I started cycling in 2016 and got a cheap pair of Shimano mtb shoes + cleats + pedals a year later. It remains one of the biggest performance boosters to this day. This year I'll be using my first ever road specific cleat system. The shoes just look so damn nice that I don't want to use them though.
Generally speaking, do presenters do their own editing or do the producers? Wondering if Ollie decided to add Dan’s video to be cheeky or if the producers did.
Kudos for keeping up the content also during these times! Also good that you point out that you shouldn't fit shoes in your local bike shop and then order online because that's just a scumbag move.
Indeed! Supporting our local shops is key to our sports. You might save a couple of dollars/pounds but losing the local expertise will cost us even more. On the plus side, my local shop offers espresso shots 😁!!!
If you haven't first gone to your LBS to check the fit. But if you have checked out the shoes at a bricks-and-mortar LBS, and then buy online, you *are* being a jerk. The reason the shoes are cheaper online is that the online store doesn't have to pay rent to have a store front and pay staff to cater to jerks like you. Be nice. Be fair. Don't cheat your LBS (or any other B&M retailer, for that matter).
That's a complicated and individual answer. If you're riding gravel for 10hrs many would say you want it to be adjustable from snug to a little loose since your foot will swell a bit. If you're riding crits you want it tight. In no case do you want pressure points or hot spots as that would cause blisters, you don't want your toe touching the end, you don't want any movement at all as that would cause chafing or power loss but you also don't want it so tight that you cannot spread your midfoot flat to apply power. Ideally they should feel like they were molded to your feet.
My friend accidentaly bought one of those off road cleat shoes in a local thrift shop without knowing their for cycling lol it is still good as new but sadly he doesnt have a bike and uses that shoes for walking all day
I have wide feet an arthiritis in my toes, I've been through a few shoes before stumbling on some heat mouldable wide fit Bont shoes that have so far been magic for me, thinking of getting a slightly bigger pair for the winter.
Ollie, youmissed one of the biggest points of cycling shoes. "The increased pedal surface size!" The whole lenght of the shoe now become the lenght of the pedal help eliminating the hot spot and cramping on the balls of the feet and arches. Other than that, great informative video.... I'm ringing the bell for you. Hahahaha!
I got my first pair in laces. Love the look and I can change the lace colour when I want a new look, a much cheaper option than buying a new pair of shoes
I think there are a few things that are also important that was missed here. In terms of the upper there is also a fact of breathability. Some people have sweaty feet or need more support. "Splashing the cash" can generally offer you a more comfortable ride because some shoes I think offer special insoles, adjustable arch support and the ability to customise how your foot feels in the shoe which is most important because it'll keep you riding! Francis Cade I think also did a video on picking cycling shoes too which is helpful if you have had foot issues in the past👍
I got a pair of the Giro Empire E70 Knit shoes. My feet haven't felt cooler on a bike ride. Got them from a local Performance Bike's going out of business sale. I wasn't planning to buy shoes that day...but the sale was too much to not buy them and everything else I purchased.
I’ve just bought a Cervelo Aspero and beginning riding regularly. This channel has been so awesome and informative for me as I am a complete novice when it comes to cycling kit. Keep up the great work guys and thanks.
Thanks for this, it made me realize that if you want to start investing in cycling, you can't "just buy" cycling shoes. Thanks for the recommendations!
I do like GCN, and I don't mind them repeating video subjects with new content, it is often useful to me. but I think GCN is at its best when it creates content with multiple presenters with cheap bikes. The cheap bike challenges (which get 10-100x the views) are great, and even greater with presenter bickering. I would love to see a cheap bike/ budget challenge of london to Edinburgh? Give three of them £100 to cover bike, food, accommodation. And put a 4th on a sponsored hyper bike setup as a control and to cover the business costs. Entertaining, financially viable, and dan-suffering content. Go.
Most of us aren't sponsored riders. As "Simon said" recently the sport got many new riders recently and they would do well to tailor content toward that audience. This is a golden era of cycling that should not be squandered.
hasnt done nothing bad for me i never change my front gears from the big ring. although i dont even know why would you use 1 st gear on the back thats walking speed. i only use it when im going around the back of my block to get in and out (about 10 seconds)
If you’re a normal person get spd/mtb shoes, easier to use, can walk in shoes, last longer etc If you’re racing Chris Froome in a 50k uphill time trial, get road shoes
Shimano also makes a set of road pedals for SPD shoes. The best part is if you're a duathlete you can run in them as well (albeit a bit less comfy than trainers).
No problems with being sponsored by Fizik. But if you're going to show them exclusively, you should tell people that the holes on those shoes are positioned too far forwards, and for a lot of people they're not usable.
