Clinton1 Posted June 20, 2012 Posted June 20, 2012 (edited) OK, so I am considering getting me some MTB shoes and pedals. Constantly being told I NEED them has eventually made me think I should probably consider going the cleated route. So now I am looking for some and seem to be seeing a lot of Shimano's that look ok, both the pedals and the shoes. Some names being "thrown around": Shimano MT43 MTB Shoes R799.00 http://www.buycycle.co.za/images/thumbnails/10/120/Shimano_MT43_Shoes.jpg Shimano MTB M077 Shoe R829.00 http://www.buycycle.co.za/images/thumbnails/7/120/SH-M077.jpg Shimano XC50 MTB Shoes R1069.00 http://www.buycycle.co.za/images/thumbnails/11/120/Shimano_SHOE_MTB_XC50_SIZE_42.jpg Now I realise that it should be apparent that as I go up in price I will be improving... not sure in what though? Stiffness, quality, lightness? Is it worth getting the most expensive. The reason the cheapest ones appeal to me is that they appear easier to walk in if need be, before and after the ride, but then I can just take them off straight after. But I also don't want to see my ass if I do need to walk over rocks during a ride or to the car after a ride. By the same token I don't want shoes that are so flexible that I might as well just stay in my takkies. Any advice, hints, obvious flaws with the above? I have seen in other places people get pointed towards Specialized. I haven't seen any online but are they in the same price range for the same "specs". The pedals I am looking at are: Shimano Pedal M520 R325.00 http://www.buycycle.co.za/images/thumbnails/10/120/EPDM520L.jpg Shimano M530 MTB Pedals R329.00 http://www.buycycle.co.za/images/thumbnails/11/120/shimano-pd-530.jpg I am leaning towards the latter as I do on occasion hop on my bike with takkies on, or barefoot, to shoot to the shop or ride around the driveway with my little one on her bike. Any concerns or issues with these? Will all the above shoes, or other recommendations, be compatible with these? Any advice, flaming, discussions welcome Oh and while we are at it, any experiences with the Rudy Project Sterling helmet? Rudy Project Sterling R1,020.00 http://images.bidorbuy.co.za/user_images/059/1768059_101026153616_Sterling_MTB_-_Black_Red_Silver_Titanium_-_S-M_HL511931_L_HL511932.jpg Edited June 20, 2012 by Clint_ZA
Wipeout2 Posted June 20, 2012 Posted June 20, 2012 Just a tip, I bought a pair of really nice looking MTB LG (Louis Garneau), fitted great in the shop, but when I went for my first cycle in them my toes pushed up against the front. Tried tightening them, helped a bit but not much relief. My old Mr price shoes never had this problem. Just look out for this when getting your new shiny shoes
Joe_Cogs Posted June 20, 2012 Posted June 20, 2012 Just bought a pair of Bontrager shoes at Solomans today... R700 on special! Go!
PeterF Posted June 20, 2012 Posted June 20, 2012 I just upgraded from Olympic shoes to Shimano M162's from crc. The difference is unbelievable. The shimanos are just so comfortable, and walking with them is almost like wearing takkies, I can even drive with them on.
dirtrider Posted June 20, 2012 Posted June 20, 2012 Whatever you do stay away from the ratchets !!! MacedoRonaldo 1
Mojoman Posted June 20, 2012 Posted June 20, 2012 (edited) I have the Mt43 shoes and M520's. I do a lot of walking with (and sometimes without!) the bike and find the shoes quite comfortable.Quite stiff but still flexible enough to have a comfortable walk (I should know, had to walk a good few K's home last week!).The pedals are also easy to service and have given me no trouble. Edited June 20, 2012 by Mojoman
MTBcrazy Posted June 20, 2012 Posted June 20, 2012 http://www.thesportsbasement.co.za/cycling/browse/21-shoes?sef=hcThey should have a shoe for you - go try some on...I would go with the M520 pedal. you should get plastic platforms that clip in should you wish to ride with takkies
Clinton1 Posted June 20, 2012 Author Posted June 20, 2012 Eggbeaters!!! Thanks but that means little to someone who has just decided to consider cleats I have also heard that they are not the easiest to clip into and out of. As someone new to this that is something I would favour rather highly. Just a tip, I bought a pair of really nice looking MTB LG (Louis Garneau), fitted great in the shop, but when I went for my first cycle in them my toes pushed up against the front. Tried tightening them, helped a bit but not much relief. My old Mr price shoes never had this problem. Yeah, that is the problem with an online purchase. I would need to try them on in a shop. At the moment online shopping is giving me an idea but then I'll need to source in "real life". Went into a few shops today but you battle to find one that keeps the whole range like online shops. Just bought a pair of Bontrager shoes at Solomans today... R700 on special! Go! What/where is Solomans? If not online or Durban then no go I just upgraded from Olympic shoes to Shimano M162's from crc. The difference is unbelievable. The shimanos are just so comfortable, and walking with them is almost like wearing takkies, I can even drive with them on. I'll search online for those M162s. I'm using extremely comfortable Salomon's so the change will be huge.... Whatever you do stay away from the ratchets !!! As in those XC50s? They get great reviews online. What is the issue with rachets? I have the Mt43 shoes and M520's. I do a lot of walking with (and sometimes without!) the bike and find the shoes quite comfortable.Quite stiff but still flexible enough to have a comfortable walk (I should know, had to walk a good few K's home last week!).The pedals are also easy to service and have given me no trouble. I'll look for those shoes too. Thanks. Apparently the 520s and 530 pedals are the same expect for the extended platform on the latter. For similar price I may lean towards the latter.
