Author Topic: Bicycling shoes (Read 2247 times)

Northwoods · « **on:** July 13, 2011, 12:45:28 AM »

Now that my front wheel is back in working order I can turn my attention to all the upgrades/maintenance I want to do for my recumbent bike. One thing I really want to do is get a set of clipless shoes and pedals. The shoes are my biggest question mark. There's few options for trying them on locally. When I picked up my wheel I did try on a pair of Specialized Sonoma shoes. The 42's were about perfect - with the thin dress socks I had on. The 43's let my heel slide and seemed to leave a bit more room for the toes than optimal.

The shoes that *seem* to be the best deal on Amazon are the Pearl iZumi Mens All Road. All the reviews say they run a little small for the stated size. But I haven't found a local source yet to try them on. Price is about the best I've found for an entry level shoe for SPD style pedals that still gets decent reviews.

Primary use will be commuting. Secondary use will be weekend road rides. I don't own a mountain bike and have no intention of buying one within the lifespan of whatever shoes I buy.

Suggestions?

mtnbkr · « **Reply #1 on:** July 13, 2011, 06:39:56 AM »

I have these: http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-iZUMi-X-Alp-II-Cycling/dp/B002L3S164/ref=sr_1_2?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1310553469&sr=1-2

I use them for mountain biking and road biking. What I like about them is that you can still walk like a human being with them on. The sole is deep enough so the cleat isn't the tallest item on the bottom and the footbed flexes a bit at the ball of the foot, making walking more natural.

mtnbkr · « **Reply #2 on:** July 13, 2011, 06:42:16 AM »

Oh, I bought the size 45. I have a narrow size 10 foot.

Chris

Jamisjockey · « **Reply #3 on:** July 13, 2011, 09:34:42 AM »

I ordered mountain bike shoes from Performance a few years ago that fit like a glove in exactly my size. Might be worth a shot.
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1095351_-1_1588500_20000_400098

Harold Tuttle · « **Reply #4 on:** July 13, 2011, 04:59:43 PM »

get something with a nice heel

PGroenewold · « **Reply #5 on:** July 13, 2011, 11:11:05 PM »

I'm not an expert by any means, but there might be some benefit toward trying them on at your LBS first. I had my eye on the Specialized Expert shoes because they have the "Boa dial" that lets you loosen on the fly, and they were at the price point I expected to pay. Unfortunately, my heels slid around in the heel cups and I didn't feel like spending half my riding time patching up blisters. Instead, I went with a pair of Specialized Elite shoes at nearly half the price; same size but they fit me like a glove with no slipping. I may have paid the LBS a bit more than an online outfit, but I thought it was well worth the outlay to not be riding in pain. Good luck with your search!

Harold Tuttle · « **Reply #6 on:** July 14, 2011, 12:22:40 PM »

http://publicbikes.com/p/Camper-Mar-BCN-Peep-Toe-Yellow-Pump-Womens

Riding a bike doesn't mean you can't wear heels (or boots or flip flops, for that matter). In fact, in Europe, urban cyclists are actually known for setting fashion trends. That's why we reached out to our friends at Camper, who are known for their stylish, comfortable, and durable walking shoes. Together, we came up with this distinctive peep-toe, perfect for bike riding. Available in bright yellow, these sexy, comfy shoes make a smart and stylish statement, on and off your bike. We recommend these shoes as highly as we recommend the Camper Hotel in Barcelona. It's where we stay when in Barcelona, and it's a center for walkers and riders alike.

CNYCacher · « **Reply #7 on:** July 14, 2011, 12:31:36 PM »

Quote from: Harold Tuttle on July 14, 2011, 12:22:40 PM

http://publicbikes.com/p/Camper-Mar-BCN-Peep-Toe-Yellow-Pump-Womens

Riding a bike doesn't mean you can't wear heels (or boots or flip flops, for that matter). In fact, in Europe, urban cyclists are actually known for setting fashion trends. That's why we reached out to our friends at Camper, who are known for their stylish, comfortable, and durable walking shoes. Together, we came up with this distinctive peep-toe, perfect for bike riding. Available in bright yellow, these sexy, comfy shoes make a smart and stylish statement, on and off your bike. We recommend these shoes as highly as we recommend the Camper Hotel in Barcelona. It's where we stay when in Barcelona, and it's a center for walkers and riders alike.

I think you owe Jamis a keyboard.

Jamisjockey · « **Reply #8 on:** July 14, 2011, 03:08:12 PM »

Nyet. Those look like someone hollowed out an orange and called it a shoe.
Not sexy.

Northwoods · « **Reply #9 on:** July 14, 2011, 10:41:20 PM »

On a more serious note, what do bicyclists think of Sidi shoes? They were recommended by a couple guys at work, but they seem kinda spendy.

mtnbkr · « **Reply #10 on:** July 14, 2011, 11:24:20 PM »

They're very durable and well designed shoes, but not really for the casual cyclist. I had a pair for a couple years, but found them too narrow even for my narrow foot. They're extremely stiff, which is great on the bike, but not so great off the bike.