The biggest improvement is going from non-cycling shoes to cycling shoes. Entry level shoes will give you the biggest bang for the buck (pound, euro, ruble, etc.) From there on up the improvements are smaller and more expensive. Look for a shoe that grips your foot but leaves your toes free to wriggle. Avoid shoes that create pressure points or pinch spots. For the beginning cyclist pedal technique is not a big factor. Don't worry about spending a lot of effort pulling up on on the return portion of your pedal stroke. Think more about how much you can relax your leg on the return stroke. Or, maybe giving a little bit of upward effort so that you're not wasting energy lifting the opposing leg on the power stroke. This is where having your foot firmly attached to the pedal pays off. You don't have to worry about losing your position on the pedal. This frees up your brain to concentrate on other things like drafting or the coffee shop up ahead.
I always hate the shoe conversation. Efficiency isn't that much higher. Comfort is subjective. They're horrifically impractical. Flats are fine for many and I hate that this is generally treated as sacrilege. I'm glad GCN is softening on this. Clipless is good for racing and other situations where hundreds of watts are being put out often in critical moments or when you need to be locked to your pedals (I like clipless for single track). They are also great if you want to be stylish on the bike. For every thing else, it doesn't matter. Don't feel the need to drop the money as a price of entry.
You failed to mention anything about proper fit. Most bike shoes are measured in the euro sizing. But, even American and other sizes are measuring the arch position inside the shoe. The widest point at the ball of the foot. The ball of the foot needs to be positioned right over the center of the pedal axel. Most guys have a shorter foot length than the measurement of their arch position. Try it. You'll see. Take for example: Someone has a foot length of a 10 1/2 with an arch position of 12 1/2. So they buy a 10 1/2 and it's too tight and doesn't feel good. That's because the foot actually wants to be a 12 1/2 (48) instead of a 10 1/2. Let's take another sizing problem for example: Most cycling shoes come in only one width. As with other shoes that have no width measurement, they are all "C" Width. So in our example of the 10 1/2 length, they put the shoe on and it's too tight. Everyone tells you they need to be tight. That is the wrong advise. But when you move to the 12 1/2 (48). you find that it has the right (wider) width for your foot. The length of a shoe doesn't matter on a clipless pedal. You want the ball of the FOOT to be right over the axel of the pedal. If you get a tight shoe, all you'll do is stretch it out and it will become bigger than had you bought the shoe that fit you properly rom the beginning and you're toes will go numb. Hate to say it but this video is like going in to a cycle shop and the sales man wants to sell you a pair of shoes not caring whether they are comfortable or not. The three things to remember with the fit of a shoe are: 1. Fit to the Arch of your foot. The number on the box tells you where the arch is built in to the shoe. That tells you what size your foot wants to be had your toes been longer. 2. Get a comfortable width in the shoe fitting your arch. Cycling shoes come in a C width. Fit to your arch and the width will probably NOT be too tight. Don't worry about the length because the length doesn't matter on a clipless pedal 3. If a shoe feels too tight and you think it will stretch and get better, IT DOESN'T FIT. Remeasure the arch position and try that size. 4. If a shoe feels a tad loose when it's new......Allow the shoe to break in and the looseness will go away as the shoe conforms down to your foot. Especially in cycling shoes. Ever notice how it seems like a cycling shoe seems to get smaller as they get older? PS. You can not measure your arch by yourself. Someone else that knows what they are doing needs you to stand up, weight on both feet and measure your arch. A quality shoe store will gladly measure your arch knowing that you are wanting to get a very particular sizing for a particular reason. They'll do it even knowing you're not buying from them because you are looking for quality sizing. You might even leave a little tip for sizing your arch. And yes, I worked at a very High end shoe store for 17 years where fit, not style, was most important. I am a Certified Fit Specialist.
Yes newbies have no idea how to position the cleats in the right place for the size of your foot. I seem to remember someone did do a video on that though!
My Mom might have said "sneakers" but I'll bet that most here don't use the term any more. It's right up there with "dungarees" in common US speak. ;) I'm 51 years old so, seems to me, it hasn't gotten a lot of usage in a long time.
I have just started cycling and don't feel confident to wear cleats yet. Are there any shoes I can buy that are better than my trainers that I wear now until I get a bit more confident?
I take it that you are using pedals with toe clips and straps at this time? A good pair of touring shoes will work just fine. I knew guys back in the day who would ride to work in a pair of leather dress shoes. They are certainly fairly stiff compared to regular tennis shoes. Either way, I would go with something like Diadora Geko. They will last forever and are good for riding around the city or just a good day ride. You can add cleats later and get some proper pedals. I think that unless you get serious and want to ride in some local races or events, a good touring shoe is all that you will ever need.
QUESTION: Is there any reason I can't use MTB shoes without cleats on flat pedals? I'm not ready for any kind of clip but I have developed lateral plantar fasciitis from riding and I think the stiff sole of a cycling shoe could help. I tried on a pair of Shimano ME4's and liked them; I just want to make sure I'm not making a mistake.
