Question about biking/ spinning shoes.... I could use some help... please ....

During the winter months I attend two one hour spinning classes each week. This summer I have been going on long bike rides on the weekends ( 2-3 hours). I am thinking about investing in some biking shoes. I know I will need to also purchase pedals that will work with the shoe clips. I am at a loss as to what kind of shoes to get etc.

Does any one out there have any advise?

Thanks in advance.

 

******edit****

Oops sorry for the fat fingers.... error corrected.

 

The type of pedal/shoe system you should get depends on the type of riding you do.  Pure road riding shoes are very difficult to walk in but last for a long time.  Mountain bike shoes are designed so that you can walk in mud, etc.  There are hybrid shoes that have a recessed cleat (SPD type) so you can still walk in them.  You can see some examples here:  http://www.nashbar.com/subcategories.cfm?cate gory=600084 

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http://www.nashbar.com/results.cfm?category=6 000108&subcategory=60001123&storetype =&estoreid=&init=y&pagename=Categ ory%3A%20Pedals

"Pedals." :-)

What kind of bike? If a mountain bike, you'll want mountain bike shoes, which have a recessed cleat and a rugged outsole for the trail sections that are not bike-able (too rocky for your skill level, fallen trees, too steep, etc.). If a road bike, you'll do better with a road shoe (very, very stiff sole, often carbon fiber, non-recessed cleat, lightweight and breathable upper).

For my money, the Specialized Body Geometry shoes are the best shoes going. You'll often see them on pro riders, even though the riders are sponsored by other companies. They are spendy, though, and they will not work for your spin classes (mountain bike shoes will, though).

I've compromised: I got a pair of Nike Altea road shoes on a closeout (carbon fiber soles for a hundred bucks) and put the Specialized footbeds and varus wedges in them (another $40, but well-spent). I used to use a softer-soled casual bike shoe, but we have so many hills around here that I was getting pain in the balls my feet from the cleats pushing up and flexing the soles.

A word of caution: practice clipping in and out in a grassy area until it becomes second nature. You *will* fall at first until you get the hang of it. When coming to a stop on the road, unclip one foot a second or so in advance of reaching your stop, so you can get the foot down to the ground without panicking.

A pedal system with a few degrees of float (side-to-side twisting movement at the pedal:cleat interface) tends to be kinder to your knees than one without. The standard Shimano SPD and the standard Look pedal systems fit this description. SPDs will be cheaper.

 

Not sure where you are located, but would recommend going to your local bike shop. Try on the various types of shoes they have and let them give you a little guidance. They can also adjust the clips so they are a little loose and easier to clip in and out. Ride like that for a month and then have them tighten them. (not sure if that idea would work with a mountain bike)

I have always had a road bike but only recently became brave enough to go to clips. (always had the cages) I absolutely LOVE them. They made a world of difference in my performance. I tend to toe in but opted not to get a floating system. It makes me more aware of my body and is teaching me to correct what is wrong.

Good luck in your quest.

Lisa

Haha - I was searching around on Google for info on whether I could use my new road shoes for spinning classes (LeMond RevMasters), and this post popped up in the search results!  Anyway...I'm thinking they won't be compatible. 

Also - I started a Cycling Group in the new Groups area if anyone is interested.