Bike - Cycling Shoes - Any Advice Gratefully Received

RASoftlad · Joined: 19 Jun 2007 Posts: 8 Location: Rayleigh, Essex

Hi Guys,

I'd be grateful for any thoughts ...

I'm looking to upgrade my current bike footwear of lace up MTB types. Having nearly come a cropper at braintree - big lace loop, tied in a hurry, rubbing dangerously on the chain, you know the sort of thing I'm sure - I've spent the lunchtime looking at upgrades on the high street and on the web.

As a novice I'm not looking to shave nano-seconds off my transition times but, whilst clearly a step up from laces, some of the decent road bike shoes look quite cumbersome to get on themselves - velcro strap with fastener of the top etc.

Question is: Is it worth investing in a pair of specialist tri bike shoes at this stage?? Cost is an issue!! I only really want to spend about £75 tops - anyone know of any bargains.!?! PS E-Bay - I don't like buying anything on it where the fit can be variable (actually, in truth, it just scares the hell outta me!) Embarassed

Any thoughts gratefully received. Smile

Lynchy · Joined: 19 Mar 2007 Posts: 94

hi Andy,

sorry no one has responded to your query yet.

Personally, I recently purchased 'Specialized Trivent Triathlon Shoes' and I am really pleased with them. I've used them with and without socks, they're confortable to cycle with and quite quick to put on and take off in transition.

I haven't quite mastered the art of putting them on while riding my bike, but they're designed for this purpose - so just need a little practice.

I have Shimano petals but the shoes also work with Keo/look cleats.

But this is really a personal choice and best advise is to try a few on in a shop.

Best of luck at Norwich this weekend!!!

Neil

RASoftlad · Joined: 19 Jun 2007 Posts: 8 Location: Rayleigh, Essex

Neil,

Thanks for your reply. Bit subjective the whole shoes thing I know but I didn't want to waste money if the benefits to me as a novice were going to be minimal.

However, I took the plunge and I am now the proud owner of a pair of tri-shoes - although by virtue of the fact that they didn't have my size in this year's model I got last year's (no discernible difference) with a 20% discount - so the bank manager's happy too!

My bike will need upgrading in time too but whilst I am finding tri- can be an expensive business, the good thing is that you can build do these things step by step.

Thanks also for your good wishes too for Sunday - just found out I'm in the last wave for the swim so first target is not to be the last finish I think! Actually, first target is just to finish (full stop)!

Thanks again

Andy aka R A Softlad