Pedal choice for short triathlon

[kiwi girl]

I am doing a very short (300 m swim, 10 km cycle, 3 km run) triathlon on Sunday (next week - its Monday already here in NZ). I am trying to decide whether to stick with my spds on my road bike, or to put on some toe clips/straps that I have lying around and cycle in my running shoes. It isn't a big deal since it is a social/fun event - but I was curious as to what people thought about the benefits of using clipless pedals compared to the extra time in transition with the extra change of shoes for triathlons with short cycle legs

[DeniseGoldberg]

I don't do triathlons, but to be honest I can't imagine that my feet would be happy riding even 10 km in my running shoes. I'd opt for cycling shoes for the cycling leg and deal with the time to change shoes for the run.

[SadieKate]

I wouldn't want to change pedals at this late date for risk of injury. If it is a fun/socal event a few extra seconds to change shoes isn't a big deal. For a serious tri, you'd have to change shoes anyway. You'd practice a faster transition. I'd just view this as part of that learning curve.

[Lise]

I agree with the comments above. If you're planning to do longer tri's in the future, you'll need the practice of shoe-changing in transition anyways. Have fun! Lise

[DirtDiva]

Is that the Special K (whatever it's called now)? It seems a shame they don't hold one out at Sumner anymore - much more scenic than QEII, although I guess the pool's warmer than the sea is first thing in the morning. Anyway, good luck!!!

[kiwi girl]

Gidday tlkiwi - yeah it is the event that used to be the Special K. Its now sponsered by She magazine. Special K are sponsering a duathlon series this summer, but the promoters have gone into recievership and the information flows about what is happening to the event aren't that great (kellogs have said it will go ahead but the first two events might have a date change)

[Geonz]

I'd stick to what I was accustomed to - I think you would lose anything you gained in the transition by having to adjust to something different, and you wouldn't be anything like as efficient. It doesn't take that long to change shoes, and it really shouldn't matter for a fun/social deal.
You would also be much more likely to FALL. Youre little tootsies are accustomed to doing a lovely routine at stops... now it's different.