Shoes - Triathlon Week

jwier92 · 02-14-2006, 01:00 PM

Okay, so I am upgrading stuff on my bike to make it better to ride this year and I hope to go faster! Now looking at clipless pedles and now shoes. WOW, there are some that are like $300. What does a person look for? I see that Bikenasbar.com has some entry level for $40 or so and some in the $300 range. What is the difference?

This bike stuff is so hard to figure out. For run, just get good shoes and replace them often, no problem, 400 miles on a set of shoes for $90 is not too bad. Swimming, just the cost of the pool and new suits when yours become transparent and kids start pointing, but bike! You can drop some major money on the bike part fast.

So yeah, back on topic, shoes. What do I want/need?

Thank you,
Jason

Spike10 · 02-15-2006, 09:49 AM

Hi Jason, yes bike gear is pricey and confusing, the first thing that you need to keep in mind is that comfort is the most important thing when it comes to riding for an extended amount of time. Shoes for the most part are basically the same when it comes to style, however I know some guys that can't (or won't) wear anything but SIDI's, but my feet are real comfortable in Adidas road shoes. This also helps my wallet as the latter are about half the price. Your shoe choice should be a combination of fit, comfort, and price, and you need to get a set of pedels that will also work for you. I recomend that you go to a bike store or two and try on lots of shoes and find the pair thats right for you and then do the internet shopping thing for the best price, and remember that the stiffer the sole of the shoe the more energy from your body will transfer to the bike. As for pedals, make sure your new shoes will work with them ie the cleats fit both shoes and ped's. I also have a friend that has rather large feet (size 14!) and he uses MT bike shoes on his road bike because of rule number one, comfort!!!
I hope this helps.
Spike.

dcornettjr · 06-16-2006, 06:02 PM

I too just go Shoe and Pedial, now if am with the BIG BOYS (welll not yet). Am getting a bike computer for Fathers day, Can't wait to see what differance this makes... Next year.... a new bike....

I know its the engine, but I am sure better gearing can and does make a differance. Looking at a Trek 1000.

My First race of the year is July 9th....

sfricks · 06-17-2006, 06:47 AM

Great response Spike. Good to see you back! :)

I too prefer Sidi shoes. If you're a Tri specific racer, consider Tri specific shoes. I do short (Sub Olympic) size races in my Sidi T1 Tri shoes. These are great for transitions but don't provide as much support as I prefer on longer races and bike road races. These are ghreat shoes and as I prefer NOT to wear socks, must say thery're extremely comfortable. Sidi T1's are my personal favorite. For longer races and for bike races where a few seconds of transition don't really matter I prefer my Sidi Diadora Tri shoes. They're a little harder to enter (I leave my shoes clipped to the bike) but they provide more support and are similarly comfortble sans socks.

I've ridden many pedal systems and have found Speed Plays work best for me. I ride Zeros. 15 degrees of float (my knees still thank me!), dual sided, no look entry and I've never unintentionally clipped out even in the hardest of sprints.

Spike is right. Whatever shoe/pedal combination you choose, try them on. Comfort is crucial, especially if you're looking at Century Rides or Iron Distance races.

sfricks · 06-17-2006, 06:49 AM

OH... Sorry dcornettjr... I started on a Trek 1000. It's was recently voted the best sub $1K road bike. That model is a real work horse and an excellent value.

Spike10 · 06-17-2006, 03:18 PM

Not only is it affordable but mine has the Discovery Channel team paint job and I just recently put Fort'e aero bars on it and now my top speed is about 4 to 5 mph faster in the full aero position, I will put them to the test tomorrow and let you guys know how it went.
Time to carbo load now, talk to you soon.
Spike

sfricks · 06-19-2006, 07:19 AM

OK Spike... need post aero bar pics too now. How'd your race go? Hopefully better than mine! I double flatted on my road race :(

Hernan96 · 06-19-2006, 08:43 AM

Great job on the increase in speed. We want to know how the race went. My next race is a 5k on the 4th than a Tri on the 9th. Wish me luck.

I went for a bike fitting with John Howard last weekend, man did he change me up. He raised my seat by 3cm, bars up about 6 degrees plus my aerobars. I put out close to a 100 more watts, increased MPH by 3mph, RPM went up by 12 and HR barely went up. I feel like I am faster with more efficiency. I do need to work on my core muscles. In the new aero position I am feeling it but I am faster. I noticed it on the road also. I was able to hold my speed over the long haul on the flats.

Chris

sfricks · 06-19-2006, 12:28 PM

Excellent job Chris. Man are you ever a poster child for proper fit! 100 watts is 50-100% increase in power output for an average rider! That's huge!

Yes, riding aero and even on the drops requires different muscles. Like most things, practice will help. My road bars come off and tri bars back on tonight. Even though it's only been a month, I'll have a lot of relearning to do to be efficient.

Good luck in your events. Make sure to actively recover from the 5k. Lots of carbs & rehydration so you can reproduce those extra 100 watts in your Tri. Let us know how you make out.