martslc

Just wondering how many roadyie's use the so called "mountain bike" pedals?? I've got some speedplay zero's however walking is not good over 20 feet for me but the shoes for "mountain bike" pedels (SPD's) look so much the better design. I've heard some say the SPD's are just as easy to clip into but I myself do not know as I have never used them.

Thoughts???

Wittyname

Plenty of us do, no one that I've ever ridden with has ever cared one way or another how I clip in

I'm a fan of Crank Bros Eggbeaters, personally

prathmann

Can't compare to Speedplays since I've never used those, but I've been happy with the MTB SPD pedals and shoes even though I only have road bikes. They clip in and out easily and hold securely so I see no reason to even try cleat designs that make walking more difficult.

TimothyH

I use Shimano PD-M8000 cyclocross SPD pedals and touring shoes on my fixed-gear road bike. I ride the bike very hard.





Keep in mind that there are two types of SPD cleats.

SH51 cleats are more secure, for experienced aggressive riders and racers. SH56 cleats are easier to get out of, marketed for touring and beginners.

Most people in shops don't even know this. Make sure you are getting the right kind for your style of riding.





-Tim-

melloveloyellow

All paved riding for me as well, with Shimano PD-M540 pedals. Very easy to clip in/out w/the M (56) cleats. No penguin-walk with Pearl Izumi X-Alp Drift bike shoes, either. From what I've read here on the forums, the cleats will last a long time w/the shoe protection while walking.

caloso

How much walking are you planning to do?

DrIsotope

Most of the people I know ride SPDs. I have full on trail pedals on my bike. Because I like to be able to walk around when not on the bike. The walkability of SPD over SPD-SL/Look is really the deciding factor for me.

prathmann

Can't speak for the OP, but I sometimes ride to the trailhead for group hikes of about 10 miles. And when I go bike touring I only have my SPD bike shoes or sandals and sometimes walk a considerable amount in the evening after setting up camp in a park or during the day when sightseeing in a town we pass through.

TimothyH

Over 20 feet.

Paul Barnard

I have tried Look style, SPD and Crank Brothers. I prefer CB on and off road.

Hypno Toad

+1

I started using Eggbeaters for commuting. As I started getting "road bike" specific bikes, I keep using Eggbeaters to keep it simple (any shoes, any bike). I see no reason to change.

winston63 

I see tons of road cyclists using mountain SPD's (I use them myself). For the kind of riding that many of us do there's no reason to look elsewhere.

Wittyname

This exactly. No way I was gonna walk the 400ft across smooth concrete floors from where I can park my bike to where I can change every morning and on the way out, and I liked the look of the Eggbeaters, so I started using them for commuting. When I got the road bike, I felt nothing lacking in my current setup, so I stuck with them

SouthFLpix

If you are lucky enough that your feet do not hurt or go numb on long rides with SPD pedals, sure you can use them. I am not lucky. In my case they are fine for short rides, but for longer rides the small surface area causes me feet to go numb, so I had to ditch them.

cyccommute 

I haven't used "road bike" pedals since the late 90s. Couldn't see the point of shoes I couldn't walk in after a couple of seasons of using both. I haven't looked back. Don't buy expensive mountain pedals either. The difference between a Shimano M520 and XTR M9000 is minimal in terms of durability and weight. The price difference is staggering, however. You can find new M520s for $20. The M520 also has the advantage of still having flats for a pedal wrench which makes installation and, more importantly, removal easier.

I also wouldn't go with off-brands of pedals such as Wellgo. The Shimano M520s are so cheap and so good that you just shouldn't waste your money.

Wittyname

A large part of that equation is going to be in your shoes, as well. Rubber sole shoes have more flex than the average carbon sole road shoe

Jarrettsin

Not a roadie but I have those shoes and the SH56 and love'em in/out is as easy as it could be and no problem walking in them.

HTupolev

SPDs are fine for road use.

SPD-SL has a plastic click where SPD has a metallic clang. SPD-SL has a stiffer vertical contact.

Yeah, the alternate mechanisms aren't necessarily as good as the Shimano one. I have some origin8 pedals that work "fine", but my Shimano ones feel sturdier and operate cleaner.

SquireBikesalot

Basically everyone I know uses road pedals, I've only ever used SPDs. I can't compare them from personal experience, but I can say that I don't need to carry cleat covers and I won't damage floors or slide around on tile floors.

There's always people who think I'm crazy using mountain shoes/pedals, but you know, roadies, whatcha gonna do?

melloveloyellow

I don't rightly know. The time I fractured the pawls in my freehub (DuraAce, no less) and had to walk several miles was unexpected. You just never can tell..

DrIsotope

My iSSi pedals (QBP's house brand) are apparently re-badged Wellgos, and they are superior to 520s in every aspect. I switched from 520s to the iSSi, and have not a single regret.

...which is not a hack against the 520/540. They work fine, and they are indeed cheap. But the end all and be all, they are not.

Moe Zhoost

I too use Shimano mt. bike spd shoes and pedals on all of my bikes, although I cringe when I mount the pedals on my vintage Colnago. I ride alone a lot and to some fairly remote locations so I have comfort in being able to do some walking in case of trouble. In my younger days I use to ride cleated road shoes with toe clips and recall some episodes where it would have been nice to have a pair of flip flops along.

unterhausen

we stopped at a bar the other day after our ride. There was a guy sitting there next to a bicycle. He had an ice pack on his wrist. Apparently he took a dive because of his road pedals and broke his wrist. I really like speedplay pedals, but the cleats get all gooped up really easily, and it can be impossible or difficult to clip in. Since most of my road riding is randonneuring, there is a certain amount of walking built in. I switched over to CX shoes and Shimano mtb pedals. I have not noticed any difference in performance. Nowadays, I just use the speedplays on my trainer

katzenfinch

I’ve used SPD cleats and mountain bike pedals for years, but on really long rides on my road bikes they would cause me hot spots and pain. I recently got some SPD-compatible road pedals with a larger contact area, and my feet are much happier. A few weeks ago I used them on a 300K, and my feet felt fine at the end of the ride.

GravelMN

I frequently ride to destinations or for recreation that involves more than cycling. It's nice to be able to get off the bike and walk around normally through shops, restaurants, or the deck at your favorite lakeside pub. I've worn my Shimano CT40s all day over many surfaces, indoors and out and nobody realized they were anything but regular casual athletic shoes. Add a pair of MTB shorts and a close fitting Tech-T and I blend with the locals as soon as my helmet comes off.

Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against going full kit and do so for many group and organized rides, but when I'm just out for a day tour around the lakes, I am completely comfortable not looking like a roadie when I'm off the bike. I pair the shoes with Shimano Dual sided pedals so that I can ride the flats if I'm wearing my regular shoes for casual rides. I really don't feel the need to clip in for a ride to the park with my grandkids.

Unless you are going hardcore on an A-ride or for competition, ride with whatever pedals and shoes you want and are comfortable with. People who matter don't mind and those who mind don't matter.