SPD shoes and pedals for enduro

PB Forum :: All Mountain, Enduro & Cross-Country
SPD shoes and pedals for enduro
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flag raph11
Posted: Oct 6, 2012 at 14:09 Quote
Hello, until yet I rided mostly DH but since a few weeks I restarted enduro, all mountain biking.

I'd like to try SPD pedals but don't really know what's good what's bad, I have some questions I'd be thankful if you could answer Smile



1) Whats the benefit of having a platform around the pedal ? is it necessary in all mountain ? for example: http://bike.shimano.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/us/index/products/pedals/mountain/product.-code-PD-M985.-type-.pd_mountain.html

2) I see 2 main SPD shoes design, one looking like the ones for road Ex:http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=55373 and the other more "normal shoes" ex:http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=55369 are there differences ? or it's just the design ?

3) Are all shoes compatible with all pedals ? (with the adapter)
flag ascurtis
Posted: Oct 6, 2012 at 15:44 Quote
Just get the ones that you can afford. Make a list of the ones you can afford (ones for trails, obviously don't get them if they are road shoes), then google some reviews. a nice stiff sole is key and you'll benefit from added heel lockdown if you end up with a pair with a top ratchet strap. You are essentially just directly connecting yourself to the bike, so you want the shoes to wiggle around on your feet as little as possible so take that into account. I would go for a more padded shoe like Vans or 5.10's if you're doing more DH, but a dedicated clipless shoe design is probably more appropriate for Enduro and AM.

A platform is great if you're just starting out with clipless, as it's a nice intermediate approach since they are closest to a flat/clipless hybrid... you don't need to be as precise when clipping in. Not necessary but great if you don't care about shaving a few grams off.

"SPD" is an acronym and it stands for Shimano Pedaling Dynamics... All "SPD" shoes will work with "SPD" pedals and they are definitely the most popular; however, SPD refers to the pedal-cleat interface and not to the actual shoe in particular, as I believe you can switch out the cleats on some shoes, so just make sure you have SPD cleats and SPD pedals. If you go the "Time" or "Crankbrothers", etc., route, make sure you have corresponding cleats.
flag andrew-pringle
Posted: Oct 6, 2012 at 17:02 Quote
A lot of it's going to come down to personal preference.

On my trail bike, I run clipless pedals for Enduro-type riding.

I prefer Crank Bros Mallets. I went with the more expensive "3's" because, in my experience, the needle bearings are much more reliable and don't develop play. For aggressive riding, I would recommend pedals with the platform around the clips because they allow you some control if you miss your clip or become unclipped for whatever reason. I like that the Mallets actually have pins that are adjustable. I have mine up pretty high so that they catch the soles of my shoes. This makes it so my feet float less from side to side when clipped in. All clipless pedals have some degree of float, and some are adjustable. The float is so that you don't unclip with a slight movement of your foot, but I personally want to feel more like a flat pedal with lots of traction. I use Straitlines and 5.10s on my DH bike.

You definitely want trail shoes rather than road-like XC shoes. XC shoes are made to be super light. I'm using the 5.10 Maltese Falcons because they are in-between. They're not as heavy as the DH options, so they're nice for pedaling up, but they feel secure and they are holding up well after a summer of riding.

Almost all MTB clipless pedals and shoes should be compatible. Some road bike clipless pedals have large cleats, but most MTB pedals have small metal cleats. And, they usually come with spacers for shoes that have thick tread.

Hope that helps.

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.pedal-pedal.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/1500x2000/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/c/b/cb_mallet3_red_pedals_enhanced100001.jpgUnsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.bike-treks.co.uk/images/Five%20Ten%20Maltese%20Falcon%201%20at%20Biketreks%20Ltd%20Ambleside.jpg
flag macross87
Posted: Oct 6, 2012 at 20:08 Quote
A lot is preferance as stated above. I have used SPD and CBs in the last and really like my CB style. Mostly because of the cleat life and the CB design (with eggbeaters) works really well in Texas clay/mud. I can still clip in easily without having to clean my shoe/cleat.

As far as shoes, this is where price can go all over. My wife loves her Sidi shoes and purchased her second set (after 10 years of use) because the velcro separated. I'm using a crappy set of shoes because they were free. I'd like my next set to have a buckle latch design like my road shoes, but these current ones must die first.
flag GTImkIV
O+ FL
Posted: Oct 7, 2012 at 13:09 Quote
What about the pins keeping you from being able to un-clip? Is getting stuck an issue?

Why do the new Mallet 1's have no pins( I realize cost is part of the reason)? This seems like it would be very slippery in the case of being un-clipped. Seems like you might as well get some Candies.
flag andrew-pringle
Posted: Oct 7, 2012 at 14:34 Quote
@GTImkIV: I've never experienced the slightest problem with being able to unclip. I've run Shimano's and a variety of CBs (Candies, Eggbeaters) and the Mallets are as consistent in clipping/unclipping as anything I've used.

