5 arch supports and why your cycling feet need them | Bike Flat Pedals

When researching this article I was surprised (horrified?) to discover that there are a number of SPD-compatible sandals on the market. Further research revealed that someone has even converted Birkenstocks into SPD-compatible kicks!

Mavic, Specialized and I’m sure others do similar ‘touring’ shoes that look like road shoes, have a decently stiff sole but take MTB style SPD cleats.

With the thread being a standard size though, I was able to test the Saints with some steel M4 grub screws. These gave more bite at the rear of the platform, providing good hold when your heels are dropped on steep descents. Because the front of the platform sits off the shoe sole though, the two pins at the front are largely ineffective when you’re clipped in. Instead, those pins are there for when you’re not clipped in and need to stick a foot down temporarily. Here the Saints aren’t quite as grippy as the HT or Crank Brothers, but they’re miles better than Shimano’s existing Trail pedals.

Price: $130 Weight: 495gStyle: MountainSizes: 6.5–12 (w/half sizes)The right shoe for: Mountain bikers who love the look and feel of a flat shoe but want the efficiency that comes with being clipped in.

This does seem to be an advantage with this type of cleat, if it’s in the right place most of the time you just set off pedalling and the clipping in happens automatically. No stomping required.

Really I’d only recommend them to riders who will find that learning curve worth the touch of extra speed off the lights or side of the road. To me it was.

And that’s happening, she said, with bike infrastructure more commonly incorporated into project developments — just not as fast as bike advocates might prefer.

Five Ten Freerider Pro One of the most popular flat pedal shoes recently received a few updates. Claimed weight 338g. $150 USD.

Right now, as I ponder the chalk and steeze aspects of both Oop North and the North Downs, it’s increasingly obvious that what the South lacks in Yorkshire Grit, it’s trying gamely to make up in terms of moisture. The following day’s ride may well prove to be interesting – and I for one am very glad I’ve brought my waterproof socks.

“It’s not so much a question of replacing your bike as it is replacing your car,” Frothingham said. “There are certainly people in some areas who see they can get rid of their car. Or park it and use (the e-bike) for commuting.”

I’ve now been on flats for a year (maybe I need a self help group) and although getting use to them I do miss the ultimate control and 360 power transfer that SPD’s bring.

There are two types of clipless pedal. Pedals for road racing follow the original concept introduced by Look in 1984. The cleat stands proud of the sole and is attached by three bolts. This allows an uncomplicated, very rigid sole, but is awkward to walk in. The pedals only have a mechanism on one side, so to clip in you have to catch the nose of the pedal just right, which takes a while to learn.