Shoes for flats
09-15-15, 02:09 PM
#26
- Soli Deo Gloria -
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Last edited by TimothyH; 09-15-15 at 02:14 PM.
09-15-15, 02:14 PM
#27
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Compare that to today's scene, where folks kitted up in racing gear and clips pedals make up probably 70 - 80% of the cycling population. I think that's what OP is referring to, that in the old days it was rare to see anyone riding even with tightened toe clips, much less cliplesss, which wasn't in vogue yet.
Today when I ride in a congested traffic and/or pedestrian area like NYC, I always use toe clips, worn loosely not tightened, because they're easier to escape from and I value my safety and health over efficiency.
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09-15-15, 02:18 PM
#28
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09-15-15, 02:19 PM
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HarHar
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09-15-15, 02:30 PM
#30
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Guess it depends on what you mean by "cycling population"...
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Last edited by dtrain; 09-15-15 at 02:35 PM.
09-15-15, 02:38 PM
#32
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Vans low top canvas (era or classic) with the waffle soles are great on flat pedals. The waffles capture any teeth or knobs on the pedals for a really secure connection.
09-15-15, 03:40 PM
#33
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I think his "old school" reference is completely valid. I think he's referring to the early-to-mid-1970s when the first bicycle boom occurred. I used to ride primarily in Central Park, NYC, which is where everybody who was anybody rode back then, and you could go all day and MAYBE see one or two guys in cycling jerseys and shorts. They were considered racers, and they were rare, maybe 1% of the cycling population. A little larger percentage used tightened toe clips, maybe 10% I guess compared to loosely worn toe clips, because they heard that was the way to wear them, not because they necessarily found them efficient.
I did not mean to offend the fans of clips and clipless technologies, I just don't feel that the advantages for me justify the risks at my current level of cycling experience. I have enough trouble remembering to downshift at stops, let alone remove my feet from clips on my pedals before I fall over. You'd be surprised how hard it is to regain your balance on a bike after 25 years without using one and the arthritis in my neck doesn't help.
The flat pedals I have are mountain bike pedals which have cleats on them, the sketchers I picked have relatively flat soles but with texture, so I do get some push and pull at the top and bottom if I attempt to apply it.
Laces are not a deal breaker as long as they are controlled from getting loose and working into the chain.
Thanks for the suggestions such as the Shimano shoes that can later be converted to clipless. I will look for them at my LBS.
I will check out all the other brands mentioned in the thread as well. Thanks all!
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09-15-15, 05:43 PM
#34
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I didn't realize I was supposed to change my shoes every time I got a flat tire....
...or is this thread about riding in Florida?
...or is this thread about riding in Florida?
09-15-15, 05:53 PM
#35
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09-15-15, 05:53 PM
#36
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09-15-15, 05:56 PM
#37
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09-15-15, 05:59 PM
#38
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I'm an old school newbie and I have no desire to use clips of any sort on my pedals. I've read that even the pros don't pull up most of the time they just are much better at easing up the pressure on the up stroke and applying it on the down stroke.
Anyway I'm a flats guy. I found some pairs of "Sketchers" that are incredibly light and comfortable and don't have laces.
What kind of shoes do you other flats people use?
Anyway I'm a flats guy. I found some pairs of "Sketchers" that are incredibly light and comfortable and don't have laces.
What kind of shoes do you other flats people use?
09-15-15, 06:09 PM
#39
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I wear bike shoes without cleats on platforms. I need a stiff sole or I can't overcome a tendency to bend a bit at the toes. Among my regular footwear, only the Birks have stiff enough soles. (I wear them riding at the beach.)
09-15-15, 06:30 PM
#40
Farmer tan
I actually brought some really light flip flops in a pocket on a remote solo ride in the mountains just in case I had to walk out.
09-15-15, 08:28 PM
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Chrome Kursk:
Kursk Bike Sneaker All Black | Urban Bike Sneaker | Chrome Industries
Most "normal" looking shoe that's designed for biking and fits my foot. Has good grip on pedals. Biggest drawback is trying to find genuinely flat pedals - so many of the high quality "flat" pedals are concave. Supposedly they're more comfortable, I have a nice pair but have not been a fan, and trying to decide what genuinely flat pedal to buy.
Kursk Bike Sneaker All Black | Urban Bike Sneaker | Chrome Industries
Most "normal" looking shoe that's designed for biking and fits my foot. Has good grip on pedals. Biggest drawback is trying to find genuinely flat pedals - so many of the high quality "flat" pedals are concave. Supposedly they're more comfortable, I have a nice pair but have not been a fan, and trying to decide what genuinely flat pedal to buy.
Last edited by PaulRivers; 09-15-15 at 08:31 PM.
09-15-15, 08:41 PM
#43
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1) old school is not Sketchers on flat pedals; old school is toe clips, straps, and cleats nailed in the sole of your cycling shoes.
2) As afore mentioned clipless is about more than pulling up. A good pedal stroke pulls back at the bottom and pushes over at the top. You can't effectively do that with flat pedals. ( as I recently reminded myself on a rental bike with flat pedals)
So go ahead and ride flat pedals with sketchers if that's your preference. But realize, one you'll at best be "hipster ironic" not "old school", and that you are giving up some efficiency.
2) As afore mentioned clipless is about more than pulling up. A good pedal stroke pulls back at the bottom and pushes over at the top. You can't effectively do that with flat pedals. ( as I recently reminded myself on a rental bike with flat pedals)
So go ahead and ride flat pedals with sketchers if that's your preference. But realize, one you'll at best be "hipster ironic" not "old school", and that you are giving up some efficiency.
1980s Marresi Cycling Shoes 2 with Cleats Size 45 | eBay
09-15-15, 08:53 PM
#44
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09-15-15, 08:57 PM
#45
- Soli Deo Gloria -
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OP said he didn't like laces, doesn't want sneakers. He wants flats.
Pigeon - DZRshoes
$95 list.
I still think it is a good idea to get shoes that have cleats as an option. Doesn't mean he has to use them but it's nice to be able to go that route in the future. To each his own.
Pigeon - DZRshoes
$95 list.
I still think it is a good idea to get shoes that have cleats as an option. Doesn't mean he has to use them but it's nice to be able to go that route in the future. To each his own.
09-15-15, 10:55 PM
#46
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09-16-15, 02:02 AM
#47
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maybe martial arts/ free running shoes could be good with flats - they're super grippy. I tried some Onitsuka Tigers on today to maybe take bike touring (with cages & straps) and they were very comfortable, but pricey. Cheap is
[h=1]Tiger Claw Feiyue[/h]
Amazon.com : Tiger Claw Feiyue Shoes (28 Child 13) : Boxing And Martial Arts Foot Gear : Sports & Outdoors
awesome shoes.
[h=1]Tiger Claw Feiyue[/h]
Amazon.com : Tiger Claw Feiyue Shoes (28 Child 13) : Boxing And Martial Arts Foot Gear : Sports & Outdoors
awesome shoes.
09-16-15, 05:45 AM
#48
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I've a good friend who runs the same setup on his Specialized Roubaix. He put flat bars on it too.
09-16-15, 06:33 AM
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I don't know if you will be using straps or not. But if you are going with straps, make sure the shoes don't have any notches/grooves running vertically up the side of the sole. The strap will snag on the notches in a quick attempt to free the shoe/foot from the pedal if the strap is tight.
09-16-15, 09:55 AM
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I tend to use New Balance cross training tennis shoes. They have a stiffer sole than normal running shoes which works fairly well for flats.