Shoes and pedals for new riders

[Lister Farrar]

(reference for suggestions made this am) I recommend mountain bike shoes and the road version of mountain bike pedals for newer riders, and just about anyone except really serious road racers.

The shoes allow easier walking, the pedals are about 95% as firm an attachment as road, and they're easier to get in and out of. They're also more suitable for cyclocross, touring and commuting, so you'll alwasy be able to use them if you upgrade later to a road race system.

Here's an inexpensive example, but the local bike shops also have similar shoes. There are versions that look more like walking shoes, but they're heavier, softer, and looser, and won't feel as positive in the performance riding we do. http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_deta ... 6010428021
Versions with buckles are better, but cost more.

Here's the road version of the mtb pedal system I recommend.
http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http ... nQeh46i9DQ

[jeremy]

I've been using SPD pedals for years now, never any problems. Is there that much of a difference is I were to switch to lets say a look cleat/pedal??

[Lister Farrar]

I don't think you'll notice much difference Jeremy. I only use Looks because I've had them since before there were decent spd shoes and pedals.

I noticed this former Giro winner uses them on his road bikes now. Good enough for him...

http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/road/200 ... sten_may08

[BryanS]

Jeremy, I found a website with really good prices on pedals also if you're interested
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Cate ... goryID=682

-BryanS

[Quentin]

Here's an inexpensive example, but the local bike shops also have similar shoes. http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_deta ... 6010428021

I have those exact shoes and I've ridden in them for 4 years! That was the best $70 I ever spent on cycling equipment!

[Rolf]

I have those exact shoes and I've ridden in them for 4 years! That was the best $70 I ever spent on cycling equipment!

How quickly do they dry, Quentin? I'm looking for new shoes and I need some that will dry over a work-day.

[Quentin]

Rolf: I'd say they dry quite well, but I've never ridden them in pouring rain to work and seen if they're dry by the end of the day. I have ridden them in many triathlons and one cross race and never had any problems.