Since getting back into cycling I really haven't gotten any cycling apparal... Believe it or not the shoes I was wearing was a pair of vans that I had... besides a pair of dress shoes those are the only pair I have.
I am still not ready to spend large sums of money(actually I am ready but dont have large sums of money) on cycling... so I went to pay-less and bought a nice pair of athletic shoes. They are meant for running so they have a lot of support in the soles and are a thinner shoe compared the wider vans that I wear.
So the point of this is...... I actually have seen improvement and feel better pedaling since I changed shoes. Impressive how something as simple as shoes can make a difference in performance....
Next, add some toe clips, start with the strapless MTB ones. 🙂
As soon as I felt the improvement with regular athletic shoes I started thinking of clipless pedals and cycling shoes... but I think I might hold off on them until I get a nice road bike.
I could probably get a pair of toe clips real cheap though, eh?
You could also get a pair of clipless pedals (as per you budget availability) and then transfer them to your new bike when you get around to purchasing it.
There are plenty of reasonably priced clipless pedals... and most new road bikes will be sold to you pedal-less as people prefer to choose their own.
I know they are expensive, but I would strongly suggest you get a nice pair of cycling specific shoes, as they will really make a world of difference to your riding. I am partial to Sidi (google 'em) but there are plenty of excellent brands out there.
You could also get a pair of clipless pedals (as per you budget availability) and then transfer them to your new bike when you get around to purchasing it.
There are plenty of reasonably priced clipless pedals... and most new road bikes will be sold to you pedal-less as people prefer to choose their own.
I know they are expensive, but I would strongly suggest you get a nice pair of cycling specific shoes, as they will really make a world of difference to your riding. I am partial to Sidi (google 'em) but there are plenty of excellent brands out there.
Enjoy!
Thanks for the tip... I am going to check out those shoes.
The SIDI shoes I'm currently using are the most comfortable cycling shoes I've ever worn. Expensive?? Yep. But worth every penny during and AFTER my rides. IMO:o)
I Ebayed for my cycling shoes (waiting on them to arrive, should be tomorrow or Friday) and my clipless pedals. I spent $21 on the shoes which are Answer Impact, and $15 on the pedals. They take the Shimano type cleats, and they did include the cleats in the auction. I have already received the pedals and installed them on my hybrid. They seem to be of good quality, I think they are Wellgo, and they are definitely new. So for a total of $36, I was able to get shoes, pedals, and cleats. I may install the pedals on the Spalding Blade that I bought from a thrift store for $8 just to round out the package and to prove that you don't have to spend big $$ to get out on the road.
The SIDI shoes I'm currently using are the most comfortable cycling shoes I've ever worn. Expensive?? Yep. But worth every penny during and AFTER my rides. IMO:o)
I...I may install the pedals on the Spalding Blade that I bought from a thrift store for $8 just to round out the package and to prove that you don't have to spend big $$ to get out on the road.
Brad, no one is saying you need to spend lots of money to get on the road. The suggestion was to consider Sidi shoes as they are top-notch. 🙂
Brad, no one is saying you need to spend lots of money to get on the road. The suggestion was to consider Sidi shoes as they are top-notch. 🙂
I was just suggesting that route because jedi specifically stated that he doesn't have lots of money to spend and I know sidi shoes can run several hundred dollars.
I was just suggesting that route because jedi specifically stated that he doesn't have lots of money to spend and I know sidi shoes can run several hundred dollars.
Fair enough, but they also have some reasonably priced sets that are not outrageous and still quite good quality (at least here, don't know about the US).
The least expensive pair of Sidi shoes that I've seen were $249usd. I would buy them because of their reputation for excellence and their good looks, but I don't have the money. If jedi does have the money to buy new Sidi shoes, I would definitely recommend them. It is always best to get fitted and try on several different shoes to test their comfort, and new shoes that break in on your feet are always more comfortable than used ones that have conformed to someone's else's feet. From what I have heard, cycling shoes are one of the best investments that you can make toward comfort, second only to cycling shorts. So, jedi, if you have the money to buy new shoes, by all means do it. If you don't have that much money, try E-bay. I've seen Sidi shoes on there as well.
I definately dont have the money to spend so much on shoes... I love ebay and have been browsing for pedals, shoes, as well as other things for my bike....
I am very content with bargain shopping... there is nothing wrong with spending $200 on shoes, but if I had the an extra $200 right now I would put it toward a whole new bike rather than just shoes....
I am keeping all of your suggestions in mind though.. thanks
Holy moly, 249USD? :eek: Then I take back everything I said, the cheapest pair of Sidis here in Italy go for around 100 Euro...
You can get Genius 5s for as low as $170. Standard prices for 5s seem to be around $200 and the 5.5s are around $220.
The retail price on the Ergo 1 Carbons cause a real WTF moment: $350.
I got my 5s on sale for $159 and I don't see that the Ergos would be worth an extra $200. I still have Genius 3s that I use when I need blue shoes to match a blue kit. Sidis last forever.
