SPD Advice?

m-trax · Jan 3, 2009

When riding my feet tends to hurt in the centre, and someone suggested to me that I should try SPDs as it would help.

Except I know nothing about them.

Is it better just to get clipless pedals, or is it better to get the combined platform/clipless ones?

What shoes/pedals are best?

Budget wise I was thinking of around £50 for shoes and pedals. I figured this would get me something semi-decent?

Will I need to purchase some knee protectors until i get used to them?

Iwasgoodonce · Jan 3, 2009

Traditionally, Time pedals were always better for iffy knees.

daj · Jan 3, 2009

Always used time atac and got dodgy knees , Just got me mate onto them too .

He was away and clipping in quite happy within a ride

Tallpaul · Jan 3, 2009

What shoes do you currently ride in? It sounds to me like your soles are too soft/flexible. Some rigid soled shoes with a good insole may be all you need to cure your aching feet. However, SPD's offer more benefits than just comfort (but I do find their 'comfort' to be their greatest advantage as they keep my feet planted in the optimum position and the shoe/pedal combination is an inherently stable riding platform)

m-trax · Jan 3, 2009

I just use a pair of trainers.

Harryburgundy · Jan 3, 2009

Budget wise I was thinking of around £50 for shoes and pedals. I figured this would get me something semi-decent?

Thats a tight budget for both fella. Decent SPD shoes with a hard sole cost a bit...and as already suggested that may well be the problem.
I have some SPD pedals available..not new but good enough if you want to try before you commit?
Cheers
Carl
EDIT But I guess you would have to commit to shoes...doh...but if you want some pedals let me know...just pay postage

sinnett177 · Jan 3, 2009

Merlin do a good deal on SPDs with shoes:

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... goryId=136

cce · Jan 3, 2009

i got my SPD's and shoes in a merlin deal. possibly the most cost-effective way

Wold Ranger · Jan 3, 2009

Shoes

Just buy some bike specific flatties, these have a rigid sole, I used to use SPD's for years, but I think they encourage sloppy technique and it's a real pain if you want to just jump on to scoot down to the shops, or do any walking about during the ride. My local trails where I used to live were more rolling and trails, spd's worked well, but locally its all tight twisty technical stuff and clips are a big no no.

Andy B · Jan 3, 2009

you'd be surprised at what £50 can get you.

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... egoryId=80

Also Shimano SPD M520 are superb bargain pedals

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=18376

OK it's £54, but still good kit.

Loads of shoes cheap @ CRC, shoes do vary quite a bit in size, Shimano tend to come up narrow across the toebox & Northwave seemed a little small all over to me, Specialised do very good shoes (BG Sport are my fave shoes, but a tad pricey @£60)

SPD Advice?

m-trax

Iwasgoodonce

Old School Grand Master

daj

Tallpaul

m-trax

Harryburgundy

sinnett177

cce

Wold Ranger

Old School Grand Master

Andy B

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