New Rider Needs Help!!

**midgetcycler** · 09-26-2006, 10:33 AM

Originally Posted by texascyclist

Hi Jobob....

As of right now I have not been able to afford the clipless pedals and cycling shoes, so unforntunatly I'm riding in my tennis shoes. I have heard that is not a good thing and maybe that is what lead to the IT band. Any suggestions on shoes that may be better for me but yet not so expensive?

I would suggest watching ebay for shoes and pedals. You can find some pretty good deals. Do some research on the types of pedals you are interested in, find out what kinds of shoes go with that kind of pedal, and then start shopping!

I purchased a used set of SPD-M505 pedals for $30 including shipping, and I got my shoes for $16 including shipping (99 cents plus $15 shipping! I still love that one!) I have a road bike but I chose to go with mountain bike pedals and shoes so I don't bust my butt in the convenient store (mtn bike shoes have traction on the bottom).

**DDH** · 09-26-2006, 10:41 AM

Hey Texas, I ride in tennis shoes too, it doesn't bother my knees, it makes my feet numb. I was hoping to get some shoes before this ride coming up, but doesn't look like that will happen.
I think the knee pain could be your seat, I get pains in the tops of my knees when my seat is to low. Like I said though, I am not an expert by any means so wait for the other girls.
We should meet up for the ride, take pictures and have some fun. I don't get in a hurry though. Like I said, I am afraid I may have bitten off more than I can chew saying i'd ride 50 but I am going to give it a go.

**BleeckerSt_Girl** · 09-26-2006, 11:03 AM

I ride always in good Merrill running shoes with no foot problems or knee problems at all. Good running shoes can be very comfortable for biking- just don't ones that are too thin and flexible.
I did have some knee pain when my seat was set too low. They went away when I raised my seat until my leg was "almost" straight when my pedal/foot was at the lowest point.

65 miles- that a LONG ride!!

**Bad JuJu** · 09-26-2006, 11:20 AM

For those who don't want to invest in clipless pedals and shoes just yet, but are having some foot problems from riding in tennis or running shoes, you might try what used to be called a touring shoe: a cycling shoe with a stiffener in the sole. Not only does this help somewhat with numb feet, but the stiffener also helps transfer more of the pedaling work you do directly to the pedal--therefore, you cycle a little faster/better without working harder--can't argue with that!

These shoes go by various names, but are often identified as low-level mtb shoes, and are usually less expensive than high-quality, or even medium quality, road shoes. Another plus is that you can use them with toeclips or no clips for now, then add cleats to the bottom later when you're ready to move to clipless. I wear Diadoras, on sale right now at Performance:
Diadora Caymano

But there are lots of other brands, styles.

**SouthernBelle** · 09-26-2006, 12:11 PM

That is a great price on that Diadora. Almost makes me wish I needed shoes.

**RoadRaven** · 09-26-2006, 12:19 PM

**jobob** · 09-26-2006, 02:53 PM

Hi texascyclist -

I didn't mean to imply that you should be using clipless pedals, I was only asking if you used them because, in my particular situation, adjusting the angle of the cleat solved my problem.

Since you don't use clipless pedals, then my problem/solution won't apply to you. Sorrry 'bout that.

best of luck, - Jo.

**Kano** · 09-26-2006, 03:35 PM

I don't know if this is feasible or not -- I bought the shoes long before the pedals. It made a huge difference to my feet to have the very firm footbed, though I still had some problems with numbness until I got the pedals!

Karen in Boise

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