MTB SPD's on a road bike - why not ?
Discussion
I have Shimano M520 SPD MTB pedals on both my hardtail and my hybrid and really like them.
I've just got my old road bike going again with a view to building up a few road miles and maybe then getting a new road bike if I enjoy it. Based upon my positive experience with SPD pedals and shoes on my other 2 bkes, I'm tempted to put some M520 pedals on my road bike too. I know I like them, I don't want to have the hassle of having different shoes for different bikes and I like having the cleat recessed into the sole so I can walk normally in the shoes.
I'm aware that MTB pedals on a road bike are frowned on by proper roadies (Rule 34 breach!) - but I'm not sure why. Why is this such a sin ?
I've just got my old road bike going again with a view to building up a few road miles and maybe then getting a new road bike if I enjoy it. Based upon my positive experience with SPD pedals and shoes on my other 2 bkes, I'm tempted to put some M520 pedals on my road bike too. I know I like them, I don't want to have the hassle of having different shoes for different bikes and I like having the cleat recessed into the sole so I can walk normally in the shoes.
I'm aware that MTB pedals on a road bike are frowned on by proper roadies (Rule 34 breach!) - but I'm not sure why. Why is this such a sin ?
I have MTB clipless on my road bike with no issues. Road shoes tend to be stiffer than MTB shoes (as theoretically you rarely need to walk far in them) and the contact patch with the pedal is larger, all of which is meant to give better power transfer but at my level it's irrelevant and as I use my roadie to commute, using MTB shoes is useful for walking into the office etc.
Yup - SPD's fitted to my road-bike which I use for commuting cuz I didn't want different shoes for different bikes.
Still have the front studs fitted on my XC MTB shoes and use these on the road bike.
Might have breached a rule or two here, but who cares. Saved me money on only having to buy 1 pair of shoes...and I'm used to SPDs
Still have the front studs fitted on my XC MTB shoes and use these on the road bike.
Might have breached a rule or two here, but who cares. Saved me money on only having to buy 1 pair of shoes...and I'm used to SPDs
I had MTB pedals on mine. I go against the rules on purpose to upset sad MAMILs, some seem to get very upset. I also have a pump clipped to my frame, and I wear baggy MTB clothes, I measure in miles and have been seen out with a Camelbak on as well.
I have since upgrade to road SPDs but only because I wanted to put the MTB ones back on my MTB!
I have since upgrade to road SPDs but only because I wanted to put the MTB ones back on my MTB!
Had both on mine (not at the same time I might add) but far prefer mtb shoes and pedals. I've got some Shimano road pedals on there at the moment. They're great for going for a ride where you don't have to stop very often but on my commute there are lots of traffic lights etc which inevitably mean stopping. As track stands aren't my strong point I'm finding clipping in again awkward as the pedals are only one sided. Never had a problem with mtb pedals so will probably go back to them. And as for walking in road shoes..........
Seight_Returns said:
...I'm tempted to put some M520 pedals on my road bike too. ... Why is this such a sin ?
Too many fools, too many rules.Seriously, though, if there are actually any riders who obey "The Rules" in all respects, they deserve whatever ridicule comes their way. "The Rules" are a satire, plain and simple. They are not real 'rules', nor are the 'Velominati' an administrative body recognised in any form as having the ability to enforce any of their (often plain daft) rules.
Ignore them. You have two sets of SPD pedals already. You say you like them. Buying another set will allow you to use the same shoes on all your bikes, and you'll also have another spare set of cleats. Buy the M520s and ride. Too hell with the rules, and all of the fools. Let your riding speak for itself.
Ultimately, the rules are a bit of a giggle. Use them to identify their slavish followers, and avoid the humourless twunts when you recognise them out on the road.
Your bike, Your rules
*If you'd said "I've just been signed up by TeamSky for the Tour of Britain. Will I look silly on M520s with MTB shoes?" you may have gotten a different answer
I can't believe anyone actually looks at the rules and doesn't think - decent bit of comedy.
I love the Rules its a great site. But I don't keep my tan lines sharp. Nor do I ever go for a pre ride espresso....
Wear what you like - as long as you are comfortable looking like a "giant douche"
yellowjack said:
Seight_Returns said:
...I'm tempted to put some M520 pedals on my road bike too. ... Why is this such a sin ?
Too many fools, too many rules.Seriously, though, if there are actually any riders who obey "The Rules" in all respects, they deserve whatever ridicule comes their way. "The Rules" are a satire, plain and simple. They are not real 'rules', nor are the 'Velominati' an administrative body recognised in any form as having the ability to enforce any of their (often plain daft) rules.
