Changing pedal/cleats system

[Grog]

Dear Wise TE Women,

I want to change my current bike shoes (touring shoes - shoes I can walk in for quite a bit) for more rigid, racy ones. I currently have regular SPD pedals and cleats. I am not totally certain that I want to change them, and buying both an excellent pair of shoes _and_ new pedals seem a bit of an investment right now. So is it possible to first put SPD cleats on my new shoes and eventually change to, say, Look Keo cleats? Or Candy cleats? Without damaging the carbon sole? I've never taken the time to inspect other people's cleats so I am not sure about how this would work.

Thanks for your help!

[Veronica]

The shoes should say if they are SPD compatible. Check the manufacturer's website.

V.

[runnergirl]

Look at the sole of the shoe, if there are holes side by side, then SPDs will work. Almost all shoes can take SPD cleats. The only caution with carbon soles is the potential to overtighten the cleat and damage the carbon. I don't have the strength to overtighten stuff, but it can be done. Otherwise the carbon is pretty tough.

[Grog]

Thanks girls!

I'll keep you posted on the new shoes!

[SadieKate]

To my knowledge, most touring shoes are like mtb shoes in that they have lugged soles. They will probably be SPD/Candy compatible but not Look cleat compatible. I think any shoe that is Look compatible will be SPD compatible but you may need an adapter. The manufacturer's website or your LBS will know. I believe the Crank Bros road version of the Eggbeaters also needs a larger space like the looks to mount the cleat but you should check.

[Nanci]

I have SPD (the little MTB kind) cleats on my Sidi road shoes. The shoes had the holes for them, and everything works well, but they are SLIPPERY getting clipped in. I don't make a move until my feet are secure- not like MTB soles where you can step on the pedal and be ok until you get things worked out. I ended up buying a pair of Sidi MTB shoes because I liked the road shoes so much, and they are now my favs.

There's a kind of road cleat also called SPD, though, and it is NOT the same as the MTB SPD's. So be careful you don't get shoes that are meant for road SPD. (If you look at shimano cleats, you will see what I mean.)

Nanci