I'm interested in trying a clipless pedal/shoe combo on my hardtail, for longer XC routes. Any recommendations on shoes ? The Shimano shoes seem to get good reviews, in addition any recommendations for pedals ? Looking for more efficiency on long climbs & long XC routes (80 mile/day +), currently riding Five Ten Freerider and flat pedals.
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Budget?....
The shimano pedals are all good, even the lower end ones, the trail pedals offer more platform for all day comfort, I use the M530s. As for shoes, that would depend on budget and shoe fit. Some manufacturers offer a mouldable footbed but they are more expensive. I am currently using DHB shoes from Wiggle but that’s partly because I like a bargain. Look for shoes that have a decent composite tread pattern. Hard plastic treads can slip on wet rocky surfaces.
I like Time pedals and Shimano shoes, though I just got some Pearl Izumi ones (in stock and fitted).
Expect a bigger divide than Brexit over the best pedals.
Whichever Shimano or Specialized shoe that you like the look of or that fits your budget.
Shimano 520 or 530 pedal.
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Thread ends at lunge's suggestions tbh, there's a reason the 520 hasn't been changed in years. Always found something in the Spesh shoe range that's comfy, and lasts well.
Whatever shoe fits, the most super duper carbon soled, replacable tread blocked XC wonder disco slipper that adds 5W to your pedaling in a lab is useless if its uncomfortable.
I've got odd shaped feet and end up cutting up insoles to make room!
Pedals, Shimano 520, I didn't get on with 530s, if the soles are stiff enough then the platforms redundant and just makes it harder to clip in and out.
I put the money 8n the shoes. Lake MX241 wide and use Shimano 520 pedals because they work. Comfort is everything. Worth budgeting for a fancy insole as well. As much effort as I put into finding the right shoe, the right insole made a massive difference. This, coming from someone who is a barefoot/minimalist evangelist off the bike.
Thanks all, just purchased some Shimano AM5 clipless shoes. Seems the Shimano 520/530's win the pedal vote, appreciate all the advice.
As others have said get the stiffest shoe that fits. Pedal wise I've always used M540's as they look a bit nicer than the m520's and were only a little bit more expensive. Now they seem to be £60 I'm trying a pair of Zeray ZP108S. After a couple of hundred miles they're still working fine and feel no different to the M540's on my other bikes, but they weigh similar (~280g) to xtr pedals and only cost £20 delivered from China.
I ride the old version of the Shimano EH500 pedals, but never really use the non-clipped side of them. MT45 boots too, good if you need to jump off and walk.
I'll echo buying the stiffest, best fitting shoe in budget. As fit is everything shoes aren't something I'd buy online.
Pedal wise shimmy 520's are cheap and work. Personally I'm a fan of look x-track pedals, they have a big platform for an XC pedal which makes them feel a lot more secure than the minimalist pedals which makes them feel, and it might well be all placebo, better for power transfer.
Specialized Recon are a great compromise between stiffness and comfort and just last for ages.