Wait a year or two before worrying about shoes. The kind of power you have to generate to get a meaningful difference is beyond most cyclists and what you give up in practicality is substantial.
Austin Shoupe nonono, day 1 after you go over 10 miles. They significantly improve ability to transfer power and maintain control of the bike, which is more of a safety item. It’s a significant benefit that should be explored as soon as someone decides to be a “cyclist” Exactly like Bosco said above. It takes one slip and you’re converted.
@@Bosco-nq2kk unfortunate. I rode flats for 20-25 years and might have had a slip almost turn into a crash once. Clipless on the other hand... As for almost braking my foot... I can't comprehend how you caused that situation. The worst that I've ever experienced was a scraped shin, which I might have done once since I was 12.
Now I know what trainers are. Thanks for the translation. I use mountain bike shoes for the road because they are so much easier and safer to walk in and I don’t race.
It's a shame how road shoes are still not built to be walked. Maybe the most dangerous part of all my rides is when I come down the stairs from 3rd floor appartment. Also can't imagine how people with speedplates don't twist their ankles every single time)
Great video, thanks. One aspect to watch out for, I think, is also the ventilation aspect. The upper vamp should have some holes and the sole should have vent openings that help cool off your foot in the summer, and need to be closed/taped in the winter.
Is the Ridley grifn allroad aluminium frame with 105 a good beginner bike? Also for one total new to road bike is the Shimano r550 or whats its called pedal good enough? Im very afraid to maybe not being able to clip out when stopping and falling over. Also ridley site says im xs but a bike shop says small since thats what they have inn. If i was 3cm bigger that makes me go to small. Should that little make a big difference?
I go through 3 or 4 sets of cleats a year (long gravel drive and the Shimano cleat covers are terrible to fit and remove so I no longer bother) and a pair of shoes every 2 years. I need a road shoe (light and stiff) but with the added benefit of enough rubber on the sole to allow me to walk properly on gravel and tarmac. So, a decent heal on toe. I don't want a smaller 2 bolt SPD cleat and I don't want or need the extreme sole and weight of a MTB shoe. Yet to find a "perfect" shoe.
i currently use MTB shoes and clipless pedals, would i notice much difference in power transfer if i changed to road? the reason i chose mtb was because the are double sided, and also felt i could unclip quicker with the multi way release cleats. but just wondering if it is time to change to road pedals
I pulled up in my Pinarello on an inclined stop I unclipped put my foot down and the carbon slid. Unbelievable. Whoever designs road shoes thinks we all live in France
I learned a bit more about the cycling shoe. I've used Serfas cycling shoes for quite some time, they come in wides which is a plus. My foot need that little bit of extra room. So give them a checkout when you can. Alway go for the middle range, save you the time and money $80 to $90 should keep your feet happy and pedaling easier.
I never knew how much I didnt know until today when my new pedals aren't compatible (2 bolt as opposed to the 3 Bolt my new (On my new to me Trek) pedals require) with any of the shoe setups I have.. New to Cycling and trying to make my way through the gear needs. Thanks for sharing all of the information you have put together on this channel.
It's actually informative and helpful. I fell like, my shoelaces out to get me. It gets tangle on my bicycles, to point caused me accident. When walking without bicycle, shoeless goes undone, trying to trip me over. am not kidding, as crazy as; hilarious this seemed, its true. am working to get a shoes without a laces. Thanks.
I wear sneakers when I ride and I have never tried biking shoes. I hate when I get caught in the rain because they stink to high heaven even if they get dried in the sun. I have to through them in the washing machine to get the stench out. Are cycling shoes waterproof? They do look like they are but, I thought I would ask.
Absolutely useless. First that cyclist need to know about cycling shoes is: "It's hell". Feet type: roman, nordic, oriental (99% of shoes are for narrow roman feet). Brannock device measurements including feet width. Sizing including toe box area spread under load. Feet characteristics including arch, varus and valgus. Last types. All problems are identified after ten kilometres and principle "try and buy" is useless. Only after that it’s worth talking about cleat systems (5 min google) and prices ranges. This video is Fizik promotion (note: Fizik is only one of crappy Italian manufacturers that tries to make good things). Fizik makes shoes for narrow roman shape feet. I think that it's worth to note about this.
