thought that was easy access for water to ingres.</p> <p>I bought wiggle own brand shoes instead, and they seem to do the trick.. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10496#post-114921 Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:32:42 +0000 SRD 114921@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Like Arellcat, i prefer euro sizes. I always fit a 36, but in uk sizes, I wear a 3.5 and in NA 6.5., but rarely comfortably. None of those translate into those sizes according to the charts. </p>