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In an effort to get fit again and not having the time to fit in much MTB of late I’ve bought a road bike! I now need some spd pedals, shoes and helmet.
Would welcome the forums recommendations that offer good performance without breaking the bank.
Shimano shoes, shimano spds and don’t bother with a helmet will be a cheap effective setup, (maybe have a look at decathlon for shoes as well)
Shimano shoes, shimano spds and don’t bother with a helmet will be a cheap effective setup, (maybe have a look at decathlon for shoes as well)
All this really.
I used to be dead set against using MTB shoes, but bought a pair of decathlon XC shoes (their single Boa-type + velcro strap ones with a carbon sole) and haven't had any reason to complain. I still like my Shimano roadie shoes but the dog ate the very expensive to replace due to COVID ratchet!
If you want roadie pedals, get shimano, they all work basically as well as each other, but shimano seem to last at least twice as long.
Shoes, as always whatever fits with a stiff enough sole. Any other recommendation is useless as they may or may not fit your foot. I've got wide feet, and to get the decathlon ones to fit I had to cut out the foam insole arround my big toe to give it that extra 4mm or so of depth!
Helmet, if you've got an XC helmet, take the peak off so you can see where you're going and it'll be good. More trail-orientated helmets tend to be a bit heavy and hot. But like shoes, the best replacment is whatever fits best.
Planet X carnac helmets are around 20-25 quid. They may not be super light aero mips but if you don't want to go helmetless they're worth a look.
And if you've got mtb pedals shoes and helmet then just use them, flats and Five Tens won't explode on contact with tarmac.
Specialized do a MIPS road helmet for around £40-50. Just got one and it's better than I expected.
Planet X carnac helmets are around 20-25 quid
I've got two carnac road helmets and an on one enduro helmet. They do fit my head way better than some other (more expensive) helmets I've had, but the straps are a bit fiddly and the dials on the back have come apart on all three.
But, they're £20 👌
I've always used my 'enduro' helmets for the road bike - never saw the point in having two and I'd always rather err on the side of caution when it comes to protection...
Pair of Shimano M520 pedals, can be had for under £30, they go on for ever and never really need any servicing
Pair of SPD shoes of your choice (i run Shimano AM45'S but now discontinued) can be had for £25 upwards from the likes of Sports Direct
This is what i run on all my road/gravel bikes
Hated SPD SL's pain to clip into properly when pulling away (M520's you just stamp on the pedal and your clipped in) even worse SPD SL's are a nightmare when you have to walk in them, be it a coffee stop or a walk of shame to the nearest train station due to unfixable mechaincal
Seen many a roadie in SPD SL shoes slip up and fall over, if they get any mud in them then they wont clip in
Mtb kit as suggested above is OK to get you started but if you get into it you’ll be wanting to get gear designed for the road. It just works better for its application.
The biggest difference to me was carbon soled shoes, not cheap but the increased stiffness was noticeable immediately.
Shimano pedals are great. I have no issues in getting clipped in / out or walking in them (it is awkward vs Mtb shoes though). I have Mtb pedals on my gravel bike and personally prefer the road versions for the road.
I have always used Time Atac mtb pedals for all my bikes for ever. Specialized shoes are my preferred option, but any stiff soled mtb shoe will do. Decathlon's ones my Mrs has are cheap, reliable and pretty stiff. I use a dhb helmet from wiggle can't remember the model but it's fine. Have and older MET helmet with peak removed that's fine too. Mrs Anagallis has a Spesh helmet with MIPS etc that was about £60 or so which she likes.
Welcome to the dark side. You could start with spds if that’s what you have on your mountain bike. Especially as it’s colder now and your mtb shoes are likely to be warmer, and generally more weather proof. Once it starts to get warmer and/or your ready for the next step then shimano 105 clipless are just fine.
Easy with shoes and helmet.
The ones that fit you. My choices are bugger all good.
As for pedals, Look Keo or copies or Shimano. Cleats are cheap. Good a reason as any.
Very stiff racey MTB shoes might well be fine as well but will limit you to 2 bolt cleats and they may, or may not, annoy you on long days.
Go for SPD-SL, I know loads of people say that mtb SPD are just as good, but they're really not, especially when you're out on long rides.
Shoes, whatever fits your foot shape, so try some on or order multiple ones from on line shops and return what doesn't fit.
Helmet, for the love of God don't ride with a peaked helmet, you just can't see properly, if you're actually positioned properly on the bike.
Another vote for Planet X helmets
Very good helmets. I rate mine more than a Kask Majito and it’s a 1/5 the price