Shoe choice

[pcwilson]

Hi Guys

I've finally taken the spuds off my Rockhopper after they tried to kill me one too many times. I got a steep uphill switchback all wrong at Glentress last week; the front lifted, I went over backwards and couldn't clip out in time. I landed really heavily on my back and my tailbone is still throbbing.

I've put on a pair of Wellgo V8 copies; they're cheap and if I don't take to flats I'm only £12 out of pocket. However, I'm looking for some advice on choice of footwear. I've got a pair of Spec Tahos that I really like; can I just take the cleats off and use them with the V8s, or would I be better off with something like SixSixOne Takis?

Cheers
Phil

[wobert]

I've recently done a similar swap out, ditched the M520s for a pair of V8s (proper ones not fakes LOL).

All I've done is replace the cleats with the original blanks on my Shimano shoes, and they're fine. The studs grips the shoes well, as they have a deep formed sole.

They work fine for me!

[pcwilson]

wobert said:

I've recently done a similar swap out, ditched the M520s for a pair of V8s (proper ones not fakes LOL).

All I've done is replace the cleats with the original blanks on my Shimano shoes, and they're fine. The studs grips the shoes well, as they have a deep formed sole.

They work fine for me!

Hi Wobert

Thanks for the reply. Do you find that the pins tear up the soles of your shoes, or just your shins? I don't want to knacker my Tahos.

Cheers
Phil

P.S. What motivated you to ditch the spuds?

[Cabinet Enforcer]

Any flat soled shoe will work with V8's, skate type trainers being particularly effective. You dont need the reinforced soles, in fact they are probably a hinderance, something with a bit of flex is good.

As an aside, wellgo make DMRs pedals (as well as most other brands too), the wellgo pedals I have are indistinguishable from DMR V8s, and they only cost 10 quid. The bearings are adjustable cup and cone type, well worth a re-grease and a tweak of the bearings to get them running extra sweet.

[wobert]

pcwilson said:

wobert said:

I've recently done a similar swap out, ditched the M520s for a pair of V8s (proper ones not fakes LOL).

All I've done is replace the cleats with the original blanks on my Shimano shoes, and they're fine. The studs grips the shoes well, as they have a deep formed sole.

They work fine for me!

Hi Wobert

Thanks for the reply. Do you find that the pins tear up the soles of your shoes, or just your shins? I don't want to knacker my Tahos.

Cheers
Phil

P.S. What motivated you to ditch the spuds?

Nope the soles are fine, no tearing up as the pins seem to sit where the profile of the sole is IYSWIM?

Ditched the SPDs after one too many off's when the mechanism decided not to release, even though it was set on the "slackest" setting.

[Rico]

The best shoe for flat pedals is the FiveTen.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Brands.aspx?Bra...

They use the same type of sole as rock climbing shoes. However, they're not lightweight so might be annoying on an all day ride.

I personally use SPDs for XC (you soon get used to them) and FiveTens for DH/jumping/4X/mucking about.

[pcwilson]

wobert said:

pcwilson said:

wobert said:

I've recently done a similar swap out, ditched the M520s for a pair of V8s (proper ones not fakes LOL).

All I've done is replace the cleats with the original blanks on my Shimano shoes, and they're fine. The studs grips the shoes well, as they have a deep formed sole.

They work fine for me!

Hi Wobert

Thanks for the reply. Do you find that the pins tear up the soles of your shoes, or just your shins? I don't want to knacker my Tahos.

Cheers
Phil

P.S. What motivated you to ditch the spuds?

Nope the soles are fine, no tearing up as the pins seem to sit where the profile of the sole is IYSWIM?

Ditched the SPDs after one too many off's when the mechanism decided not to release, even though it was set on the "slackest" setting.

That's my problem too. I really like SPDs but I can't seem to get the tension right. Too slack and I keep unclipping when I hit a rock or root; too tight and I can't dab or bale in an emergency.

Sounds like a pair of FiveTens are in order.

Cheers.

[v8 jago]

Try some egg beaters ! There is no tension as they are quite slack and a lot of float. There is a thread on them from last week. Have a look and see what you think.