I need new Pedals, Cleats and Shoes

[ivorygorgon]

I had a professional road bike fit in October. The fitter (a very well respected name in cycling) suggested I get new pedals, cleats and shoes. I really have been only just getting by with my MTB shoes so I am open to the new equipment and am hoping it will help with power and climbing.

The fitter recommended SPD-L pedals and the Yellow cleats. I am ok with both those recommendations. I need new shoes though and here is where I am getting stuck.

I am simply not going to pay $200 for a pair of shoes. So, any recommendations? I wear a 39 and am willing to pay maybe up to $125.00 if I have to, to get a reasonably good pair of shoes.

I am not a racer, I am not fast, I don't aspire to be fast. I don't have to shave every spare ounce off of every piece of equipment I own. I just aspire to get a bit better than I am now.

I am having the symptoms of a bit of plantar fascitis, and I think it is from my bike shoes. The symptoms started immediately after my first century in October.

Thanks for any recommendations.

[Chicken Little]

Check on SierraTradingPost.com, or brouse SteepandCheep.com. There have been some smoking deals in the last month. If you Facebook Sierra, you get another 20% off.

[indysteel]

Fit comes first. So, I would start by trying on as many road shoes--both in terms of styles and brands--as you can. See what fits you best, and then start scouring the web for the best deal you can find. I'm pretty sure most of the major brands make a lower priced model, but no shoe is a bargain if it doesn't fit you right. Keep in mind, too, that road shoes can last a long time if cared for properly. So, while $200 may seem like a lot of money, you can generally count on not having to replace them for a while.

[OakLeaf]

+1 on fit.

You should be able to get several different brands of nylon soled shoes for $125 retail, less than that if you shop at discounters or look for gently used shoes.

I seriously doubt that the difference in stiffness between nylon and carbon is enough to affect the health of your feet one way or the other.

What did your fitter have to say about your PF? Are you pedaling with your feet plantar flexed (toes pointed)?

[Catrin]

....
http://bontrager.com/model/07821

The black with aqua accents are nice looking too.

I have these shoes for when I do clip in on the bike - they are mountain bike shoes so one can walk in them more easily. They are worth the money, and I also use them for spinning class so they do "double duty". I like them quite a lot and am quite happy with them. I think this model has been out for some time, so if you find they do fit you then you should be able to find them online somewhere for a better price.

[ivorygorgon]

Thanks for the replies.

I didn't discuss the PF with the fitter because it didn't appear until after my fit. I attribute the PF to the century I did shortly after the fit.

Thanks for the recommendations, but I need shoes that are compatible or SPD-L. They take three holes.

What should I take into consideration besides fit? I think this is what I wanted to ask, really, but didn't quite get around to it.

[indysteel]

I have two pairs of SIDIs, neither of which are carbon soled, so for me, fit was the only thing (well, and price) that I cared about. There aren't too many other bells and whistles, at least not in my estimation, that are deal breakers or makers for me. I have a narrow heel, and SIDIs are the only shoe that works for me, although I wish the SIDI toe box was a little wider.

With fit, you want a shoe that doesn't slip, but isn't too tight either.

[OakLeaf]

I have a narrow heel, and SIDIs are the only shoe that works for me.

Spec' Torch shoes have two positions to the ratchet buckle, and they ship with it in the wider one. It might not be immediately obvious when you try them on. You just unscrew it and move it over to the next stop. Technically that adjusts for a low instep, but it helps with a narrow heel as well.

[oz rider]

What should I take into consideration besides fit? I think this is what I wanted to ask, really, but didn't quite get around to it.

Steve Hogg has a very good primer on shoes and pedals. Your fitter has already made the recommendation but there's some good bits about fit, with useful background so you can assess any that you get to try.

And +1 to road shoes lasting a long time. They're very hard to wear out so make sure you like them.

[nscrbug]

I love my Northwave Velvet S.B.S road shoes (3 hole). Infact, I love 'em so much...that I bought the exact pair in their MTB version for spin classes. Wide toe box, narrow heel, on-the-fly adjustable ratcheting closure system, carbon composite sole, and right around $100...everything I wanted in a road shoe. Worth a look, IMO.

I just found this pair on eBay (new in box) for $50 including shipping...GREAT price!

I use an SPD-L pedal (Shimano Ultegra R-670) with yellow cleats with my Northwaves and I have no complaints.