Spinning & biking question
During the winter months I attend about two spin classes per week. This summer I am going to ride a couple days in Ragbrai ( Bike ride across Iowa). I usually take a good long bike ride at least once a week ( 25-30 miles).
OK, here is the question. Any of you bikers or spinners out there: do you have the clip on shoes and peddles for your bikes and do you think they are worth the investment?
Any comments will be appreciated.
T
I spin 3-4 days a week and my spin shoes are worth it. i paid 135 two years ago and they still are in great shape!!! once you get them you will never ride without them!! i have shimanos by the way
I was considering buying spin shoes as well, but I thought it'd be a little silly since I don't have a bike to use them on outside of the gym! Maybe I should just cave and get a pair, since I think they'd help me spin a lot better (I feel like my feet aren't secure enough in those harnesses on the pedals), and I would eventually like to buy a bike. :)
I had someone tell me to just buy the clips that fit on the pedals. How do those compare to the shoe with the clip think on the bottom of the sole? Any comments?
I ride clipped in on road bike, mountain bike, and spin bike in the off season. You will notice the efficiency immediately.
The way that I explain it to friends is with only using a platform pedal (w/ sneakers) you are only able to push down on the pedal, in essence, only optimizing half of a rotation. While clipped in you push down, but you pull up equally to complete the rotation. For fitness, this creates a more fluid motion and capitalizes on buth your glutes and hamstrings (since you're pushing and pulling).
Shoes range from $60 - $300. A mountain bike shoe would work better for spin because the cleat isn't exposed, that way you don't have to walk funny (whereas a road shoe the cleat sticks out).
99% of gyms will have Shimano SPD cleats.
Thank you.
T