Spent about 500 miles on it and so far so good. ru-vid.comUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA Pros:1. Very light2. Solid quality build3. Fast delivery: It arrived 5 weeks earlier than expected.4. Easy assemblyJust a few cons but nothing major:1. Cheap tin tubes and had flat on first day... but not a big deal. I replaced the tubes.2. Seat is a bit uncomfortable but that's pretty much the same situation with most bikes.3. Seat post is a bit long/high for a smaller size 48 bike - had to saw 2 inch off to fit properly. The lowest setting is too high. The post locking system does not seem to hold well (perhaps because I saw 2 inch off).4. wheels are not tubeless compatible (from what I can tell)
Please, please, please do a video highlighting vendors who make shoes for people with wider feet. And I'm not just talking about E or even EE widths. (Sorry, I only speak American in shoe widths. I have no idea how widths are specified for Euro sizing, and trust me I've looked!) I'm talking about those of us who need EEE and EEEE widths. And get some of the majors to tell you why they don't go for this subset of the market!
I use mountain bike shoes. I find the road bike shoes hasslich!!! I ride both mountain bike and road. I recently switched to road bikes after years of only riding mountain bikes. The new mountain bikes made me turn my back on the shit they put out now. I bought a Cannondale Systemsix and Pasculli Merctello. I have one mountain bike and it's a 10 speed. I refuse to buy the 12 speed garbage!
How to pick a pair of cycling shoes? Easy. Get a pair of Sidi's. There are NO other alternatives if you are looking for a quality made, durable and lost lasting pair of shoes. All others by comparison are garbage. Shimano? Dont make me laugh. You would be lucky to have them last more than two seasons, at best. Even then moderately expensive ones are crap. Top sole too thin and will wear out way to quick. Shimano also has no replaceable heel-pad unlike a decent pair of sidi's. I get MTB sidi's since i want to be able to walk normally.
Shoes... I wish there was a good way to chose them. 9 out of 10 (perhaps 19 out of 20) aren't good for my duck shaped feet with tailors bunion kind of shape. Especially cycling shoes... :(
I'm an American... I get it when you talk funny English: trainer is a type of shoe, "football" is your lack of self-esteem as a non-'merican talking about soccer instead of a real sport (Just kidding, thanks for the video).
Been riding bike bout 9-8 months maybe Just made the transition from flat petals and hiking shoes I use for work. To cleats and clip in petals I'm basically on day 2 of trying after work no legit ride yet. But I'm noticing when I'm riding hard or trying to go faster. I keep pulling my butt closer to the handlebars is that normal or should I do something different with my saddle height and angle? Because there's a slight pinch in my inseam. I'm trying to figure it out as a beginner to the sport haven rode bikes since high school. Thank you for the advice in advance
I generally appreciate the helpful tips on this channel. But how about dropping the condescending tone and gestures every time you mention a North American term. The fact that you’re British doesn’t make you superior. In any way.
White socks and shoes is a serious deviance. Seriously? You want to go outside looking like youjust stepped off a tapdancing stage in Vegas? Think carefully: the God's are taking notes 🤣
Does GCN have a video on bike shoes for people with big feet? I have a pair Specialized shoes but the length and width make them just a bit too tight after a while. And I can't seem to find much information on larger shoes that I can rely on.
Lots of inflation since this video came out. Mid-level seems to start about $200 now and see lots for $350 and up. Not sure what you get beyond style for the extra cash.
Question, on a slight budget but wanting to buy new shoes and peddles. Should I spend more money on shoes and less on the peddles or should I spend more money on peddles and less on shoes? Looking at $150 peddles and $150 shoes or $350 shoes and $60 peddles.
How snug should shoes be? As tight as like rock climbing shoes or like running shoes? I would totally support the stores if it weren't for lockdown, but am buying direct from stores rather than resellers!
It all starts with a beanie and next thing you'll see is oli skidding through town on his bullhorn bar converted hour record bike on a quest for his next latte art😂
I can appreciate the digs at us Americans (sneaker vs trainer. Soccer vs football).. but then you turn around and refer to a shoe designed for football as a boot?! Cmon man
The old school coaching led us astray! It was common practice to pull up on the upstroke as you push down on the downstroke. Prior to the vid with Conor (#teamconor
been cycling/commuting by bike for 8 years now. SPD only. i hesitate to get a road bike shoe/cleat because i fear i will become like those roadies with expensive glasses and stubbly beard that look like total douchebags
Tbh I never got the point about the supposedly beneficial bigger contact area of road pedals. That’s what you have the stiff shoe for, to spread the load over the whole area of your feet.
Because you're clipped in you get the power from the upstroke, which you wouldn't get wearing normal shoes. You feel like an extension of the bicycle wearing cycling shoes, as you waste less energy.
Hey GCN! You guys do a great job! It is so interesting and funny to watch your videos. Do you have tipps to lock and secure a bike. E.g. in a basement on a wall mount or something like that?! Thanks!
Just retired my 28 year old Sidi shoes, found a pair of Shimano O64 on Facebook Marketplace, cost me £20 and they're almost brand new. Should last the rest of my life.
"If you fall in love with the sport, which is pretty easy' you're probably gonna get both" - Never have I been so offended by something I 100% agree with
