what shoe/pedal combination?

[CR400]

I use Speedplay X's. I do like the float but I have noticed that over time I do not hardly even notice it any more. My feet for the most part stay in a set position. I do however, like it when I go to climb hills and need to change my foot position slightly.

Pros
Float 15 degrees or less depending on the series
dual sided entry, There have been times I can't clip in on one side but the other works.
Great cornering, you can lean your bike over really far around curves.
Easy exit.
Get good quality even out of the $115 ones.

Cons
I have accidently unclipped twice while riding, good thing I was seated
Can be nearly impossible to clip into if the cleat is not lubed regularly or you get rocks in the springs.

[rabidgirl]

Thanks all for your replies. I picked up the Speedplay Zeros. I have been fumbling with clipping in & out, but have been mostly doing well. I have a big ride next week so will have a bit more to tell. The biggest thing right now is that the outside of my left foot has been experiencing unusual pain... not numbness. Maybe a hotspot? I guess I'll be moving the cleats around to make that stop.

[Starfish]

Hoping we can revive this thread for a bit. I am now looking at new shoes and pedals, and I have appreciated all the posts on this thread.

I have tried on the Specialized Women's Carbon Pro shoes, and I am in love. They feel amazing.

How is it for those of you who have road racing style shoes, when you go out for a century or longer? My LBS guy was questioning whether I would want pure road shoes if I was getting off my bike for food or restroom breaks all day. I have to admit I wondered about this myself.

Is it REALLY hard to walk in them for the kinds of breaks one takes while doing the long rides? Does putting the little protective cover thingies on them help you walk, or does it just protect the cleat?

I LOVE how those shoes feel in the store. I am hoping they could work for 12-14 hour organized rides...or even longer...like doubles.

Thanks!

[OakLeaf]

Is it REALLY hard to walk in them for the kinds of breaks one takes while doing the long rides? Does putting the little protective cover thingies on them help you walk, or does it just protect the cleat?

It's not an issue IMO. I don't know why your LBS guy thinks it would be.

Right now I'm wearing the Specialized Torch shoes, which have the little rubber baby buggy bumpers on the heels and toes for easier walking. But last year I revived my ancient Duegi race shoes for all-around riding. In their previous life, besides racing, those shoes rode six TOSRVs and any number of organized and non-organized centuries. You have to be careful on hard, slippery surfaces - the first time I put those shoes on after a 12-year hiatus, I just about broke my *ss walking down some slate steps. But that's all. (What those shoes *did* do is turn my feet black every single time it rained for six years. )

I've never used those cleat covers, so somebody else can address that.