Road bikes (bicycles, that is): Advice -- riding shoes, etc... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cscmc1 · #1 07-13-2006, 05:02 PM

I know some of you are cyclists, and hope someone can point me in the right direction as I attempt to resurrect my old Peugeot roadbike. It should need only tubes and tires (comments on brands are welcome) suitable for dry but uneven roads (think country blacktop here, potholes not uncommon).

I'd like to do some short-ish duathalons -- there is a 2 mi run -- 20 mile ride -- 2 mile run coming up in September, for instance. Do I need to bother with clips or cycling shoes for this distance, or am I best-off tucking my laces in on my running shoes for the biking portions? Who makes an affordable and decent cycling shoe/clip setup these days (assuming I need to buy them)?

Many thanks!

Chris

BENZ-LGB · #2 07-13-2006, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cscmc1

I know some of you are cyclists, and hope someone can point me in the right direction as I attempt to resurrect my old Peugeot roadbike. It should need only tubes and tires (comments on brands are welcome) suitable for dry but uneven roads (think country blacktop here, potholes not uncommon).

I'd like to do some short-ish duathalons -- there is a 2 mi run -- 20 mile ride -- 2 mile run coming up in September, for instance. Do I need to bother with clips or cycling shoes for this distance, or am I best-off tucking my laces in on my running shoes for the biking portions? Who makes an affordable and decent cycling shoe/clip setup these days (assuming I need to buy them)?

Many thanks!

Chris

PM Kuan, he is our resident bike expert.

I use clipless shoes for my mountain and road bike.

I just use different shoes. The shoes that I use for my mountain bike allow me to walk on them, since the clip attachment point is almost fully recessed into the shoe's sole.

The shoes that I use for my road bike are nealry impossible to walk on...

Shimano makes affordable and advanced systems. Check out their website (the biking website, not their fishing website).

I use Michelin tires for the road bike and whatever is on sale and has the right kind of knobbing and thread for the mountain bike.

Good luck my friend...sounds like a lot of fun....

Kuan · #3 07-13-2006, 10:53 PM

Clipless is the only way to go! The stiff soles really make the difference in preventing foot fatigue. But seriously, if you just wanna finish, then just ride in tennis shoes. You can finish it even if your max ride is 15 miles.

If you just wanna have fun and commute on your bike then maybe get a pair of cheap MTB shoe/pedal combo. That way you can walk into the grocery store without people thinking you're queer.

For road tires a pair of 700 x 28's will work fine. Just keep them inflated above 100psi so you don't get pinch flats. Get a nice floor pump and a frame pump for emergencies. If you really want protection from outside elements like nails and cactus then get a pair of Specialized Armadillos, available in a variety of sizes.

IMO the best clipless pedals for beginners are Speedplays. My wife uses them. Not much adjustment needed since there's tons of float, meaning you'll be able to twist your foot on the pedal quite a bit. Disadvantages are that they're expensive (no generic brand) and you have to twist your foot quite a bit more to unclip.

Anyway, the best prices I've seen on pedals are at probikekit.com. It's UK based but they ship to the US pretty quick. Most stuff gets here in around 2 weeks. Other good and cheaper than your local bike store sources are bikenashbar.com, performancebike.com, and pricepoint.com.

PS LGB, I'm no expert!

BENZ-LGB · #4 07-13-2006, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuan

Other good and cheaper than your local bike store sources are bikenashbar.com, performancebike.com, and pricepoint.com.

PS LGB, I'm no expert!

I have a Performance bike shop near where I work....

Well, you certainly have a lot of bikes.

My first bike, in Cuba, was a Chinese-made bike. It had a solid bar lever, instead of cables, for the front brakes.

It was a good bike, but it weighed a ton. Now I ride Italian jobs or American made bikes...

cscmc1 · #5 07-14-2006, 09:23 AM

Thanks, gentlemen. I knew I'd get some good advice from the mercedesshop folks, as always!

The local bike place is going to have some 27 x 1.25" tires in for me today, so she'll get fresh tubes and tires at the least. I'll ride a bit as-is and see if I want to spend the money on clips for this bike, or just save for a newer bike. The local shop has a sweet Trek with the aero rims and all that jazz... man they have gotten light! Not sure I need that much bike however.

Thanks again!

cscmc1 · #6 07-14-2006, 09:25 AM

Oooh, one more question -- are the padded-ass shorts really worth the money they're asking? I used to be able to ride forever in regular-old kid shorts, but those days are fading. I either need one of those fat guy seats or some padded shorts. Local place wants big $$$ for Pearl Izumis though.