How Bikepacking Compares to Backpacking​ | Bike Flat Pedals

These shoes are a specific shoe to be used with flat mountain bike pedals. They have a flat sole with no opportunity to bolt on a cleat. The soles of these shoes are usually very tacky to grip the pins of the pedals. The design usually errs more towards the skate style of shoes as these are most often worn by trail riders and downhillers.

This post checks all the boxes. It’s easy to install and competitively priced. Through six months of riding in winter much and summer dust, the Tellis has been flawlessly reliable. SDG’s first dropper post has spent much of that six months on a hardtail, without the benefit of suspension to buff out the trail. The lever has an effortlessly light feel that is the only one I’ve tried to come close to Wolf Tooth’s benchmark ReMote LA. Read the full review of the SDG Tellis dropper post. Read the full review.

Fortunately, it’s easy enough to swap out pedals and give flats a try. You’ll be able to find a comfortable, natural position on the pedals, though you’ll also have to pay close attention to your pedal stroke to ensure you’re not lifting your shoe’s soles off the pedal platform. (One could argue this is both an advantage and a disadvantage.) It’s a good way to learn more about your biomechanics, and your shortcomings as a dirt rider.

I didn’t see any brands making flats specifically for riders with wide feet while doing this research, but I will certainly keep an eye out. I have tried some ION shoes that were too wide for my feet, and maybe they would work well.

Shimano GR7 The GR7 has a stretch mesh ankle collar that offers additional debris protection. Claimed weight 349g in size 40. $113 USD.

The ‘Angular Engagement System’ mechanism is compatible with Shimano SPD cleats and is spring-loaded around the axle, making it easy to clip in if you lead with the front edge of the cleat.

Can you handle that? No-one here is saying Surly sucks and didn’t know how to use Speedplays. So don’t take offence. We’re not saying we’re more skilled than you, or more technical than you, or better riders than you. We just got on with them, you didn’t.

Ride Concepts Powerline The Powerline takes all the cool features of the Hellion and adds some ankle protection.  $150 USD. Available Spring 2019.

Those who love Speedplays rave about the low weight, adjustability, and shallow stack. A recent redesign of the cleat added a rubber aero cover that makes them far easier to walk in than the previous version, or many other systems.However, it’s undeniable they need more looking after than most pedals and they’re susceptible to clogging from even the smallest amount of dirt.

If sheer performance is more of a priority, then a three-bolt system is the way to go. The larger cleat spreads the pedalling load over more of the sole, which is more comfortable and efficient, and three-bolt shoes are lighter because there’s no extra rubber around the cleat to make them walkable.

I know I’m not the only one with this problem. The first time I tried a cycling class, the instructor helped me get my feet, clad in borrowed cycling shoes, attached to the pedals. The second time, I was on my own, and spent two full songs smushing my feet against the pedals in the dark and praying for some kind of miracle.

Likewise, the gentle heel hold and softer sole of the XC5 isn’t going to replace a performance shoe when Strava trophies are on the line.