Are bike shoes really necessary?
#101
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Pretty sure I get a lot more out of it than "the average eight-year old".
Doubt said 8-year old would have done the Cabot Trail on a fatbike either. I wonder if this mythical 8 year old - or you - would like to do the Gran Fondo here this year with me. I'll be easy to spot as I will be the guy on the fatbike with a smile wider than the tires.
I've ridden with and without cycling clothing and shoes - having done both there is a reason I choose to do so.
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#102
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#103
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I think there is a cycling shoe debate because the cycling industry has told people who ride platform pedals that they don’t need cycling shoes.
For the most part, (there are a couple of exceptions), no one in the industry makes non-clipless cycling shoes.
If the majority of the people in the world ride bikes without clipless pedals, just a guess, then it is no wonder that there is a debate.
I personally think there is a huge gap that could be filled by offering a well supported platform cycling shoe, but obviously the industry, and most riders who use platform pedals, disagree.
John
For the most part, (there are a couple of exceptions), no one in the industry makes non-clipless cycling shoes.
If the majority of the people in the world ride bikes without clipless pedals, just a guess, then it is no wonder that there is a debate.
I personally think there is a huge gap that could be filled by offering a well supported platform cycling shoe, but obviously the industry, and most riders who use platform pedals, disagree.
John
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yep. 90% of the time i’m riding in my street shoes or clipless road shoes, but i have a pair of FiveTens for more serious off road riding. i do wish they didn’t weigh 5,000,000 lbs each though. or at least it feels like they do!
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FiveTen Freerider Pros = 400 g each
Fizik Infinito Carbon = 335 g each (with cleats)
So just 130 g a pair heavier.
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Bont, Shimano, Giro, Specialized, MTB/Road/Gravel
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John
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i am curious how you know that those people aren’t getting “more” out of cycling than a rider who has a casual attitude towards their gear, 8 year old or otherwise?
i don’t really get the BF self-righteousness about *not* using some random piece of gear. it’s just as bad as being self righteous and smug because you *do* have a bunch of expensive stuff.
i don’t really get the BF self-righteousness about *not* using some random piece of gear. it’s just as bad as being self righteous and smug because you *do* have a bunch of expensive stuff.
I hate to get all "both sides", but this is dead on. They're both equally tiresome and obnoxious.
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If I was riding casually around town I would just get a pair of FiveTen Sleuths and call it a day. Actually I wear this kind of shoe off bike too. Basically a bike optimised casual trainer/sneaker.
#110
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wow! i'll have to weigh mine when i get home, but supposedly the road shoes i've been using (s-works exos) only weigh ±150g, so maybe ±200g with cleats. that could explain why the 510s feel like they weigh more than twice as much, because they do!! add to that the heavier platform pedals and it feels very different.
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There are quite a few, Bontrager, Specilized, FiveTen, Shimano, Ride Concept, there are probably more but many most of these only have one model in their cycling arsenal for flat pedals, where as FiveTen has many models.
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It doesn’t apply to me since I use touring road shoes on my road bike. I’ve been using hiking shoes on my mtb’s and for short neighborhood rides.
And, I was able to pick up some NOS Specialized suede flat touring shoes from the 80’s for an occasional 20+ mile ride with platforms. But I think I might pick up some FiveTens one day for a little bigger toe box.
John
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wow! i'll have to weigh mine when i get home, but supposedly the road shoes i've been using (s-works exos) only weigh ±150g, so maybe ±200g with cleats. that could explain why the 510s feel like they weigh more than twice as much, because they do!! add to that the heavier platform pedals and it feels very different.
My FiveTens do feel subjectively heavier, but really I think it's just that they are much more bulky than the road shoes.
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I suppose no, I've been riding a bike for 6 years , and using the usual light sneakers, I think it's enough for cycling, but if you want to spend some money, why not?
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#122
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Now, for the person who rides on the MUP at 10 mph, cycling shoes are overkill.
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fiveTens + stamp1 pedals: 431g + 166g = 597g
exos and speedplay cleats + speedplay pedals: 258g + 84g = 342g
pretty big difference of 255g per side, explains why it feels different. just the shoes and cleats are 346g heavier per pair. the fiveTens are definitely not quite as heavy as i thought, nor are the s-works exos as light as claimed (or the speedplay cleats are much heavier!)
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I have size 12 feet, they used to be 4E but I lost a couple of pounds (about 15) the toe box feels roomier, so I may not be a 4E any more.
But I was only 6’-3” in my heyday, I’m shorter now. I don’t think that is susquach size unless I am a short squat one.
But I was only 6’-3” in my heyday, I’m shorter now. I don’t think that is susquach size unless I am a short squat one.
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