Do the new Mallet 1s really not have pins? That's a deal breaker IMO. Are you sure the picture doesn't just show them all the way in? Like in the photo of the 3s above - they're there, just screwed all the way down...
flag GTImkIV
O+ FL
Posted: Oct 7, 2012 at 18:43 Quote
I have seen them in person and they don't. Not sure what the thought behind there design is other than cheaper than the others.
flag swan3609
O+
Posted: Oct 7, 2012 at 19:44 Quote
Get a pair of XT Trails and a good shoe.. If you want some platform then the DX is an option, but I left my DX's and never missed the big platforms of the DX's on my XT's..
flag raph11
Posted: Oct 8, 2012 at 3:43 Quote
Hey thanks a lot for your explanations and opinions ! It helps a lot ! As it will be my first try with clips, and as I'm still a poor student, I will take something that works fine but isn't too expensive.


Mallets look great, I'd like them, but they're too expensive for me, I found these DX: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=4516 which seem a great compromise, I also could try them in DH if I want. I prefer a pair with platform, will feel more confident I think.

For the shoes, the priority use is all mountain and to gain some efficiency in the uphill, so I think an XC type shoe would be better, if I find a nice price on more DH orientated SPD shoes, I will consider this option, but I see that they are usually more expensive.

One more question about "corresponding cleats", are they usually delivered with new pedals ? or with the shoes ? or do I have to buy them separatly ? didn't find any info on the product details
flag swan3609
O+
Posted: Oct 8, 2012 at 4:16 Quote
raph11 wrote:
Hey thanks a lot for your explanations and opinions ! It helps a lot ! As it will be my first try with clips, and as I'm still a poor student, I will take something that works fine but isn't too expensive.


Mallets look great, I'd like them, but they're too expensive for me, I found these DX: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=4516 which seem a great compromise, I also could try them in DH if I want. I prefer a pair with platform, will feel more confident I think.

For the shoes, the priority use is all mountain and to gain some efficiency in the uphill, so I think an XC type shoe would be better, if I find a nice price on more DH orientated SPD shoes, I will consider this option, but I see that they are usually more expensive.

One more question about "corresponding cleats", are they usually delivered with new pedals ? or with the shoes ? or do I have to buy them separatly ? didn't find any info on the product details

DX's are great pedals.. Heavy as all get out, but solid pedals.. I loved mine until I realized the platform doesnt really do much and that I could loose almost a pound with a different set of pedals..

The Pedals should come with new cleats.. If not, your LBS will have them for cheap..
flag ascurtis
Posted: Oct 8, 2012 at 9:30 Quote
The platform is great as you are gaining confidence and if you are about to go for a bit of a sketchy downhill section, you can unclip but still keep your weight on the platform.

There are retainer springs in the pedal that you can adjust (- and +), so I suggest turning them all the way to the (-) side at first, so you get a bit more float and it's easier to unclip. As you become more confident and used to turning your foot to unclip then you can tighten the springs.

Something that hasn't been mentioned is how the shoes fit. Before you order anything you might want to go to your LBS and try a pair of SPD shoes on so you know roughly your size. There are charts on the internet you can reference but each companys sizes differ slightly. You know the feeling you get when your big toe doesn't fit in a pair of shoes, then at the end of the day you can feel your toenail being pushed back into your toe knuckle? Yeah, it sucks a lot more with bike shoes.
flag raph11
Posted: Oct 8, 2012 at 12:05 Quote
Yeah DX are really heavy, I ve a pair of flat DX, they're lighter than the SPD ones, can't belive it !

ascurtis wrote:
The platform is great as you are gaining confidence and if you are about to go for a bit of a sketchy downhill section, you can unclip but still keep your weight on the platform.

There are retainer springs in the pedal that you can adjust (- and +), so I suggest turning them all the way to the (-) side at first, so you get a bit more float and it's easier to unclip. As you become more confident and used to turning your foot to unclip then you can tighten the springs.

Something that hasn't been mentioned is how the shoes fit. Before you order anything you might want to go to your LBS and try a pair of SPD shoes on so you know roughly your size. There are charts on the internet you can reference but each companys sizes differ slightly. You know the feeling you get when your big toe doesn't fit in a pair of shoes, then at the end of the day you can feel your toenail being pushed back into your toe knuckle? Yeah, it sucks a lot more with bike shoes.

Ok I will do those adjustement, I'd like not to fall to stupidly too many times at the beginning Razz thanks

And for the shoes, I already have a pair of Shimano shoes, so I think it will be fine if I take the same size. (I found a cheap second hand shoe in very good shape)
flag Lester22291
O+
Posted: Dec 3, 2012 at 17:36 Quote
andrew-pringle wrote:
A lot of it's going to come down to personal preference.

On my trail bike, I run clipless pedals for Enduro-type riding.

