[baj32161]

Hello,
if I am not too late. I am a big guy also with large feet (Euro size 46), US size 12 and I use Sidi MTB shoes with SPD pedals and I have never had a lick of trouble with them. In fact, I love them and think they were my single best cycling investment thus far. There is no need to spend all of that money on Dura-Ace pedals. I am using a mid-range set of Shimano SPD pedals and have found them easy on the knees and very comfortable and secure with no "hot spots" when riding. Combine that with two-sided entry and the fact that they are shoes that are easy to walk in once you get off of the bike and I would say that, unless you are a hardcore road racer, you need nothing else.

Regards,

Brian J.

[fleeter]

Originally Posted by baj32161

Hello,
if I am not too late. I am a big guy also with large feet (Euro size 46), US size 12 and I use Sidi MTB shoes with SPD pedals and I have never had a lick of trouble with them. In fact, I love them and think they were my single best cycling investment thus far. There is no need to spend all of that money on Dura-Ace pedals. I am using a mid-range set of Shimano SPD pedals and have found them easy on the knees and very comfortable and secure with no "hot spots" when riding. Combine that with two-sided entry and the fact that they are shoes that are easy to walk in once you get off of the bike and I would say that, unless you are a hardcore road racer, you need nothing else.

Regards,

Brian J.

So it looks like we've gotten a few votes for SPD type pedals/shoes...

Not to hijack, but as an addition, is there any difference in comfort/fit when it comes to MTB and road shoes? Are the soles as rigid? I'm just curious, because if someone isn't too worried about aerodynamics, I don't know why they wouldn't go with a MTB shoe (I think they look cooler).

[baj32161]

I can't tell you that for sure, as I have never worn road shoes. What I can tell you is that, as I stated earlier, unless you are a hardcore roadie logging heavy mileage with minimum stopping on your rides, then SPD pedals and shoes may be a better option for you. I have a pair of Sidi Rampa IIs (old and discontinued), which I have had for about 4 years now and I find them very comfortable...for riding and the walking time off of the bike. Sidi makes a great shoe, be it MTB or road. Also, if you are just a recreational rider like I am, then you will not, likely, notice the difference in stiffness between a road shoe and a mtb shoe of equal quality, both will be far stiffer than sneakers and toe clips and straps. You will feel the power trasnfer difference almost immediately with clipless pedals...at least I did. They do take some getting used to as far as getting into and out of them...maybe one ride. Once you get past that you will likely never go back to platform pedals or clips and straps. As far as looks go....that is up to the individual. I happen to like the look of shoes with walkable soles too, they look more like "normal" shoes to me.

I hope this helps,

Brian J.

[Jeriatric]

thanks brian (and all)

i've heard almost equally on both, the mtb shoe and road bike shoe, advantages and disadvantages.

from the e-mails and responses i have received, the advantages favor road bike shoes if riding in the 100 miles a week range (i easily do that in the couple of weeks preceding the bike tours), also, the road shoes are a plus if there is serious hill climbing. the disadvantages of road shoes is there use off the bike (and price).

the advantages of mtb shoes is there ease of getting in and out of the spd pedals, their comfort off the bike and their price. after riding for so long with toe clips, the look of the mtb shoe is not an issue with me.:-)

what i've decided is to buy the used sidi genius road bike shoe with red cleats and the used dura ace 7810 pedals.

also....

buy a used pair of used mtb shoes with spd pedals.

great decision making jeriatric!:-)

i figure i will be giving it my best shot this year and maybe a couple more years afterwards, tops. after that, i'll be a 50 mile a week or less cruiser who will walk up more hills than he climbs on a bike.

i would like to do one century before mother nature gets serious about her restraints (last year i came within 11 miles....oh so close). i think the road shoes, pedals and my new lower chain gears give me my best chance at the 40 plus mile tours and coming closer to doing a century (i can do a century now....but there are these rules about doing it inside of 24 hours:-)).

i'll be looking for used (sidi?) mtb shoes and spd pedals on craigslist. by april, i should have both sets if i'm lucky.

many thanks to all for all the info.

[chh55]

Ebay is also good. If you find that the SIDIs fit you well then you might as well stick to that brand when you look for mtb shoes.

Road shoes are (generally) stiffer and lighter, and a bit more aero. MTB shoes are also nice to have if you want to do some spinning during the off season.

Good luck with your century plans. I can't imagine riding 89 miles (you said you missed a century by 11) in normal gym shoes and toe clips (ouch!) I think you are going to find your range increase with good shoes and pedals!

[baj32161]

Well, whatever you end up with on your bike, good luck to you. You may not realize it, but you are an inspiration to "younguns" like myself (I am 3 weeks shy of 49). I hope all of our younger members read these posts and really see that this is a lifestyle, not just a hobby that can be enjoyed for. literally, a lifetime.

Thank you for being here.

Regards,

Brian J.

[Jeriatric]

didn't mean to mislead. my 'century' is 100 kilometers (62 miles). the metric system works better for seniors.:-)

[Industry_Hack]

Originally Posted by Jeriatric

didn't mean to mislead. my 'century' is 100 kilometers (62 miles). the metric system works better for seniors.:-)

If you set your computer for kilometers, it's much easier to maintain a steady 35-40.

[baj32161]

Originally Posted by Industry_Hack

If you set your computer for kilometers, it's much easier to maintain a steady 35-40.

Not for me

[fleeter]

Originally Posted by Industry_Hack

If you set your computer for kilometers, it's much easier to maintain a steady 35-40.

I have to set mine to KM just to make myself feel better.