Topic: Will MTB shoes cut it?

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Will MTB shoes cut it?

(21 posts)

(17 voices)

Started 102 days ago by CMR1188
Latest reply from RonB 70 days ago

CMR1188

I recently bought a pair of mountain biking specific Shimano SPD shoes. I have never clipped in in my life and I thought it would be more practical to have shoes that I can walk around until I have an opportunity to change my shoes or in case of any sort of problem that results in me having to walk my bike up a hill or something. Is this impractical? I know they are not as stiff or as aerodynamic, but from photos I have seen there are people that don’t look like they clip in at all so I figured it was better than nothing.

I am obviously very new.

CMR1188Quote

Posted 102 days ago #7788
ehlent

Many people do wear mtn bike shoes and cleats. I prefer road shoes because we are road riding. The little bit of walking I do is not a problem. I use a set of kool covers to protect my cleats when walking.

ehlentQuote

Posted 102 days ago #7789
mentor58

I’ve used mtn shoes and cleats for as long as I can remember. My current pair of shoes are Shimanos, look a lot like plain black sneakers. Very comfortable off the bike, provide very good support and stiffness when pedaling.

A good set of touring or MTB shoes (especially ones that have a bit more flex in the back part of the shoe) would be perfect for an event like RAGBRAI, especially since getting off and walking around is part of the experience.

As for them not being as stiff or aerodynamic, I’m not convinced that for most riders, especially touring mode riders, that’s any kind of a problem.

If you haven’t ridden with clipless pedals, I recommend setting the bike up next to a wall or something you can hold, and just spend about 20 – 30 minutes practicing clipping in and out. It’s not hard, just takes a bit of practice.

Hope this helps,

Steve

mentor58Quote

Posted 102 days ago #7790
"Bicycle Bill"

I’ve used MTB shoes with the recessed notch for SPD-style cleats and have never had any problems.

-”BB”-

“Bicycle Bill”Quote

Posted 102 days ago #7791
CMR1188

FYI, within 10 seconds of being clipped in, I crashed into my gate. I’m just glad the gate was there to catch me. I got the hang of it, I think.

CMR1188Quote

Posted 102 days ago #7792
TGIMerv

They will be just fine. I did the same as you in 06. Planning on wearing Lake sandals this year.

TGIMervQuote

Posted 102 days ago #7793
Dint

Try the reversible pedals. Clip in when out the road, clip out when in the congested areas.

DintQuote

Posted 93 days ago #53403
3 Pedal

Dint: Try the reversible pedals. Clip in when out the road, clip out when in the congested areas.

I’ll second the reversible pedals. They are great on RAGBRAI

3 PedalQuote

Posted 93 days ago #54159
TGIMerv

I have Shimano PD-A530 SPD on my commuter, lots of stopping and starting. LOVE them, SPD’s on one side, platform on the other. Have 520′s on my rode bike, thinking a changing them to the 530′s also.

TGIMervQuote

Posted 93 days ago #54197
mclousing

If you are that concerned about clipping in you should not use those pedals. I ride eggbeaters on my commuter and never had an issue unclippsing for any reason. You should have it become second nature to unclip. What you need to do is practice practice practice till it is not a conscious effort. Also while practicing get used to clipping in and out on both sides first. everyone has a tendency, most people unclip right side first I however unclip left first. but depending on the situation you should be comfortable with both.

mclousingQuote

Posted 93 days ago #54249
L. Steve Varnum

Actually, I have been using clipless pedals for about 3-4 years. I have no concern with clipping in or out. I have read several times that we have to dismount and walk through towns. Walking on Shimano cleats is a bit clutzy…I do have covers for the cleats.

My question is really a 2-part question:
1. MUST we dismount to go through town?
2. If we MUST how far do we have to walk?

Thanks,
L. Steve Varnum

L. Steve VarnumQuote

Posted 90 days ago #61502
"Bicycle Bill"

L. Steve Varnum:
Actually, I have been using clipless pedals for about 3-4 years.I have no concern with clipping in or out.I have read several times that we have to dismount and walk through towns.Walking on Shimano cleats is a bit clutzy…I do have covers for the cleats.

My question is really a 2-part question:
1. MUST we dismount to go through town?
2. If we MUST how far do we have to walk?

Thanks,
L. Steve Varnum

Yes

“Bicycle Bill”Quote

Posted 90 days ago #61522
steve

You will push your bike through one main intersection. ..or cycle around it

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Posted 90 days ago #61523
CMR1188

I’ve already invested quite a bit of money, have started training, have registered for the 5 boro bike ride in NYC and will be riding to Montauk in June which can up to 145 miles depending on which one I register for. I am curious as to how good my chances are of actually getting picked in the lottery? Anybody know? My group consists of myself and one other person so does that mean I have more of a chance of getting picked? People keep asking me about it and I keep having to say “IF” I go. I just want to know if this is something that is more likely to happen than not.

CMR1188Quote

Posted 89 days ago #65102
Lindsay

You will be fine. Even if you don’t get picked in the lottery, you will be able to find someone selling their registration. RAGBRAI allows transfers.

LindsayQuote

Posted 83 days ago #82830