dirtrider Posted June 20, 2012 Posted June 20, 2012 Rachets gets full of mud and stop working and then after a while just breaks .
Clinton1 Posted June 20, 2012 Author Posted June 20, 2012 http://www.thesports...21-shoes?sef=hcThey should have a shoe for you - go try some on...I would go with the M520 pedal. you should get plastic platforms that clip in should you wish to ride with takkies Thanks, I've had an eye on The Sports Basement already. Not the widest range of MTB shoes either. Marlene14 1
kosmonooit Posted June 20, 2012 Posted June 20, 2012 (edited) Yippee another recurring subject for us to say the same old, same old! Shimano SPD system is fine for most of us, try go with XTR., they are practically maintenance free. I got Shimano MTB MT42 shoes and these very nice Northwave Goretex recently from CRC http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Images/Models/Full/58523.jpg Edited June 20, 2012 by kosmonooit
Clinton1 Posted June 20, 2012 Author Posted June 20, 2012 (edited) Yippee another recurring subject for us to say the same old, same old! Or if you feel it is boring then you could always just skip along to the next thread....... I was rather specific with what I was considering. I hardly said "I want shows and pedals, please help" Shimano SPD system is fine for most of us, try go with XTR., they are practically maintenance free. I got Shimano MTB MT42 shoes and these very nice Northwave Goretex recently from CRC http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Images/Models/Full/58523.jpg Thank you. XTR is quite a jump in budget. I will look for those shoes locally as I am a little concerned about duties with CRC. I like the look of those and they look comfortable. Are the soles stiff enough to get the full benefit out of cleats? Thanks again for taking the time to respond. Edited June 20, 2012 by Clint_ZA
Danger Dassie Posted June 20, 2012 Posted June 20, 2012 Yeah, that is the problem with an online purchase. I would need to try them on in a shop. At the moment online shopping is giving me an idea but then I'll need to source in "real life". Went into a few shops today but you battle to find one that keeps the whole range like online shops. What is the issue with rachets? Maybe one of those reasons is people trying on stuff and ordering the same online after milking the shop's time and input. I think he may have meant ratchets like the old toe clip straps that come on bikes. Have to agree, they're horrible as you need to pull your foot out backwards to get out of them.If you go this route, consider a single strap across the pedal like this http://bicycling.about.com/od/equipmentreviews/fr/power_grips.htm Easy enough to make your own as well though.
Clinton1 Posted June 20, 2012 Author Posted June 20, 2012 I think he may have meant ratchets like the old toe clip straps that come on bikes. Have to agree, they're horrible as you need to pull your foot out backwards to get out of them.If you go this route, consider a single strap across the pedal like this http://bicycling.abo...power_grips.htm No, no, not interested in that at all. I presumed he was referring to shows with rachets like that last pair shown. Two velcro straps and one rachet at the top.
Wipeout2 Posted June 20, 2012 Posted June 20, 2012 Maybe one of those reasons is people trying on stuff and ordering the same online after milking the shop's time and input. I think he may have meant ratchets like the old toe clip straps that come on bikes. Have to agree, they're horrible as you need to pull your foot out backwards to get out of them.If you go this route, consider a single strap across the pedal like this http://bicycling.abo...power_grips.htm Easy enough to make your own as well though.Tried them on in cycle lab & bought them in cycle lab...not sure why it was assumed I bought them on line!?!
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