Randomguy Posted June 5, 2014 Share #1 Posted June 5, 2014 Is it me? So the wife's bike has arrived, we are waiting on the speedplay pedals to come before we pick up the bike. We don't have shoes yet, so I sent the wife shoe shopping just now at a local shop. She is confused. Background is that she does a few sprint triathlons a year, this is her first real bike, and will be her first experience on clipless pedals. So she tells people this, and they try to get her to buy triathlon shoes, which I think is wrong. First, while she is strong like ox, she isn't going to win one of these yet. I think it would make much more sense to get a pair of road shoes because the two or three extra seconds to affix three straps instead of two will not cost her a race. In addition to that, I think adjustments in fit with three straps will be much more comfortable over the time on the bike, a better fit by dispersing compressive forces just makes more sense. I have never owned tri bike shoes, am I wrong? Experience tells me I am probably correct, but if I am wrong, I am wrong. Am I wrong? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parsnip Totin Jack ★ Posted June 5, 2014 Share #2 Posted June 5, 2014 No, you're correct I think she would be more comfortable in regular cycling shoes. Don't mention triathalons to the asshat employees because all they will try to do is steer you to tri shoes. She'll be riding her bike 99.9% of the time and not racing. That 0.01% racing doesn't require tri shoes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Road Runner Posted June 5, 2014 Share #3 Posted June 5, 2014 I would have even considered SPD pedals and shoes to start with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrAzY Posted June 5, 2014 Share #4 Posted June 5, 2014 I would have even considered SPD pedals and shoes to start with. This... she has time in the pit for changing and getting ready.. it does not take long to toss on and off shoes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randomguy Posted June 5, 2014 Author Share #5 Posted June 5, 2014 I would have even considered SPD pedals and shoes to start with. I am convinced that the spd pedals and mountain shoes are 5 - 10% less efficient than road shoes, too much to overlook. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Road Runner Posted June 5, 2014 Share #6 Posted June 5, 2014 I am convinced that the spd pedals and mountain shoes are 5 - 10% less efficient than road shoes, too much to overlook. I don't think they are that bad, plus they are a good way to get started using clipless. You can always upgrade later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randomguy Posted June 5, 2014 Author Share #7 Posted June 5, 2014 I don't think they are that bad, plus they are a good way to get started using clipless. You can always upgrade later. I figure the bullet can be bit at once. You are thinking straight, though, I came over from the mountain biking world, and used the same pedals and shoes on the road for a few years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former member Posted June 5, 2014 Share #8 Posted June 5, 2014 Road shoes are the way to go if she will only have one pair of cycling shoes. The Tryathletes I ride with have road shoes and Tri shoes, but use the road shoes for training, and the try shoes for races only. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pokey Posted June 6, 2014 Share #9 Posted June 6, 2014 Nope...you're not wrong. Stick with the road shoes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoneWolf Posted June 6, 2014 Share #10 Posted June 6, 2014 You would be correct, road shoes. All the tri shoes I've seenare meant for quick transitions. As such, the body of the shoe isn't quite as rigid, so you can pull them on quickly, but that sacrifices a bit of foot support (which can translate to comfort on a long ride) and power transfer. Much rather have two buckles, a ratchet strap, and a better outer shell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Destination Posted June 6, 2014 Share #11 Posted June 6, 2014 Not only would I stay away from tri shoes; I'd also look at shoes with recessed cleats. This makes a difference in those off-bike moments. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsharr ★ Posted June 6, 2014 Share #12 Posted June 6, 2014 I would recommend the....... cruel shoes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopped Liver Posted June 6, 2014 Share #13 Posted June 6, 2014 WTH makes a shoe a triathlon shoe? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate Posted June 6, 2014 Share #14 Posted June 6, 2014 WTH makes a shoe a triathlon shoe? the marketing department Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former member Posted June 6, 2014 Share #15 Posted June 6, 2014 WTH makes a shoe a triathlon shoe?Normally they are lined so they are comfy to wear without sox, and usually they have one Velcro strap. Some have a bit more rubber on the sole to make running in the transition area easier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtyhip Posted June 6, 2014 Share #16 Posted June 6, 2014 She needs however many shoes she wants. I would buy a pair of road shoes to train and a set of tri shoes to race n. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randomguy Posted June 6, 2014 Author Share #17 Posted June 6, 2014 She needs however many shoes she wants. I would buy a pair of road shoes to train and a set of tri shoes to race n. Well, not everybody is a gazillionaire like you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtyhip Posted June 6, 2014 Share #18 Posted June 6, 2014 Well, not everybody is a gazillionaire like you! If she doesn't ride a lot, those shoes should last ten years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randomguy Posted June 6, 2014 Author Share #19 Posted June 6, 2014 If she doesn't ride a lot, those shoes should last ten years. Yeah, but I figure tri-shoes and a tri-bike when she is knocking on the door of victory, and nice bike/normal shoes until then. Why spend twice when you don't have to? Someone should teach you to be cautious with money, you know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtyhip Posted June 6, 2014 Share #20 Posted June 6, 2014 Yeah, but I figure tri-shoes and a tri-bike when she is knocking on the door of victory, and nice bike/normal shoes until then. Why spend twice when you don't have to? Someone should teach you to be cautious with money, you know. Say's the guy who lives in one of the most expensive areas of the country. She won't knock on the door of victory with inferior gear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopped Liver Posted June 6, 2014 Share #21 Posted June 6, 2014 Say's the guy who lives in one of the most expensive areas of the country. She won't knock on the door of victory with inferior gear. I won a gold medal with a bow I made myself....the gear doesn't do the work for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoneWolf Posted June 6, 2014 Share #22 Posted June 6, 2014 WTH makes a shoe a triathlon shoe? They are meant to be easy on and off to speed transition time to and from the bike. Most have a rear loop for quick pull-on, are a bit more flexible around the ankle, and are set up to be worn without socks. They also have velcro designed to be tightened easily once on the bike, so you can pull them on, jump on the bike, and tighten them while on your way (instead of rachet straps. Pearl Izumi Tri Fly IV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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