Quote Originally Posted by ReneeLynne
Wow, what great responses!!!!!!! Thank you so much to all of you.

OK, so as I'm continuing to assimilate all this information, here are a couple questions for clarification --

1. Do all road clipless systems come with non-recessed cleats, or do some of them have recessed cleats? In other words, to get the recessed cleats (which would seem to be good since I have a habit of riding my bike to Starbucks) do I have to get a mountain bike system?

2. Is it totally impossible or highly damaging to walk on the non-recessed cleats, or just a huge nuisance?

3. Everyone is saying to allow room in the shoes for foot swell, and I've noticed on the other boards that a lot of folks with clipless systems seem to have sore big toes . But how much room is the right amount? Should they feel totally loose all around, or just a bit too long, or too long and too wide?
Renee, the non-recessed/recessed cleat issue is partly a function of the pedal and partly a function of the shoe. I think most "road" systems, i.e., the pedal plus the shoe, are non-recessed. That would include Look, Speedplay, and Time pedals to name a few of the more popular systems. SPD pedals are used (I think) primarily with touring and mountain shoes that have recessed cleats. There's certainly nothing wrong with using those on a road bike. I know plenty of roadies who just find a recessed cleat easier to use, especially for touring. The bikes used for my gym's spinning class also have SPD pedals.

It's not impossible to walk in a non-recessed cleat, although I wouldn't recommend going too far in them. They're a little treacherous on kitchen floors and the like, but it helps if you remember to put the weight in your heels as you walk in them. There's also a product on the market called Kool Kovers that are plastic covers that slip over the cleats. They make them for both Look (and Look-style) and Keo cleats. They're available from a variety of online retailers and cost about $10-15. I bring them with me when I know I'm going to walk in my road shoes. Otherwise, I leave them at home.

As for swelling: The guy who sold me my SIDIs put me in a women's size 40. That's about a half-size bigger than what I wear in regular shoes. Even with that, they sometimes get a wee bit snug by the end of a long ride. I like the shoe though. They're light and easily adjustable with three velcro straps. My other pair of shoes were by Vittoria and were a men's size 39. They were a little big/wide for me but otherwise light and comfortable. I also think it helps to wearing cycling/running specific socks. They're generally thinner and more absorbant than regular athletic socks.

I hope that helps!

Kate