Bike Shoes Question

In message <[email hidden]>, Teabag <[email hidden]> writes snip)

Quoted message said:

clicking every step.

sounds good

Quoted message said:

snip)

Quoted message said:

She disagrees and says that there is no harm done by wearing the shoes with the clips at all times.

They are not ideal for ballroom dancing or for walking on any other very delicate floor. Otherwise,
yes, she is right within reason. Doing lots of walking will wear the rubber down either side of the
cleat and it will then offer less support.

It is important to get the angle of the cleat correct for the user, then tighten up to the correct
torque given on the instructions sheet. Taking them on and off would not help maintain this quite
subtle adjustment of angle.

I put mine on straight and assuming the angular float between the cleat and pedal would prevent any
problems. After some knee trouble I have set them for some "toe out" and this is better for me.

I've been told you can get some idea of the correct angle by sitting on a table with your legs
hanging over the edge and seeing what angle your feet take up unrestrained. Sounds a bit too easy
but it could be a place to start..

Teabag said:

My question: We went to the mall on our bikes last week and she was clicking every step.

That is a function of the rubber "lugs" on the sole of the shoe. Deeper lugs, less contact between
floor and cleat.

Quoted message said:

My guess is that she is supposed to keep the rectangular section with her and change it out with
the clips when she intends to do walking,

No. That is supposed to be thrown away. Some road cleats (big ones, not the little Shimano spd ones)
have covers, which are a RPITA.

or only

Quoted message said:

wear the shoes for long, serious, bike tours. This way, the clips won't wear out by the constant
grinding on the concrete.

They cost less to replace than any other solution.

Quoted message said:

She disagrees and says that there is no harm done by wearing the shoes with the clips at
all times.

Well, if it's _your_ hardwood floor she is grinding on, maybe you would disagree, but usually the
clicks only occur on highly textured surfaces like concrete or gravel.

--

David L. Johnson

__o | I don't believe you, you've got the whole damn thing all wrong. _`\(,_ | He's not the kind
you have to wind-up on Sundays. --Ian (_)/ (_) | Anderson

Quoted message said:

My question: We went to the mall on our bikes last week and she was clicking every step.

Whether the metal pedal cleat hits the pavement when you walk depends to some degree on how high the
rubber sole cleats around it are. More often than not, yes, it hits and clicks.

Quoted message said:

My guess is that she is supposed to keep the rectangular section with her and change it out with
the clips when she intends to do walking,

No - the cleat does not come on and off every time.

Quoted message said:

wear the shoes for long, serious, bike tours. This way, the clips won't wear out by the constant
grinding on the concrete.

typical walking from bike parking into the store or to a car won't do much harm to the cleat. It
will last a good long time.

Regards Chris