how important are shoes?
09-25-08, 11:59 PM
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how important are shoes?
Maybe a stupid question, but it is a first time and of course we all talk about which bike to get, and so. But how important are the shoes? I don't have special cycling shoes but always wear my runners. Yep, just a beginner. For a cyclocross race, investing in a good pair of shoes is important?
09-26-08, 12:13 AM
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I'm going to guess that you're probably fine with running shoes for your first race or 3 (or 5 even). Unless you're using toecages and straps, you won't have to worry about making sure your shoes are clipped in or not. 
Heck, you'll probably have an advantage over the rest of the new people since you'll actually be able to run easier too. 
Heck, you'll probably have an advantage over the rest of the new people since you'll actually be able to run easier too.
09-26-08, 05:11 AM
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Depending upon where you are located, I find that my hiking shoes offers better grip when the run-ups are muddy, rocky, & wet
09-26-08, 11:38 PM
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The shoe question is really part of the pedal question. When you're ready to take the next step up and go with a clipless pedal you'll need real bike shoes, until then run what you like.
09-27-08, 07:41 AM
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So then...it's okay to start out with plain old platform pedals. Good to know. I'm getting up the nerve to try this and I have a Cross-Check as my main bike. But it's set up as a commuter and I don't want to spend a lot of effort and $$ converting it over until I know whether I will like/survive the racing. Guess all I'll need is to replace the North Road bars with drops and take off the fenders and bottle cages.
09-28-08, 01:01 AM
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So then...it's okay to start out with plain old platform pedals. Good to know. I'm getting up the nerve to try this and I have a Cross-Check as my main bike. But it's set up as a commuter and I don't want to spend a lot of effort and $$ converting it over until I know whether I will like/survive the racing. Guess all I'll need is to replace the North Road bars with drops and take off the fenders and bottle cages.
09-28-08, 06:54 AM
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No reason to replace handlebars for a local series. For mountain bikes, if you have bar-end extensions you'll have to remove them, for safety reasons.
UCI-sanctioned races require drop bars, this applies only to international elite races. Even in events with UCI-sanctioned races (like Madcross over the weekend), the rule doesn't apply to the non-elite races.
UCI-sanctioned races require drop bars, this applies only to international elite races. Even in events with UCI-sanctioned races (like Madcross over the weekend), the rule doesn't apply to the non-elite races.
09-28-08, 03:01 PM
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I ran platform pedals all last year. I figured it made dismounts much easier. I am considering doing the same this year. I have Time Atac pedals on my roadie and shoes that I could use, but I've not put enough time into dismounts yet.
