voz

As the title says, what are some good, cheap beginner footwear and accessories for road biking? I only have about $315 CAD (with tax). I found a pair of dnb Troika shoes for $65. Are they any good? I like the price on them . As for cleats and pedals, I have no idea where to begin and I don't even know what is compatible with what. Sorry for the newb questions I'm really new to this and have no one locally to ask.

The shoes - https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/.../rp-prod164188

Also, if I spend over $100 on that site I get $20 off (new member) and an additional (I believe) $20 if I spend over $150 (summer sale)

Thanks for your suggestions,
Voz

Steve B.

The road shoe you linked is designed to use the 3 bolt Look/SPD-L type cleat or 2 bolt SPD style. There are dozens of options from assorted manufacturers in either. If you are new to this and are not racing or such, the easiest clipless (such as the Shimano PD-M520) system to use might be the SPD system, which usually has a dual sided pedal engagement system. Thus you press down on either side of the pedal and the cleat engages. Road systems that use Look/SPD-L are single sided entry and require you to flip the pedal to engage. That only takes a little bit of practice but a dual sided is easier to learn.

Biggest issue with shoes you've never used is will they fit. As well you linked a UK dealer. If the shoe doesn't fit whats it going to cost to return ?. Thus it's usually better to head to a local bike shop that has a good selection to try on different shoes and you never know, they might have a deal on shoes/pedals. Note that if you have a wide foot you might want to think about Sidi, Lake and Shimano, who list wide in their selection. Specialized shoes also tend to run wide.

voz

Thanks for the information. I didn't even realize that chainreactioncycles was British somehow. As for compatibility, I read somewhere that Shimano cleats only work with Shimano pedals? Is this true? What about with shoes?

terrymorse 

No, there are many brands of pedals that are compatible with Shimano-style cleats. If the pedal says it's SPD or SPD-SL compatible, then it will work with a Shimano cleat. The other main cleat styles are Look Delta and Look Keo, both of which have the same 3-hole triangular bolt pattern as SPD-SL.

Shoes are pretty much compatible. If the shoe has a 3-hole triangle of holes, you can mount any SPD-SL or Look Delta/Keo style cleat. If the shoe has two lengthwise slots with a mounting plate underneath, you can mount an SPD cleat.

As another person mentioned above, if this is your first time using cleats and clip-in pedals, it's best to start out with SPD. They are easier to get in and out of.

noglider 

That shoe can accept either type of cleat. Notice the five bolt holes.

I like SPD a lot. There are mountain shoes which have extra sole material to make the cleats recessed. I recommend this, as it makes walking easy. I have a pair that I can wear while hiking in the woods. There are many shoes designed for SPD cleats, and there are many pedals, too.

Fendertele

I waffled between the two styles and got the Shimano SPD pedals and the SH56 multi release cleats. Went on my first clipless ride today and felt good about this option. Also went with the mountain bike style shoe which is comfortable to walk in.

guachi

I have the 520 mentioned above. They are simple, cheap, and dual sided.

I use a pair of mountain bike shoes with my road bike, a Trek Domane. I'm clearly not biking for maximum speed, but that's fine. Especially because I do a lot of my riding indoors on the turbo trainer. (At least in the summer).

I have a power meter (left crank) and I'm more concerned with power output than how fast I can go.

mercator

Buying shoes online is a real crapshoot, since you are in Canada why not check out MEC?
Some decent shoes https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5057-2...-Cycling-Shoes
Look knock-off pedals https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5059-593/Road-Pedals

Well within your budget.

bruce19

I can only speak to my experience which may be very different from yours. I am sold on Speedplay Zeros and Frogs. After years of various shoes, the latest being Specialized Experts, I bought a pair of Sidi Kaos Air Carbon shoes. Totally awesome. Pretty sure not within the budget you listed but if you could somehow stretch I don't think you would be disappointed...assuming proper fit.