I've been using my shimano shoes and 105 pedals for the last 12months and because I have a decent walk into work once I park the bike up I'm eating through cleats. I've been buying a set every month so I would like a more harder wearing set up. No I don't want trainers and mountain bike pedals. I forgot the abbreviation for it but I seen someone today with some very robust shoes and clip pedals. They looked like they would last me ages.??
Thanks for help.
Get some cleat covers for your shimano cleats or switch to a mountain bike spd setup.
Spd! That's it, thanks for that. I just need a decent pair of shoes and pedals now, any names?
Shimano make the best pedals IME. Even the basic PD-M520s last for ages and they're really cheap. Shoes - whichever ones fit your feet best.
Shoes are a personal thing, what fits one person won't fit the next, one of the few things it isn't worth buying via the interweb (unless you know the model and size is right for you). Go to your LBS and try a few on.
FWIW I've a pair of Shimano shoes for commuting/touring. No idea of model, fastens via three velcro straps.
Whichever Shimano pedals you can get your hands on cheap. M520 / 530 / 540, or A530 if you want to ride in normal shoes occasionally.
Any shoes you like. I like Shimano stuff and if you're happy with the fit of your Shimano road shoes then you're likely to like the MTB equivalent too. A pair of MW81s are ideal for this time of year if you're an all-weather commuter, then get something lighter when it gets warmer.
Yes I commute in all weather's and shimano will do.
Shoes I have found for 39.99 at wiggle.
Pedals?
Shimano MTB SPDs. Much better for walking in, much better for getting a quick start off the lights.
I wouldn't fancy walking like a constipated penguin past work colleagues either 🙂
Pedals?
If you're shopping at Wiggle, these:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-pd-m530-mtb-spd-trail-pedals/
My favoured combination has been Spesh BG carbon experts and PD A600 pedals. The stiff carbon soles great for use with the single sided SPD pedals which are light and look good on the bike. Shimano market them as Ultegra standard touring pedals.
Check out the specialized cadet shoes, recessed cleat and look like trainers for a less bike shoe look.for
high - Spesh/Sidi carbon-soled shoes and XT/A600 spuds
mid - Spesh/Shimano regular shoes and PDM540s
low - Shimano/DHB and M520s
Definitely Shimano pedals and whichever shoe suits your feet/budget.
See McConvey cycles for recent sale prices on Spesh shoes
For daily commute I would bin shimano and go for the cheapest time atac pedal, fit and forget nothing to adjust or to break.
520s are brilliant for commuting because they are cheap, indestructable and maintainable if you need to (but at that price they are practically a consumable)
whatever bargain shoes, remember that they are going to be massively abused because they will be worn daily in all kinds of crappy weather. Wash and replace the insoles.
I binned road pedals for the commute and I've never looked back. MTB SPDs are a whole world away in: walking properly, not replacing cleats all the time and less faff. A whole load cheaper too. In use the cheap trail pedals.
I use 105 pedals and NW Torpedo ahoes, when i get to work I take of my shoes and walk up to the office in flip flops.
http://www.rivbike.com/Articles.asp?ID=255
http://www.bikejames.com/strength-training/barefoot-pedaling-flat-pedals/
I used to use some Specialized shoes when I commuted for 4 or 5 years. Really good if your commute involves a bit of a walk. This is the current version:
http://m.specialized.com/gb/gb/ftr/shoes/recreational-fitness-shoes/cadet
Pair them up with some shimano m520 spd's and your good to go.