robpiat

I wear between a 15 and 16 in regular shoes. It seems the only thing I can find in stock in the US is the sidi genius 7 which are too much $$$ for starting out. Shimano makes up to a 52 but only UK/Euro sellers seem to have it in stock. They are less than half the price of the sidi.

I was OK in a 51 sidi but i understand the shimanos run a little smaller. Aside from watching ebay, any tips?

For the time being, can you recommend a set of flats that are clip/strap compatible?

TrojanHorse

I would say that Shimano shoes are actually larger than the same size sidi, although my experience is with far smaller shoes.

If you get flat pedals and want to use straps, make sure you don't get those pedals with traction aids on the pedal - the top surface should be smooth so you don't get stuck.

cyclist2000

When I look at zappo's they have shimano and PI's in size 15 and 16. If you aren't positive about the size of shoe that fits you, then get if from a store that has a good return policy.

Also I don't think that I would use a shoe like the Sidi Genius 7 on a platform pedal, if I had to go with Sidi, I would use the Dominator with a platform pedal

robpiat

Sorry for the confusion. I was going to use the platform pedals till I could find the right road shoes. This is going on a road bike.

I understand that I could use MTB shoes/ SPD pedals but that the road pedals are a bit more secure?

Good catch on the PI. I ordered some on amazon to try with free returns

cyclist2000

I use SPD on all of my road bikes, I want to be able to walk off the bike without looking like a duck waddling.

Just one last thought, in my opinion Sidi's are worth the money. For me they were great because they come in mega widths and I have wide feet, so these are some of the most comfortable shoes for me.

robpiat

For those that have used both can you explain the difference in riding and clipping in / out with spd vs spd sl?

cyclist2000

I haven't used SPD-SL but they appear to be similar to a look pedal and are single sided.

I found this link A Beginner?s Guide to Clip-less Pedals. - a Bike Culture article on Cyclorama

it may be helpful.

I haven't used the road bike cleat (3-bolt) in quite a long time, again the reason is that they are hard to walk in. I like the recessed cleats on spd shoes, these are walkable when off the bike be cause the cleat is recessed. I understand that there is some advantage with the road cleat be cause it is larger that there is less hot spot caused from the pedal, but I think that if you get a shoe with a very rigid sole, the rigid sole reduced the hot spots be cause it spreads the pressure across the entire sole.

fietsbob

I got a couple Ergon pedals .. their large version is pretty ping pong paddle sized, to ride wearing pretty normal street shoes..

brawlo

The SPD is made to be easier to clip out of and apparently in for the MTB community. I actually find them harder to clip into on the fly than my road SPD-SL. BUT that could be due to my having spent about 10 years using the SL pedals vs my relatively new (2 years) and limited experience using the SPD pedals and therefore my familiarity with them. The SPD-SL afford you a larger contact area and a more secure clip in which only really matters when you're really cranking on the pedals like in a sprint. If you're 'just riding along' all the time, then the SPD pedals will afford you more flexibility with shoe options for when you're off the bike, and if necessary, pedal options for riding with normal shoes as well. I'm actually going back to flat pedals on my MTB because I find myself more these days just using it for cruising with my kids and so having to used the proper shoes all the time has become a PITA

Patriot1

Here- gives you options, flat or clipless.