The best cycling shoes reviewed 2018: entry level models through to stiff soled race kicks | Road Bike Clipless Pedals

Earlier this year, Dan Herrigstad said a silent “uh-oh” when he heard about extensive summer road construction projects in Portland. He took action.

The X2 uses the same clip mechanism that differentiates HT pedals from all others on the market. This hybrid mechanism combines a tension bar on the front, like Time, but uses a cage at the back, like Shimano (though the HT cleats won’t work with either system). The result is a feel that straddles the two – engagement is positive, with an audible ‘click’ as the cage snaps down over the back of the cleat, but the rounded tension bar smoothens both entry and release. It’s a really nice balance – like riding a set of quality carbon wheels that are responsive, yet nicely damped on the trail.

Shimano’s SPD-SL system is the clear favourite amongst our team, with US tech editor James Huang, CyclingTips founder Wade Wallace, roving reporter Dave Everett, Australia senior editor Matt de Neef, US editor-in-chief Neal Rogers, and myself all going this route.

And so it continues. Some of our younger contingent espy a minor double, which wouldn’t be a problem but for the sharp corner leading into it; a startling display of high-speed direction changing and jump-smashing then ensues, as do a couple of more wince-inducing displays of full-scale jump-casing. I decide to take a lead out of Douglas Adam’s book – if discretion is the better part of valour, and cowardice is the better part of discretion, then I valiantly decline to embarrass myself with a display of my abilities. It simply wouldn’t be sporting.

My eastbound train heading toward downtown #Phx, right on time. #carlesscommutepic.twitter.com/5GMyEF7tLK

The recall involves all Bontrager Line Pro flat bicycle pedals. They are aluminum-body pedals that come in orange or black. "Line Pro" and "Bontrager" are printed on the body of the pedal.

Ride Concepts Hellion Another sweet flat pedal shoe with very few stitches to wear out, and some solid vibration dampening. Claimed weight 421g. $130.

A key figure behind the CyclingTips Emporium, Mitch Wells, is one member who loves the Look Keo Blade.

ONZA HO Titanium clip-less (pukka vintage) with Shimano shoes ((and clip-less because they came after toe-clips!!)) On a Marin hardtail plus.

With a couple of exceptions, such as Crank Bros and Time, many of the 2-bolt cleat designs (Wellgo, Ritchey, Boardman) are interchangable or, at least, the pedal design will accept the Shimano SPD cleat without too much problem. I have a couple of old sets of VP pedals that work fine with SPD cleats, but not the other way round.

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.

Joining the Deore XT SPD pedals, the XT flat pedals are pitched at the trail, enduro and e-MTB markets. This is a bit of a shift for the Japanese brand, which up until now has only marketed flat pedals for BMX and DH racing. As more everyday trail riders look to pedal with flats rather than clips however, Shimano has sought to expand its range of flat pedals and shoes accordingly.