shoes and racks

[GrassyRidge]

I'm noticing as a ride that my running shoes are too wide for my petals, the sole sticks out too far and my foot isn't close enough in when I pedal. I'm thinking about asking for some cycling shoes for Christmas, but have no idea where to start to figure out what I want. Right now I have platform pedals. They actually have a plastic piece and a strap that I think is supposed to be a pocket for my foot, but it doesn't work. I've taken the strap off and am actually using the bottom of the pedals until I can figure out how to take the plastic piece off :)

Any shoe suggestions?

Secondly, I am turning my old mountain bike into one to run errands with. I want to put a rack on the back and get some panniers to go grocery shopping with. In looking at racks I'm finding most are aluminum, which I like because it won't rust in FL. The majority of racks only hold up to 25 lbs, although I called my local bike show and they have one that goes up to 50. What works best for you guys?

Thanks!

[Tri Girl]

Every foot fits differently, so I think the best bet would be to go to a bike shop and try on a bunch of different brands of shoes to find which one fits you best. Try on womens, as well as mens shoes because you just never know how your foot will feel. Once you know what brand/kind is best for you- you can put it on your Christmas wish list. :D

As for racks, I guess it depends on how much you plan on carrying. Honestly, I have a Blackburn MTN 1. I have no idea how much it's rated to hold weight-wise. I have toured with it and carried groceries on it that are quite heavy and are heavier than it's probably rated for. I've used it for 3 years now and have not noticed one issue. I do know Blackburn racks have a lifetime warranty- if there is any problem with it you send it back and they send you a new one no questions asked. That's a pretty good deal IMO.

What kind of bikes do you have? :)

[GrassyRidge]

I have a 20 year old Giant mountain bike that is going to become my grocery shopper, this is the one I want to get a rack for. My other one is a Trek 7.6 fx WSD that I just bought for fun long-distance rides :)

[Biciclista]

take your bike into the shop and have them remove those things from your pedals, it's not safe. I suggest you buy an inexpensive pair of bike shoes first (well fitted hopefully) for you to get used to the idea. Later on, when you know what you want you can spend a bunch of money.
I bought a nice pair of bike shoes for about 40 dollars. they had a sole I could walk on and they were firm enough to protect my feet from the rigors of cycling.

ps in my humble opinion 25 pounds is a lot of groceries to carry on a bike. It would be enough for me!

[blackhillsbiker]

I have a Topeak rack on my commuter. I really like it. I especially like the rail/clip system for attaching bags & panniers. It is quick to put on and easy to get off if I don't want to leave it on my bike.

Deb

[moderncyclista]

Chrome bags makes some nice street shoes with a fiberglass insert to make the sole rigid enough for biking (so it doesn't flex over the pedals making your feet numb.) With a gnarly tread that grips the pedals and a small reflective strip on the heel. They look like Chucks but made functional for biking and a big plus to me, they don't look dopey like some cycling shoes.

They run about $70 - $100 dollars depending on the model but they are pure style. Get some of these and run toe clips.

[Geonz]

Turn that bike into a *real* grocery getter. http://www.globallyminded.com/Blog/files/page12_blog_entry89_1.jpg

Xtracycle (http://www.xtracycle.com)is doing an inventory reduction sale right now, by the way... (and you can get the extension; you don't have to get a whole bike). I don't own stock in 'em, just own one that let's me do without one of those car things most of the time.

[Melalvai]

I got a pair of Keen shoes from REI for that exact problem. I wanted the toe clip, but only on the right side, because I stop at every stop sign and stop light, and I like to be able to get my foot in the start position quickly. My running shoes are too wide and these Keen shoes were exactly right.

[featuretile]

I got a pair of Adidas athletic shoes that have a thin sole and a criss cross strap that closes with velcro. (No laces hanging down.) They actually look like cycling shoes without the clips. I do not know what sport the are for. I found them at Ross. They fit into my half toe clips perfectly because they are not as bulky as regular lace up running shoes. Works for me. I did not want to go clipless because I can't put up with the falls it takes to learn. I had a torn ACL and it took a couple of years to recover. Zen suggested the half toe clips, and they work great because they are easy to get out of. It took awhile to get the knack for getting the second one on. That's all.

[moderncyclista]

Word. Good further ideas on shoes ladies.

What I like about the Chrome shoes is they have a "lace gutter" for tucking your shoe laces, fiberglass shank, and heel crash pad.

I know it sounds like I've joined a cult, but they make quality stuff. :o My messenger bag has been totally valuable in ways I can't describe.

Panniers are good too. You can find some quality stuff on Amazon that isn't too expensive. I'd love to get a pair of Ortliebs but they are crazy expensive (well, to me.) Velo Orange has nice bags but they are also, kinda pricey. Which often means quality, but isn't for everyone. ;)

[Zen]

I got a pair of Adidas athletic shoes that have a thin sole and a criss cross strap that closes with velcro. (No laces hanging down.) They actually look like cycling shoes without the clips.

That reminds me of these Skechers (http://www.skechers.com/shoes-and-clothing/brands/skechers_bikers/product/bikers_-_kingdom_w/blk)

[GrassyRidge]

Hmmm, you've given me a lot of ideas. Right now I'm wearing a pair of keen shoes that I actually bought for work. They fit well with the bike, so they are now dual purpose! I've been looking at bike shoes but am not sure whether I want to go clipless or not. Decisions, decisions! Thanks for all the input!

[sarahspins]

Right now I'm wearing a pair of keen shoes that I actually bought for work. They fit well with the bike, so they are now dual purpose!

I'm sure people will laugh at me, but until I went clipless I wore a pair of Teva sandals! They were at least closed toe though (more Keen-like), not the two strap style most people associate with Teva's :)

It worked fine.. but I'm glad I moved on to clipless and real shoes.