Road Bike Shoes Can Help You Take Your Rides To The Next Level

If you are using flat (regular or platform) pedals, you no doubt have had riders zip by you and you probably thought it was you not your equipment that was making the difference. You have probably seen other riders using special road bike shoes and wondered if you should be using them too.

The truth is those riders zipping past you were probably wearing biking shoes and had their feet anchored to their bikes pedals with a clipless pedal system and that was what was making the difference. These types of shoes are really a natural progression as you start getting more into riding as they make your pedaling stroke more efficient and save you energy.

The thing you need to make sure of is you buy cycling shoes that are made for the type of cycling you are in fact doing. You see there are biking shoes specifically made for each of the disciplines related to biking; mountain biking, road biking, track or spinning.

When it comes to road bike shoes they are constructed with soles that are rigid and smooth. They are recognized by their remarkably stiff soles which are used to help in the power transfer to the pedals. They also make it easier on the riders’ feet as there is a lot of pressure put on the foot with each pedal stroke. Because the shoes soles are so inflexible they typically are not very comfortable for walking any distance. This should not be a problem though as road cyclists don’t walk very far anyway.

One of the main considerations when buying cycling shoes is the pedal system you wish to use. Here again like a lot of things everyone seems to have a better idea and none of them are compatible with each other so the type of clipless pedals you have on your bike need a specific snap for your shoe that will work with it. I like using my shoes for both my spinning class and my road riding so the clip that works with the bikes at the gym meant I had to get that kind of clipless pedal for my bike. It may sound a bit complicated but it really isn’t.

This type of shoe does take a bit to get used to. While you ride along you can feel the difference they make and it feels good. The part that takes getting used to is when you have to slow down and stop or swerve suddenly to miss something you can’t just take you foot of the pedal to give yourself balance. Your shoe is clipped into the pedal. Now it is not difficult to unclip it all you have to do is kick your heel out sideways and your shoe is released. The problem is until that becomes instinctive the spit second that it takes can cause you to fall.

The first ride I used mine I was returning from a 3 hour hard ride and came up to a stop light and decided to have a drink but neglected to unclip my foot. When I came to a stop I was laying on the ground before I knew it. That was the last time I decided to have a drink coming up to a stop light.

I love my shoes. They have made such a difference in my rides. If you are a road cyclist then I recommend you buy some road bike shoes if you want to take your rides to the next level.

By: Dave McIntosh

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Dave McIntosh has enjoyed cycling for years. If you are looking for more great information on Road Bike Shoes, visit Cycle Warehouse.