Chris

Northwoods · « **Reply #11 on:** July 15, 2011, 12:35:50 AM »

I think next weekend I'll head up to Bellingham and hit a couple of the bigger bike shops plus REI up there. If I still can't find anything I like I'll be going to Seattle that weekend anyway as my mom's coming up to see my sister and her new baby so I can hit some bike shops down there too.

FWIW I ordered a set of Crank Bros Candy X pedals. Should be a HUGE improvement over sneakers and platforms.

KD5NRH · « **Reply #12 on:** July 15, 2011, 04:51:30 PM »

Quote from: sumpnz on July 13, 2011, 12:45:28 AM

Primary use will be commuting. Secondary use will be weekend road rides.

These should go well with a tie-dyed jersey, a joint, and a gut-length beard.
http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Mens-Cycling-Sandal-SH-SD66/dp/B002MGBIO2/ref=pd_sbs_shoe_2

Northwoods · « **Reply #13 on:** July 15, 2011, 11:29:13 PM »

Been looking at what new recumbents go for.

Anything worth buying starts at $1500. By the time I've paid shipping and/or sales tax and optioned it up to what I'd really want (fenders, rack or seat bag, head/tail light adapters, disk brakes (if not standard), kickstand, fairing, etc) I'm looking at $2000-5000 depending on brand/options.

I think I'll stick with upgrading my current bike for the next few years.

Jamisjockey · « **Reply #14 on:** July 16, 2011, 09:48:52 AM »

Quote from: sumpnz on July 15, 2011, 11:29:13 PM

Been looking at what new recumbents go for. Anything worth buying starts at $1500. By the time I've paid shipping and/or sales tax and optioned it up to what I'd really want (fenders, rack or seat bag, head/tail light adapters, disk brakes (if not standard), kickstand, fairing, etc) I'm looking at $2000-5000 depending on brand/options.

I think I'll stick with upgrading my current bike for the next few years.

Just admitting you looked at a 'bent with anything but an upturned nose means you're an ecclectic old man, probably a college professor, who wears cardigan sweaters in the summer and smokes a pipe.

MillCreek · « **Reply #15 on:** July 16, 2011, 10:55:28 AM »

What I want to know about recumbents is how do you transport them on a car? They don't seem to fit the usual bike racks. Are there recumbent racks?

Harold Tuttle · « **Reply #16 on:** July 16, 2011, 11:08:29 PM »

bents can have a shortish wheel base

your best bet is to cart them on a roof rail setup.

Jamisjockey · « **Reply #17 on:** July 17, 2011, 01:21:10 PM »

Quote from: Harold Tuttle on July 16, 2011, 11:08:29 PM

bents can have a shortish wheel base

your best bet is to cart them on a roof rail setup.

Yep. Most people put them in a rail setup, either on the roof, truck bed, or hitch mounted.

Beard, flag, and tye dye shirt sold seperately.

MillCreek · « **Reply #18 on:** July 17, 2011, 02:04:56 PM »

I have a rail hitch on the Escape: a Yakima HookUp. It looks as though the typical bent is still too long to fit on it, though. Up here, it seems that most people put them in the back of a pickup. Especially the recumbent trikes.

Harold Tuttle · « **Reply #19 on:** July 17, 2011, 04:35:27 PM »

MillCreek · « **Reply #20 on:** July 17, 2011, 06:43:43 PM »

Man, look at the size of the rear disc brake rotor on that. And the frame looks to be titanium.

Do want. But I bet it is upward of $ 5000 easy, depending if it is a custom or off the rack frame and the component group.

sanglant · « **Reply #21 on:** July 18, 2011, 12:57:02 AM »

not the cheapest, but till you know your size in the brand you want, if they sell 'em zappos is the place to buy shoes.

don't know if they do this for new customers but they have always got my orders to me next day for the normal shipping charge. and cover return shipping, if you don't like them, or they don't fit.

Northwoods · « **Reply #22 on:** July 18, 2011, 12:58:42 AM »

My MIL pointed me to Zappos. They do have a respectible selection of bike shoes.

CNYCacher · « **Reply #23 on:** July 18, 2011, 01:18:26 AM »

Quote from: Harold Tuttle on July 17, 2011, 04:35:27 PM

I bet that car loses 10 or more Highway MPG with the bike on it.

KD5NRH · « **Reply #24 on:** July 18, 2011, 06:18:29 AM »

Quote from: Harold Tuttle on July 17, 2011, 04:35:27 PM

That looks kinda familiar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BanswLjARk

News:

Author Topic: Bicycling shoes (Read 2247 times)