Ignore them. You have two sets of SPD pedals already. You say you like them. Buying another set will allow you to use the same shoes on all your bikes, and you'll also have another spare set of cleats. Buy the M520s and ride. Too hell with the rules, and all of the fools. Let your riding speak for itself.
Ultimately, the rules are a bit of a giggle. Use them to identify their slavish followers, and avoid the humourless twunts when you recognise them out on the road.
Your bike, Your rules
*If you'd said "I've just been signed up by TeamSky for the Tour of Britain. Will I look silly on M520s with MTB shoes?" you may have gotten a different answer
Gargamel said:
....I love the Rules its a great site. But I don't keep my tan lines sharp. Nor do I ever go for a pre ride espresso....
I love "The Rules", too. For the same reason as you, I suspect If you aren't breaking at least 5 of the "rules" every time you ride, quite frankly you aren't trying hard enough. They have to be blatant breaches too, else you can't deduce the 'disciples' from a distance.
The 'disciples', by the way, are the sad muppets shaking their heads in disgust at your rule breaches, riding bikes that cost at least 3x what yours cost, and *disappearing over your shoulder fast enough that they might be riding backwards*.
(*I may have made up that last bit*)
I rode for a year on a roadie with 520s. It's fine, and I agree, a damn sight easier to walk in and clip in and out.
However, they don't give the support that proper SPD SLs do. I can ride all day on SPDs off road and not have sore feet, but after even 20 miles or so on a roadie, I really notice it. I think it's because position wise, and input wise you are just more dynamic on an MTB. On a roadie you just tend to sit there on the saddle all day and spin at a set rate, and that's when I think you notice the extra support, less float, coupled with stiffer soles that road shoes have. But for any walking/commuting, I'd be back to 520s.
However, they don't give the support that proper SPD SLs do. I can ride all day on SPDs off road and not have sore feet, but after even 20 miles or so on a roadie, I really notice it. I think it's because position wise, and input wise you are just more dynamic on an MTB. On a roadie you just tend to sit there on the saddle all day and spin at a set rate, and that's when I think you notice the extra support, less float, coupled with stiffer soles that road shoes have. But for any walking/commuting, I'd be back to 520s.
Hard-Drive said:
I rode for a year on a roadie with 520s. It's fine, and I agree, a damn sight easier to walk in and clip in and out.
However, they don't give the support that proper SPD SLs do. I can ride all day on SPDs off road and not have sore feet, but after even 20 miles or so on a roadie, I really notice it. I think it's because position wise, and input wise you are just more dynamic on an MTB. On a roadie you just tend to sit there on the saddle all day and spin at a set rate, and that's when I think you notice the extra support, less float, coupled with stiffer soles that road shoes have. But for any walking/commuting, I'd be back to 520s.
Good post, I have SPD-SLs I do like the larger area to put power down on, but clipping in through traffic is a PITA!However, they don't give the support that proper SPD SLs do. I can ride all day on SPDs off road and not have sore feet, but after even 20 miles or so on a roadie, I really notice it. I think it's because position wise, and input wise you are just more dynamic on an MTB. On a roadie you just tend to sit there on the saddle all day and spin at a set rate, and that's when I think you notice the extra support, less float, coupled with stiffer soles that road shoes have. But for any walking/commuting, I'd be back to 520s.
Screw "the rules". They were conceived as a parody of the amateurs who take all this stuff way too seriously - and amusingly they're the ones taking it all as gospel. I imagine many have crossed over from golf, and cling to pages of arcane rules that they must learn and berate others with if they infringe.
(I have 520s on my road bike, btw)
(I have 520s on my road bike, btw)
Hard-Drive said:
I rode for a year on a roadie with 520s. It's fine, and I agree, a damn sight easier to walk in and clip in and out.
However, they don't give the support that proper SPD SLs do. I can ride all day on SPDs off road and not have sore feet, but after even 20 miles or so on a roadie, I really notice it. I think it's because position wise, and input wise you are just more dynamic on an MTB. On a roadie you just tend to sit there on the saddle all day and spin at a set rate, and that's when I think you notice the extra support, less float, coupled with stiffer soles that road shoes have. But for any walking/commuting, I'd be back to 520s.
Have you got your cleats positioned correctly? I had mine in the wrong spot, did the pen, tywrap, find the ball of the foot trick and my feet are much more comfortable However, they don't give the support that proper SPD SLs do. I can ride all day on SPDs off road and not have sore feet, but after even 20 miles or so on a roadie, I really notice it. I think it's because position wise, and input wise you are just more dynamic on an MTB. On a roadie you just tend to sit there on the saddle all day and spin at a set rate, and that's when I think you notice the extra support, less float, coupled with stiffer soles that road shoes have. But for any walking/commuting, I'd be back to 520s.
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