Fred Doucette's Half-Iron and Ironman Focused Group! -CLOSED! (Page 10)

Fred Doucette - 2010-12-29 4:50 PM Ok shoes. I have used the specialized trivents for years, but this year I switched to the specialized S-works road shoe. I LOVE this shoe and will continue to use it. It uses a Boa system instead of Velcro straps. Very comfortable, very light.

Fred Doucette - 2010-12-29 4:53 PM So we've covered cassettes, shoes, pedals, saddles and some gearing issues. Are there any areas here we glossed over too quickly where we should talk more?

Kath2163 - 2010-12-29 6:59 PM

Yes, shoes and cleats please.  Road cleats are foriegn to me. I don't even know where to start.
I also see some peoples road cleats really torn up from running in them. One of the reasons I like my shoes.

TankBoy - 2010-12-29 6:09 PM

Hey Kathleen, I think that no matter how you go, you will be comfortable clipping in and out in no time. I rode in Looks for several years before switching over to Speedplays, and found the Looks to be really, really easy to get in and out of. Even back then, they centered top up (actually kinda tail down if I remember right) which made them actually even easier to get in and out of as you have to kinda toe in to them first. You may find the Speedplays even more forgiving, as like Fred says you can enter them from either side, and the entry can go straight down, toe in first, or heel in first. Truthfully I never think about them at all, but that is probably true of everybody that rides a lot no matter the system they use. Fred covered the durability issue - the Look-type cleats probably get hammered a little quicker by running in them, but they are relatively inexpensive to replace. My Speedplay cleats have always seemed to last as long as my shoes - I tend to replace them when I get new shoes, whether they need it or not. It may be TMI, but my shoes get replaced when my wife will no longer will get in the car with them. I occasionally throw them into the laundry with a load of shop towels, but MAN they get stinky - all that sockless riding I guess. I think I remember reading somewhere that KathyG throws hers in on the top rack of the dishwasher on occasion - I think I will try that out next time and see how it goes, but you may not want to come to a dinner party at our house right after...

I think (this is totally unsubstantiated by any sort of quantitative research) that the biggest difference in road/triathlon shoes vs. mountain bike shoes is weight. You will never feel the difference while riding, but I have to think that this is really one of the pieces of tri equipment where weight might actually matter. A 2oz. savings in weight in a pair of shoes means that over a 6 hour ride you will be lifting approximately 3,825 lbs. LESS than you would otherwise in a slightly heavier pair. In my personal experience, a couple of oz of savings in running shoes make a HUGE difference in ultra races; I just have to think it does on distance cycling as well.

The shoes I ride in are pretty stiff (which is not for everyone, actually); I never notice/feel the platform size - all I can feel is the shoe itself. Hope this helps!

jsiegs - 2010-12-30 8:08 AM One comment about socks.  I heart Smartwool PhD Light and Ultra Light Socks.  My fiance is jealous of my illicit love affair with them.  They can (or at least could a few months ago) be had with some patience and luck on Bonktown for about $4-$5 a pair (regularly $10-$15).  I always wear them training, except maybe a few rides and runs before an event.  At this point, I know my shoes are ok barefoot, so I don't need to break them in or anything.  I mostly wear them biking but have for running too on occation.  My normal run socks are a mix of Nike and Zoot socks.

I did a significant amount of recreational cycling in mountain cleats on a recommendation when I joined the skinny tire folks.  Already had the pedals and shoes so I was fine with it.  Finally switched to some Look Keos (it was when I first came out I believe and they had gotten rave reviews).  WOW.  I immediately regretted the last 4 or 5 years in MTB cleats.  Never tried anything else for road use, but never really felt the need to.  What I really liked over the MTB cleat was the much better feeling of "secureness" to the pedal amd the bigger platform.  I personally like a very secure feel and limited float, so I use the mid-float cleats and have the tension maxed out.  In terms of picking the best, my bet is that they are all pretty much the same in performance (save the Look Keo Easy - avoid those, they have no tension adjustment and are waaaay to loose), so find your balance of price and weight.  The nicer one's will have upgraded bearings, but I don't think it's something I'll ever notice.

I've always had problems with hot spots in cyling shoes.  I have a narrow foot and it seems every shoe out there has the "feature" of a wide toe box.  I usually have to clamp down the straps/ratchet like crazy.  I found a great deal and made the jump to SIDIs because of this and love the T2s.  I'd like a nice pair of road shoes too - I've been doing all riding in the T2s.  Any suggestions on a good road shoe for a narrow foot?  I like the SIDIs but they are sooo expensive.  I've been interested in the custom fit shoes too - Bont and Shimano have versions that mold to your foot.  Any experience/advice there?

Fred Doucette - 2010-12-30 7:03 AM So today I have a planned rest day. I believe rest days are important and probably don't take enough of them myself. Anyone else training today?