SlvrDragon50

Hi guys,

I use my bike for commuting to class 99% of the time so I've decided to get Crank Bros Mallet 3s which have a 2 bolt pattern.

Unfortunately, that's mostly left me with MTB shoes to use, but it seems like MTB shoes work quite fine for basic road cycling (only exercise, don't plan on competing) as long as they're stiff enough.

Nashbar has the MX175 right now for a pretty good price, but I'm not sure if should just cough up an extra 70 for the carbon version MX331?

I'm coming from platforms so I think really anything will be an upgrade. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'd really like to keep my spending under $100, but I can spend more if it's really worth it like for carbon.

PepeM

Giro Republic. Just be prepared to get yelled at.

Hypno Toad

Lisa got these at the start of summer and loves them. I have a set on order, I'm excited to get them!

Who's yelling? The roadies with the Boa lace systems (et al.)?

PepeM

Exactly!

Hypno Toad

Those dorks are already yelling at me about so many other things, I doubt they'll have enough time to get to my shoes.

SlvrDragon50

I should clarify, when I commute to class, I'm just going to wear my regular shoes as my commute is usually <1-2 miles.

So they don't have to be normal looking shoes! They look pretty good though.

I'm also looking at the Pearl Izumi X-Project 3.0 right now from Performance Bike: Pearl Izumi X-PROJECT 3.0 MTB Shoes

Broodax

https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-SH-RT.../dp/B005Z26LQA
I've got these and love them. Super stiff, but 2-bolt and you can walk in them.

SlvrDragon50

The Shimano RT82 looks pretty good. M088 as well...

So hard to make decisions! Wish I could try these all in person.

RPK79

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/sp...FQ2QaQodK1QNMw

It's what I use so you know they're pro.

redlude97

giro republic only if you aren't walking around alot. the pads wear out pretty quickly

SlvrDragon50

Do you know if it's comparable to their Elite Touring Road shoes? I heard good things about those, but I can't find them anywhere.

I like the Specialized stuff, but it's pretty pricey.

a1penguin

I recently purchased https://www.rei.com/product/878977/s...ike-shoes-mens shoes on sale and they are pretty stiff. I like the velcro closings. YMMV.

SlvrDragon50

Yup, just came across Shimano XC-61 for a little over 100. I am a little confused since people say it is quite flexible, but Shimano claims it to be stiffer than the RT82?

bleui

this one looks nice

SlvrDragon50

Mavic Aksiums are 3 bolt design, won't work with my Mallets.

Wittyname

I picked up a pair of SH-M163 about a month back, they're quite stiff and still not uncomfortable to walk in. I've got no complaints with them. I use them for both commuting and group riding, Eggbeaters on both bikes

$104 at Performance Bike for the white ones this weekend

PaulRivers

My question is - why do you want clipless shoes?

There's a huge myth that you'll gain a big performance advantage. They did studies and tested it - you don't.

The primary purpose of clipless is to keep your feet attached to the pedals. Like imagine one of the racers sprinting wildly ahead pedalling full out in a race trying to overtake the guy ahead of him to the finish line, his bike going back and forth wildly under him - for him, clipless keeps him attached to the pedals the best.

There's no power of efficiency advantage to clipless in the lab. There may or may not be a small advantage under certain conditions (sprinting, going uphill) which is debateable.

You're tight on money, and planning on trying to ride the bike with regular shoes to class - it sounds like the disadvantages of clipless are going to be much much greater than any advantages.

Here's a previous huge thread on the topic:
Are there any scientific studies proving the benefits of clipless pedal systems? - Bicycles Stack Exchange

exime

If you're a filthy casual like me, these are great SPD shoes. And if you upgrade to something else one day you can still use these for spinning/trainer.

Giro Rumble VR $80




If you get a big raise at work, then upgrade to these bad boys:

Giro Empire VR 90 $300

SlvrDragon50

Never heard about that, thanks.

I was under the impression that the Mallets had tall enough platforms that commuting with the disadvantage of clipless won't be too big of a problem.

I haven't ordered the shoes yet, and I can still return the pedals I guess.

edit:
I'm always hesitant about reading other peoples' conclusions from research studies so I read the article myself, and I reached a different conclusion. I am an MD/PhD student in kinesiology studying biomechanics so I think I'm relatively qualified in my interpretation, but I welcome any discussion. I don't specifically study this area so I could be wrong.

I'm reading the article, and I don't think the correction conclusion is reached. All you can conclude is that there is no significant power production during the upstroke of the pedal cycle. There needs to be an additional comparison of cleated/clipless vs free since it's possible to have net differences in power production between the two shoe situations.

https://kar.kent.ac.uk/43673/1/Jobso...erformance.pdf

This is the correct study:
https://www.radlabor.de/fileadmin/PDF...aefte_2008.pdf

There IS an increase in power production with the use of clipless interfaces if they are coached to actively pull upwards on the upstroke. However, net efficiency may be compromised probably due to different muscle activation. I would argue that the decrease in efficiency can be explained by the forced upward movement and altered muscular recruitment, and you should see improved efficiency after some training with improved neuromuscular activation.

In addition to physiological adaptations, gross efficiency might also be improved through
biomechanical adaptations. However, ‘intuitive’ technique and equipment adjustments may not always be effective.
For example, whilst ‘pedalling in circles’ allows pedalling to become mechanically more effective, this technique
does not result in short term improvements in gross efficiency

Ended up getting the RT82, hopefully they fit. Thanks!

bleui

it's the touring version Aksium Tour shoe | Mavic

SlvrDragon50

Ah okay, I saw that one, but I skipped it because it didn't have a ratchet or boa system.

I ended up getting some Shimano RP5 for around 75 bucks which I think is a pretty solid deal!