New Shoes

[BikingAt50]

Hello, I just found this community! I am so excited!! I have been cycling about six months. I am 50 years old and in the best shape of my life due to my bike! I ride 10 to 15 miles several times a week and 25 miles each weekend day. Last year, I couldn't make it down the block.

I was pleased to find a shoe sale this weekend and bought my first "real biking shopes". There is a place for two cleats / spike at the end of each shoe. I am still riding with traditional peddles. Can anyone tell me what these spikes/ cleats are for?

Looking forward to reading and learning from you all!

Biking At 50!

[Tess851]

the spots for cleats are, obviously, to put cleats on. What you need now are pedals that are suited to the shoes.

Stop in at a bike shop, take your new shoes with you, and maybe even your bike, and see if you can get them to fit the new pedals to the bike and the cleats to the shoes for you. It's important to get the cleats in the right position on the shoes so that when you're clipped in to the pedals your knees and feet are correctly aligned.

Happy riding :)

[BikingAt50]

Thanks. These cleats are in the box with a small tool. The screws are located at the toe of the shoe. They easily screw into the holes. I know they are not for the clipless peddles, since there is a place for those also.

Actually, I would love to take the shoes in and ask them to fit a new bike to them...hehe My problem...I have expensive taste and no $$$ to support it.

[SnappyPix]

Hi Bikingat50,

Welcome to the forum, and great news that cycling has become a passion - you're amongst good company!
I second Tess's advice about taking the bike and the shoes to your local bike store, and finding which pedal system you like best.
From your description, it sounds like the spike/screw at the top of the shoe is there to help you walk in the shoe. I had a pair of shimano shoes which had lugs which screw into the top end of the shoe. They make it easier to walk, as you don't get the "duck walk" effect, as the shoe curls up towards the front.
I haven't described this very well, but basically they're there to help you walk in the shoe, when off the bike.

[Adventure Girl]

http://www.performancebike.com/product_images/400/20_1740B.jpg
Does the bottom of your shoe look something like this?

The four holes about where the "ball" of your foot would be is for the cleat.

The two holes closer to the toe are for spikes. Some mountain bikers use spikes for better traction when walking (usually climbing up a hill).

I agree you should take your new shoes and your bike to your bike shop and get it all figured out. They can help you find the right cleats and pedals.

[BikingAt50]

Yes, they look like that. These were expensive shoes. I got them on clearance because there was only two of the style left. Lucky me, one was small and my size. The other was BIG! I just want to make sure I am utilizing the shoe as it is meant to be. Looks like I will go back to the bike shop again this weekend.

thanks for the responses --- love this site ! :)