Any tips for cycling?

[sleepinabox]

I recentlty bought a lovely pair of Scarpa Enigma GTX walking shoes which are excatly that - great for walking. However I went to this expense as they are GoreTex lined and I wanted to also use them when cycling to keep my feet dry as my old trainers are not in any way waterproof and I seon get wet toes in the rain. However .... the soles of my Scarpas only have to be a little wet and my feet slip off my bicycle pedals. Does anyone have any tips as I am reluctant to go to the further expense of changing the pedals or buying new shoes. I would add I have never fancied the idea of the dedicated cycle shoes that clip in as I would be worried about sudden stops or falling off !!
Rose

[Nick T]

You used to be able to buy a goretex sock that may do the trick with your old trainers (or you could do whot I do and carry a pair of sock in a plaggy bag so when you need dry feat you can have them.

[Jez]

Sorry But Goretex Poortex. Buy a good pair of gaters or overshoes.

[Blackbrook Eye]

You could do what I do, I lean on the bike going uphill and freewheel going downhill , that way you miss most of the puddles

[naturelover]

cant you wrap something round your peddles like rag and tie it tight,it should stop you slipping.

[KIDSTYPIKE]

Originally Posted by sleepinabox

I recentlty bought a lovely pair of Scarpa Enigma GTX walking shoes which are excatly that - great for walking. However I went to this expense as they are GoreTex lined and I wanted to also use them when cycling to keep my feet dry as my old trainers are not in any way waterproof and I seon get wet toes in the rain. However .... the soles of my Scarpas only have to be a little wet and my feet slip off my bicycle pedals. Does anyone have any tips as I am reluctant to go to the further expense of changing the pedals or buying new shoes. I would add I have never fancied the idea of the dedicated cycle shoes that clip in as I would be worried about sudden stops or falling off !!
Rose

I would think that the bet thing would to be to invest in a cheap pair of trainers for the bicycle. It's not a good idea to wrap things round either your Scarpas or the pedals. These have a nasty habit of coming loose and may end up in the either the chain or the back wheel.

Dave

[sleepinabox]

Hi all

Thanks for all your ideas. I agree with Dave I wouldn't want to be wrapping something around the pedal or my trainers as it may well loosen whilst riding. Well, it was pouring rain this morning 7 am so for the ride to work I did try my Scarpas again but definitely too slippy on the pedals - I think its the design of the sole - my old trainers (Salomon) the sole design seemed to fit the spiky bits on the pedals better (sorry - no technical terms here!!). Overshoes .... don't know much about those, I will have to check that idea out next I think. Luckily the weather is supposed to be dry for the rest of the week ......

Rose

[TIGGY]

Im a keen cyclist and would recomend that you bye a pair of toe clips which your should find in any cycle shop which would be the cheapest way to solve the problem of your foot sliding off but they are something that your need to get use to (however if your are riding in the wood i would invest in the corredt equipment as it's important to get your feet out quick at times), the only thing i dont know is the type of shoes you are using, you may need to take your shoes to the shop to see if they fit the toe clips as the sole of shoe may be too chunky, you could do what you dont want to do and log on to this site and get peddles and propper shoes, you will enjoy your ride better im sure. look for overshoes to if, you bye a good pair they should keep your feet warmer keep a watch out for the sales, if you want other sits let me know and i will post for you.

[sleepinabox]

Thanks, Tiggy - I have bought gear from Wiggle in the past so I know they have good prices and an excellent service. Still deciding what to do ....
Rose

[russj1975]

You can get a basic pair of cycling specific trainers (mtb type) with cleats, and some spd pedals (aldi and lidl do them occasionally and they are amazing value). the thought of cliping in to your pedals can put people off, and yes, it takes some getting used to and you will take a few tumbles when you stop the first few times and froget to unclip, but the efficiency of pedaling is so much improved its untrue. I swear by them. Toe clips are better than nothing though. the other advantage of cycling specific footwear with clip in cleats, is that you can get overshoes which are neoprene and give you warmth and weather resistance, but still allow you to clip onto the pedals, they dont work with conventional toe clips though.

[coasty]

You used to be able to get some abbreviated toe clips maybe these would do you, They were designed for cycle tourists who didnt want the restraint of either full clips and straps or cleats,,,,

[Herptastic]

Now my advise is based upon the fact i race Mountain Bikes, but the problem is just the same with feet slipping off your pedals.
You can buy pedals which have small studs on them, and i have found these to be the absolute best for grip, without locking your feet to the pedals themselves - which i personally have never felt comfortable with.

Here is a link to a cheap version of these pedals, but there are better & more durable versions available from most good bike shops.

[lol geoff]

I'm with TIGGY on this one, toe clips not only stop your feet comming of the pedals, they also ensure you use the ball of the foot and you can also use your up moving foot for power as well. The ones I use were bought in Halfords and are just a moulded piece of plastic that bolts on to the pedal using the holes that the reflector mountings use, no straps you just push your toes in and off you go. I would probably go as far as saying they are the best bicycle related modification I have ever made but as TIGGY says some shoes won't fit them. As for wet feet I have heard that sealskin socks are totally waterproof allowing you to wear any fooware, even stillettos if you so desire, and still keep your feet dry even when wading but they're a bit on the steep side.

[bounce]

Why not try a kayak/surf/ watersports shop for a pair off socks £10 made from neoprene wetsuit stuff , not dry but warm.

[Mr Mag00]

has anyone suggested get a bike??

[foxy mars]

I recommend get the proper cycling shoes and clipless pedals, trainer shoes are just a bad idea. Cycling shoes are the best, do not flex, put more power in the pedalling. Clipless is likewise, try them on a minimum setting. Shimano M540 are very good, Also overshoes are a godsend, but never designed for trainer's.

I do a lot of cycling touring and used to have clips, but have converted to clipless and never looked back. Yes there do getting some used to, but once you have the technique. It's like the brain telling to you stop, it's automatic. Same with clipless, the brain will tell you unclip before a junction or traffic lights.

Also if you do come off the bike the pedals will auto release.

I go to work on my bike and use Army boots in the winter month.

[The Woodman]

My mate is still off work while his leg heals following a cycling accident. Twelve weeks ago he made a slow speed sharp turn and lost his balance, couldn't get his foot out of the clip in time, toppled over and fell on his hip cleanly fracturing the top ball joint of his femur. The screws and metalwork look impressive on the xray. The ambulance only took 45 minutes to reach him and the tale he tells would be enough to put me off clips if I were a cyclist!

[foxy mars]

Just bad luck I suppose. There are warning's on the package, when you buy these product's. There is adjustable allen screw on the pedal, too tight and you need to apply a bit of force. In traffic, I would have the setting at 50%. It has happened to me a couple of times, but never really put me off clipless (SPD'S) .