Cycling Shoes - does size matter?

Well, regarding shoe size, I think you already know the answer... heavily pounding and pulling yourself around the countryside with your feet bolted to pedals is bound to be very uncomfortable unless your shoes fit you just right.

It's hard enough to get the snugness factor to work for you even when the sizing is correct -- some shoes just won't feel right with certain pedals, certain feet, and so on; some makes and models just aren't shaped right for the next guy.

A comfy shoe is critical... I'd return them, if possible, or find some other way to replace them before going and properly trying out some new models and sizes.

Pedals are a bit of a crapshoot as well, but only because folks develop strong preferences for different styles and systems... Look is as good a make as any to start with. Personally, I'm a Speedplay fan. Their X3 model is excellent, and goes for around $90(USD). Good luck!

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by lokstah
Pedals are a bit of a crapshoot as well, but only because folks develop strong preferences for different styles and systems... Look is as good a make as any to start with. Personally, I'm a Speedplay fan. Their X3 model is excellent, and goes for around $90(USD). Good luck!

An expensive crapshoot, I might add.

Lokstah, how long have you been using Speedplays? Have you gone through more than one pair? I heard that the bearings wear out faster than with other types of pedals - any truth to that?

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Randybaker99
An expensive crapshoot, I might add.

How long have you been using Speedplay? Have you gone through more than one pair? I heard that the bearings wear out faster than with other types of pedals - any truth to that?

I started with a pair of X3s in December 2002, and have put lots and lots of miles on them with no issues... they've since been transfered to my fiancee's Allez and she's put a few hundred miles on them so far. Still good.

Began using a pair of Zero Stainless in Summer '03 and am still using those on my Giant.

Bought a pair of used and heavily raced Zero Ti pedals for my Klein a few months back, and they've been flawless so far as well.

Mileage on each? I dunno. Lots? Probably could be more...

Bottom line is, over several years, I've been using several pairs and they've all been cooperative with me. No overhauls required yet. Performance is fantastic, as far as I'm concerned!

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Randybaker99
An expensive crapshoot, I might add.

How long have you been using Speedplay? Have you gone through more than one pair? I heard that the bearings wear out faster than with other types of pedals - any truth to that?

I've got the Zero's on my new bike, and they are fine at 1900 miles now. Haven't heard of any problems with the bearings from guys with Speedplay's here.

But, looking at the pedals, the bearings must be tiny. I share your concern about the ultimate life. Wonder if they can be repacked like Look pedals....don't see any easy way to disassemble them.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Randybaker99
An expensive crapshoot, I might add.

How long have you been using Speedplay? Have you gone through more than one pair? I heard that the bearings wear out faster than with other types of pedals - any truth to that?

I've got the Zero's on my new bike, and they are fine at 1900 miles now. Haven't heard of any problems with the bearings from guys with Speedplay's here.

But, looking at the pedals, the bearings must be tiny. I share your concern about the ultimate life. Don't know if they can be cleaned and repacked like Look pedals...is it possible?

Keep in mind with cycling shoes, unlike your leather dress shoes, there is no break-in period; so they [U]must[/U] feel and fit good from the get-go. Even though they were marked down, I would have tried on other shoes/sizes on for a fit comparison. With your size other bargains may be had in £30-56 range. If your Shimanos feel comfortable, keep 'em. If your toes aren’t touching you should be ok. You can compensate slightly by locking your heel in.......tapping it on the floor before you tighten the straps (with a proper fit you shouldn’t have to do this).

i have been using hte same pair of speedplay pedals for three years and at over 28,000k they still spin smooth and problem free, they are the x2 model. you can regrease the pedals through a port under hte side cap. durability with speedplays i don;t think are an issue. the cleats will work perfectly for about 15,000k and will start needing ot be replaced after that. i'm on my second pair of cleats now but still on my first pair of pedals. I also use hte zero model onteh track with a single strap.

Also regarding Speedplay durability: they're fully rebuildable, from what I understand. The bearing assembly is a bit byzantine -- wouldn't want to screw around with needle bearings on my coffee table -- but they can be serviced by someone who knows what's up, if need be.

Reliability survey seems good, so far!

I've perused this forum for over 8 mos now and have heard nothing but positive remarks for Speedplays. Every rider I’ve talked to on the road loves them. Some initially don’t like the large amount of float which "feels like walking on ice" but quickly add this disappears after 1 or 2 weeks of riding. To reiterate, all models share a built-in grease port for easy bearing maintenance. Keep'em lubed and they'll go forever.

One thing I've noticed is, their Zero, X, and Frog series titanium spindle models have a rider weight limitation of 185lbs. Newbie M2Racer imposes the same limitation but two other heavyweights, Time and Look, don't with their beefier Ti axle models. Solution? Go with Speedplay's stainless or cro-moly version.

28,000km/17k miles, knee-saving float, dual-sided entry, lightweight. WOW!......definitely my next pedal.