SPD to SPD-SL for a rec rider
06-18-22, 02:29 PM
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SPD to SPD-SL for a rec rider
I've ridden SPD for years off road, currently have them on my fixed. Considering going to SL only to get better ventilation in the shoe. My current shoes are meant for off-road, so while they are great for store runs and such they don't breath at all. If i'm looking at new shoes anyway is there any tangible benefit for a recreational rider in going to a SL style pedal?
06-18-22, 02:59 PM
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Not really.They will impact your ability to walk to a certain degree.
06-18-22, 03:33 PM
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yeah that seems to go for both with a more road focused shoe, on the plus side you can get rubber covers for the SL cleats, I haven't seen them for regular SPDs yet,
06-18-22, 03:40 PM
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A lot of shoe manufacturers that make SPD-L shoes make the same exact shoe in SPD. Shimano comes to mind. Maybe look at the SPD shoes oriented more towards racing. I have Shimano XC-7 that are pretty light.
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06-18-22, 04:02 PM
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There are road shoes that have both bolt patterns on them, so you could even get one of those road shoes and ride them on your SPDs if you want.They are about as fun to walk in as regular road shoes, but the metal cleat (and the fact that you could use them on your fixie as is) is a bonus.
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06-18-22, 04:18 PM
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Why not just get a shoe with better ventilation? There are many shoes out there that come in both road and mountain models that use the same uppers with either a road sole or a mountain sole. Mountain bike shoes are necessarily less ventilated than road shoes and are a whole lot easier to walk in.
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06-18-22, 04:49 PM
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As cycco says, lots of spd shoes with good ventilation. I have both spd and spd-sl. While I like both styles, I have come to prefer the spd due to the fact that I get off the bike more than I used to, and steps are usually involved. I have the covers for the sl, though they work well, I either forget to take them, forget to put them on if I have them with me, and the main reason, convenience. I have a pair of the dual use shoes, but the using of spd cleats on shoes without the recessed area, does not work well for me. Another issue, if you try to use both types on the same bike, you have to adjust the saddle height every time the switch is made.
I like the road style spd shoes, like Giro Republic. Also, a couple of the Shimano spd shoes are more for road riding.
I like the road style spd shoes, like Giro Republic. Also, a couple of the Shimano spd shoes are more for road riding.
06-18-22, 05:07 PM
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As cycco says, lots of spd shoes with good ventilation. I have both spd and spd-sl. While I like both styles, I have come to prefer the spd due to the fact that I get off the bike more than I used to, and steps are usually involved. I have the covers for the sl, though they work well, I either forget to take them, forget to put them on if I have them with me, and the main reason, convenience. I have a pair of the dual use shoes, but the using of spd cleats on shoes without the recessed area, does not work well for me. Another issue, if you try to use both types on the same bike, you have to adjust the saddle height every time the switch is made.
I like the road style spd shoes, like Giro Republic. Also, a couple of the Shimano spd shoes are more for road riding.
I like the road style spd shoes, like Giro Republic. Also, a couple of the Shimano spd shoes are more for road riding.
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06-18-22, 07:49 PM
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I’ve got a Bontrager shoes running SPDs. Shimano a makes adapter spacers for walking.
06-19-22, 07:53 AM
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In the heat this time of year in Southern AZ quality SPD sandals, Keens and Shimano SD5, work well for all but the most vigorous rides.
06-19-22, 09:48 AM
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06-19-22, 10:02 AM
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That's why we use the Keen sandals, they have toe covers and are much like a mess shoe w/o the mesh.
https://www.rei.com/product/765247/k...e-sandals-mens
https://www.rei.com/product/765247/k...e-sandals-mens
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06-19-22, 04:26 PM
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Years ago, I was hitching in Yosemite. Guy picks me up and I noticed a huge wad of bandage on his foot. He was doing the hike/climb of Half Dome in sandals and slipped and ripped his entire big toenail off his toe. I still cringe thinking about it. Yeah, not for me, either.
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06-20-22, 11:30 PM
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Years ago, I was hitching in Yosemite. Guy picks me up and I noticed a huge wad of bandage on his foot. He was doing the hike/climb of Half Dome in sandals and slipped and ripped his entire big toenail off his toe. I still cringe thinking about it. Yeah, not for me, either.
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06-21-22, 08:02 PM
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As I said not for vigorous rides, you need to use judgement, and without a doubt the Half Dome is vigorous, from the park service "Today, thousands of people reach the summit. For most, it is an exciting, arduous hike; for a few, it becomes more of an adventure than they wanted. Indeed, park rangers assist hundreds of people on the Half Dome trail every summer. Most of these emergencies could have been prevented... read on to learn how."
