General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Are SPD Pedals/Cleats Ok for Triathlon? Rss Feed  
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2008-09-06 9:22 PM

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Subject: Are SPD Pedals/Cleats Ok for Triathlon?
I am new to biking, and I would like some advice on best types of pedals and cleats for a triathlon.  Currently I am learning to ride with SPD, but I have my doubts about how good they would be in transition.  Any help?


2008-09-06 9:24 PM
in reply to: #1655824

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Subject: RE: Are SPD Pedals/Cleats Ok for Triathlon?
I'm brand new to this stuff with about 3 months of "experience" but I've done a couple sprints with the SPD MTB pedals. I've done a couple sprints and one Oly with SPD-SL pedals.

Both work well. I'm going with the road bike pedals as a primary though.
2008-09-06 9:31 PM
in reply to: #1655824

Expert
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Southeast
Subject: RE: Are SPD Pedals/Cleats Ok for Triathlon?
If you do a flying mount/dismount (shoes stay clipped in all the time) then it doesn't matter.  Just be sure to practice the move many times in advance.

2008-09-06 9:41 PM
in reply to: #1655824

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2008-09-07 1:31 AM
in reply to: #1655824

Master
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Portland, Oregon
Subject: RE: Are SPD Pedals/Cleats Ok for Triathlon?

I use SPD. I don't leave my shoes clipped in. I put them on in transition and find that running in my MTB shoes  is pretty easy - easier than the roadie shoes. Maybe I will change my mind if I get faster and having the shoes clipped in shaves a few seconds off. Until then, I'm going with the MTB shoes. My last tri was a 100+ yard run from transition to the bike mount area. It was all grass, but Murphy's Law states that if there is a rock, bee, sticker patch, etc., I will definitely step on it and hurt myself if I am barefoot or in sockfeet. Gauranteed. I can clip in pretty fast with 2-sided pedals and my MTB shoes.

The bonus is that I have shoes that I can walk in (like stopping at 7-11 for gatorade isn't a problem and neither is walking a ways with a flat) and they go on all my bikes. I ride a lot though, and I like the flexibility.

2008-09-07 5:26 AM
in reply to: #1655980

Champion
7163
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Verona WI--Ironman Bike Country!
Subject: RE: Are SPD Pedals/Cleats Ok for Triathlon?
I wear MTB shoes and use SPDs for the same reason and they have worked reasonably well although I am told they are a lot heavier than other systems.  One change I am making is moving from Specialized ratchet system shoes to all Velcro closures. 


2008-09-07 6:45 AM
in reply to: #1655824

Master
2356
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Fenton, MI
Subject: RE: Are SPD Pedals/Cleats Ok for Triathlon?

I mainly use speedplay pedals for training, but my tri shoes have spd cleats so, I swap over to them just for races. 

Like another poster mentioned, I keep my shoes on the bike though, to there is no clip in or out needed.

2008-09-07 6:59 AM
in reply to: #1655824

Elite
2527
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Armpit of Ontario
Subject: RE: Are SPD Pedals/Cleats Ok for Triathlon?

SPDs will work. Saying that, like others have said, they work better if you keep them clipped in to the pedal for transitions. There are better pedal systems if you want to be able to run, let alone walk with some sense of security in the shoes. I find the cleats just stick out pretty far, making running difficult. A cleat and/or cleat/shoe combination that has a lower stack height and/or recessed cleat is easier and safer to run in. A perfect example is Crank Brother's Quattro road pedals. The cleat attaches to the shoe with a composite adapter plate that slightly recesses the cleat and provides a more stable platform to walk/run in, as well as providing more traction. Best of all, they will not clog with wet sand, mud, grass like some other pedal systems.

I do duathlons and have never been a fan of keeping my shoes clipped on the bike, and this is the best system for doing so IMO.

 

2008-09-07 9:00 AM
in reply to: #1655824

Expert
1379
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Woodland, California
Subject: RE: Are SPD Pedals/Cleats Ok for Triathlon?
I used SPD mountain shoes/cleats for the last year (3 sprints, 2 olys).  Recently I switched to SPD-SL.  They feel better for longer rides, but the MTB ones were fine too, and much easier to walk in.
2008-09-07 9:25 AM
in reply to: #1655849

Member
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Subject: RE: Are SPD Pedals/Cleats Ok for Triathlon?

I don't have any races selected yet.  I am looking at next spring. 

Do you have any suggestions?

 Sergei

2008-09-07 9:27 AM
in reply to: #1655824

Member
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Subject: RE: Are SPD Pedals/Cleats Ok for Triathlon?

Thanks for all the replies.  All the information has been very helpful, and certainly gives me a lot to think about.

Sergei



2008-09-07 9:41 AM
in reply to: #1656111

Expert
1379
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Woodland, California
Subject: RE: Are SPD Pedals/Cleats Ok for Triathlon?
griga262 - 2008-09-07 7:25 AM

I don't have any races selected yet.  I am looking at next spring. 

Do you have any suggestions?

 Sergei

 

If you tell us where you live, someone might have some races to recommend. 

2008-09-07 9:47 AM
in reply to: #1655824

Champion
19812
50005000500020002000500100100100
MA
Subject: RE: Are SPD Pedals/Cleats Ok for Triathlon?

I have no trouble walking in my road or tri shoes. Many of the road pedals have bigger platforms that I think long term are better for power transfer and keeping your feet happy without pressure points.

I just got a cyclocross bike and pulled out my old SPD pedals and don't really see much difference in walking around in tri/road shoes compared to MTB shoes.

Tri shoes are really best for doing fast transitions as they have usually only one velcro strape that opens away from your bike frame for safety if you do different transition strategies with leaving your shoes on your pedals.

I wear my road shoes in HIM or IM distance races as they are more comfortable and shorter races I use my tri shoes.

 

2008-09-07 10:08 AM
in reply to: #1655824

Expert
1030
100025
Miller Place, Long Island
Subject: RE: Are SPD Pedals/Cleats Ok for Triathlon?
SPDs are all I use. I have been doing this for three years with a bunch of sprints, some oly's and an HIM under my belt, and I have never even thought twice about the kind of pedal system I use. And, for what it's worth, I don't do a "flying dismount" and I find walking/running on them to not be too bad.
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