I prefer Crank Bros Mallets. I went with the more expensive "3's" because, in my experience, the needle bearings are much more reliable and don't develop play. For aggressive riding, I would recommend pedals with the platform around the clips because they allow you some control if you miss your clip or become unclipped for whatever reason. I like that the Mallets actually have pins that are adjustable. I have mine up pretty high so that they catch the soles of my shoes. This makes it so my feet float less from side to side when clipped in. All clipless pedals have some degree of float, and some are adjustable. The float is so that you don't unclip with a slight movement of your foot, but I personally want to feel more like a flat pedal with lots of traction. I use Straitlines and 5.10s on my DH bike.

You definitely want trail shoes rather than road-like XC shoes. XC shoes are made to be super light. I'm using the 5.10 Maltese Falcons because they are in-between. They're not as heavy as the DH options, so they're nice for pedaling up, but they feel secure and they are holding up well after a summer of riding.

Almost all MTB clipless pedals and shoes should be compatible. Some road bike clipless pedals have large cleats, but most MTB pedals have small metal cleats. And, they usually come with spacers for shoes that have thick tread.

Hope that helps.

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.pedal-pedal.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/1500x2000/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/c/b/cb_mallet3_red_pedals_enhanced100001.jpgUnsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.bike-treks.co.uk/images/Five%20Ten%20Maltese%20Falcon%201%20at%20Biketreks%20Ltd%20Ambleside.jpg



ive been considering getting some mallets for the all mountain bike (trek slash Cool that i recently ordered. ive been using egg beaters with specialized mtb comp shoes, which are like an xt/ trail shoe. i like the shoes i have a lot but i want a pedal with more of a platform, i feel like that type of shoe wouldnt make sense with a pedal like mallets; has anyone tried it? and if it does make sense to get more of a DH style shoe like the 5.10's (i like the maltese falcons), how does something like that compare to my xc/trail shoes when it comes to pedaling? do they offer the same kind of support/stiffness that you need in a clippless shoe? i ride a fair amount of dh/fr but i like to earn my turns so i spend a lot of time pedaling uphill, so pedaling performance is pretty important.
flag Lester22291
O+
Posted: Dec 3, 2012 at 17:37 Quote
i meant trek slash 8, pinkbike was getting a little trigger happy with the smileys Wink
flag andrew-pringle
Posted: Dec 10, 2012 at 23:37 Quote
Lester22291 wrote:
andrew-pringle wrote:
A lot of it's going to come down to personal preference.

On my trail bike, I run clipless pedals for Enduro-type riding.

I prefer Crank Bros Mallets. I went with the more expensive "3's" because, in my experience, the needle bearings are much more reliable and don't develop play. For aggressive riding, I would recommend pedals with the platform around the clips because they allow you some control if you miss your clip or become unclipped for whatever reason. I like that the Mallets actually have pins that are adjustable. I have mine up pretty high so that they catch the soles of my shoes. This makes it so my feet float less from side to side when clipped in. All clipless pedals have some degree of float, and some are adjustable. The float is so that you don't unclip with a slight movement of your foot, but I personally want to feel more like a flat pedal with lots of traction. I use Straitlines and 5.10s on my DH bike.

You definitely want trail shoes rather than road-like XC shoes. XC shoes are made to be super light. I'm using the 5.10 Maltese Falcons because they are in-between. They're not as heavy as the DH options, so they're nice for pedaling up, but they feel secure and they are holding up well after a summer of riding.

Almost all MTB clipless pedals and shoes should be compatible. Some road bike clipless pedals have large cleats, but most MTB pedals have small metal cleats. And, they usually come with spacers for shoes that have thick tread.

Hope that helps.

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.pedal-pedal.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/1500x2000/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/c/b/cb_mallet3_red_pedals_enhanced100001.jpgUnsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.bike-treks.co.uk/images/Five%20Ten%20Maltese%20Falcon%201%20at%20Biketreks%20Ltd%20Ambleside.jpg



ive been considering getting some mallets for the all mountain bike (trek slash Cool that i recently ordered. ive been using egg beaters with specialized mtb comp shoes, which are like an xt/ trail shoe. i like the shoes i have a lot but i want a pedal with more of a platform, i feel like that type of shoe wouldnt make sense with a pedal like mallets; has anyone tried it? and if it does make sense to get more of a DH style shoe like the 5.10's (i like the maltese falcons), how does something like that compare to my xc/trail shoes when it comes to pedaling? do they offer the same kind of support/stiffness that you need in a clippless shoe? i ride a fair amount of dh/fr but i like to earn my turns so i spend a lot of time pedaling uphill, so pedaling performance is pretty important.

I find them to be plenty stiff for pedalling. Any well designed clipless shoe should have this consideration covered. Mind you, they're not as stiff as the other end of the spectrum made just for performance, but I find that to be more comfortable for my use...
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