Clipless pedals and knee issues

[aicabsolut]

I like my Looks, though cleat wear is a bit of an issue. Shimano SPD-SL road cleats wear a little slower. The systems are similar, though Look offers more float options (fixed, 4.5%, or 9%) (Shimano's float is something like 6% or fixed). A lot of people like Speedplays b/c they are 2-sided. But the cleats require even more care, and you should use cleat covers if you are going to walk in them at all, especially in the dirt.

[Zen]

If you decide to go Crank Bros. I've got a brand new still shrink wrapped pair of Smarties for $25 shipping included

[Miranda]

You might find one thing works ok to start with, but not for the long haul...

To start with, I had mtb shoes from spin class, Shimano mtb ds pedals, and multi-release cleat SH56.

Once my rides got longer, I had problems with numbness in my feet and other issues. The mtb cleat / pedal is a small contact point that will be centered on the ball of your foot. Shoes that flex, due to being made to walk in, will also do so in your pedal stroke. The longer you ride... more flexing is gonig on... less support = not good.

Now I use a Look Keo Elle (lowest release tension I felt comfy with & widest supportive platform) pedal w/a full carbon soled road shoe, Mavic Xena (stiffest most support shoe I could find that PROPERLY FIT my odd shaped foot). Foot problems = no more for me.

Walking... how often are you REALLY going to be walking in your "biking" shoes? Yes... "what if THIS, or THAT, etc".... but, statistically, how often does that happen? OK...

IF you are a city commuter, bike messenger... someone who is on and off the bike multiple times, then "yes"--non-road shoes are a better option. But, it also means your foot is more than likely not getting that solid contact time for steady road riding.

I saw a bike tourer guy pull up to a lbs once on route, the guy whipped out a flexy half folded pair of flip flops from his bag, changed shoes in a flash, and came on in the shop. Gives your feet a break too from being in the shoe.

I leave my crocs / flip flops (loosest non-binding airy shoes possible) on in the parking lot on group rides until the very last second. My road shoes sit next to my bici w/the car keys... last piece of gear I whip on is the shoes. Chuck the street shoes in the car... lock up, clip in, and ride off w/the group.

The only uncippling on the group ride is for stop lights if you don't know how to track stand... or dismount for a quick bathroom break is available (short distance walking)... back on the bike & to solid pedal & foot cotact.

If you went w/mtb shoes & pedals to start... you could always use them for indoor spin classes later (on bike only 1 hr or so of foot contact), truly mtb as xtrain... sell em, whatever, etc.

Ultimately you gotta be comfy w/the decision... but some more food for thought.

[Owlie]

Here's a question...are there road shoes that don't cost an arm and a leg?

[indigoiis]

E-bay!

Go try them at your lbs first.
Sometimes your lbs is having a sale.

[Jiffer]

I use Speedplay. They were easy to learn to use, both for me and a couple of my friends that I "sucked" into cycling. A previous post mentioned they have "float". In case you don't know what this means, it means you can move the heel of your foot in and out slightly. You are not locked into one specific place, which could potentially help with your knee issues.

On a side note, be very careful that your saddle is positioned properly, or you could have further knee problems.

[Owlie]

I use Speedplay. They were easy to learn to use, both for me and a couple of my friends that I "sucked" into cycling. A previous post mentioned they have "float". In case you don't know what this means, it means you can move the heel of your foot in and out slightly. You are not locked into one specific place, which could potentially help with your knee issues.

On a side note, be very careful that your saddle is positioned properly, or you could have further knee problems.

Thanks. I'll make sure to check that. Is it just me, or are women's shoes hard to find at bike shops? And what they do have are too small for me.