SPD Pedals.

[Jackleman]

Hi,

Sorry for the newbie question.

I had my mountain bike serviced yesterday, talking to the mechanic he said that given the mileage I am doing I should seriously consider SPD pedals and shoes which makes perfect sense. However I use my bike to cycle to and from various other places such as the pub and my local sailing club etc so I don't want to wear SPD shoes for this. If I am careful can I just wear normal shoes and cycle safely on these SPD pedals?

Thanks.

[hostyle]

Depends on the type of SPD pedals. Some are pretty small and not good for riding without SPD specific shoes. But... there are pedals wich have a SPD clip on one side and a non SPD face on the other side. Those would be your best bet if you want to use the bike for both types of use.

[Pupp]

I've used my beer scooter bike, with out and out spuds, times to get home in normal foorwear. It's not ideal but it's quite do-able over 10 or so miles of reasonably rolling terrain. There are pedals with conventional platform surrounding the mechanism but they look a horrible compromise to me.

[Matt106]

You can get SPD pedals which are clips on one side and a normal pedal on the other, this would solve both your problems

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...

[anonymous-user]

no, you can not wear normal shoes on spds, there is nothing to get purchase on, you will slip and fall off.

some mtb pedals have the cleat recessed into the pedal so the foot sits on the pedal and gives more support. i havent owned a pair but they loook like this http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Shimano_M545_Fre...

dont be tempted with single sided spds, they are st.

[Uriel]

Surely the correct answer is a dedicated biking bike with SPDs and a general run about with flats.

Never pass up the opportunity to add another bike to the stable...

[Matt106]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

I use the Vans warner shoes and the cleats stick out the sole a tiny bit so not ideal for down the pub. However they do look casual enough for everyday use.

[Jackleman]

Thanks for the advice chaps, mixed views here then. My current commute to the boozing hut is 2 miles each way on the flat. Hmm, perhaps I will have to try them first before I buy.

[ewenm]

Just get a set of trainer-esque SPD shoes. They aren't quite as stiff as the full-on shoes but you can easily walk in them, they don't look ridiculous and still offer a significant improvement over trainers.

Something like this (although there are loads to choose from depending what style you like):

[Mr E]

Jackleman said:

Thanks for the advice chaps, mixed views here then. My current commute to the boozing hut is 2 miles each way on the flat. Hmm, perhaps I will have to try them first before I buy.

Fifty quid second hand bike should sort that out. And you won't care if it's nicked.

(from a man who rides a full suspension play bike about 2 miles to work - in spd

[Jackleman]

Mr E said:

Jackleman said:

Thanks for the advice chaps, mixed views here then. My current commute to the boozing hut is 2 miles each way on the flat. Hmm, perhaps I will have to try them first before I buy.

Fifty quid second hand bike should sort that out. And you won't care if it's nicked.

(from a man who rides a full suspension play bike about 2 miles to work - in spd

That was my initial solution, but I am moving to a place with even less space than I do now, no garage!! :-( so I think any new toys are off the radar at the moment.

[Jackleman]

ewenm said:

Just get a set of trainer-esque SPD shoes. They aren't quite as stiff as the full-on shoes but you can easily walk in them, they don't look ridiculous and still offer a significant improvement over trainers.

Something like this (although there are loads to choose from depending what style you like):

This would work if I just went to the boozer, but I cycle to my sailing club so these won't work on boats I doubt!

[ewenm]

Jackleman said:

ewenm said:

Just get a set of trainer-esque SPD shoes. They aren't quite as stiff as the full-on shoes but you can easily walk in them, they don't look ridiculous and still offer a significant improvement over trainers.

Something like this (although there are loads to choose from depending what style you like):

This would work if I just went to the boozer, but I cycle to my sailing club so these won't work on boats I doubt!

Well, yes. I suspect the market for SPD sailing shoes is rather small. Similarly, I haven't found any SPD running spikes... The SPD pedals with a cage round them are probably your best bet in that case.

[Mr E]

Jackleman said:

This would work if I just went to the boozer, but I cycle to my sailing club so these won't work on boats I doubt!

My solution is a backpack and a change of shoes.

[BOR]

1.I've cycled about 20km on SPDs wearing slippers,(Don't ask), so it is possible, though not ideal.

2.On my commuter slut, I use a single-sided SPD (Shimano M324 or something) and they are OK.

[itsnotarace]

Jackleman said:

This would work if I just went to the boozer, but I cycle to my sailing club so these won't work on boats I doubt!

Sounds like you're trying to talk yourself out of SPD's altogether to me.

[Raven Flyer]

I am the same as the OP and am either screaming down single tracks or am having a leisurely pedal down to the pub/shops/office. I use Shimano M324 and have done for about 6 or 7 years.

I've got some M540s that will go on for winter, when I am unlikely to use my bike for local road travel. Then next spring the 324s go back on.

[Jackleman]

itsnotarace said:

Jackleman said:

This would work if I just went to the boozer, but I cycle to my sailing club so these won't work on boats I doubt!

Sounds like you're trying to talk yourself out of SPD's altogether to me.

Not really, I can see the benefits of them for cycling seriously, but I don't want to be lugging another pair of shoes around me every weekend when I head out, especially in the summer. Not so fussed in the winter as I would have a back with waterproofs in.

[ewenm]

A pair of caged clipless pedals would seem to be the solution then. Can use them with normal shoes/trainers and SPD shoes.

[Mr Will]

I have a set of these:
Shimano A530

Haven't got any SPD shoes yet, so can't comment on that side of things, but the flat side works fine!