Cycling for Noobs

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Sam Jelfs Aug 2020 9:23am, 27 Aug 2020 739 posts	Sam Jelfs With all this discussion on clips / cleats... I currently have SPD cleats on my road bike as I was (occasionally) using it for commuting and it was easier to walk from the bike storage to lockers / showers with the recessed 2-bolt style cleats. I'd like to replace the shoes, but is there any benefit in switching to a 3-bolt SPD-SL or Look style?
Gooner Aug 2020 9:27am, 27 Aug 2020 18,260 posts	Gooner completetri.com This gives a bit of an overview of the different sorts of cleats. I use SPD-SL but have no other reference point, they definitely take a bit of time to get used to walking in but it's not too much of an issue over shorter distances.
MazH Aug 2020 9:27am, 27 Aug 2020 10,930 posts	MazH I value the ability to walk, so any gain would offset the practicality in my eyes. Today I cycled my usual commute, stopped for a MacCappucino, and walked the 0.4miles with coffee in one hand pushing my bike. Great way to start the day!
fraggle Aug 2020 9:41am, 27 Aug 2020 2,445 posts	fraggle Use whatever’s comfortable - I have SPD’s and have done loads of long miles in them with no issues . People used to be a bit sniffy about using spd’s for road cycling but thankfully less so now. Make sure you get carbon soles on the shoes though.
Dvorak Aug 2020 9:50am, 27 Aug 2020 20,575 posts	Dvorak I changed my tyres yesterday (it didn't take two days this time, hurrah ) and the recommended tube on the box was Michelin A2 (622/ 25-32). The tyres are nominally 25mm ( 26 fitted). On checking my existing tubes, they were Michelin A1 (622/ 18-25). Reckoned they would do. Tubes are quite stretchy.
Hertford Tiger Aug 2020 10:11am, 27 Aug 2020 198 posts	Hertford Tiger I find that the wider SPD SL system is more comfortable on Long fast rides. The SPD system can make my feet a little sore. But I find on off road Rides or touring/commuting the ease of walking offsets that risk. So I have both systems. It’s another reason why you need more than one bike.
Sam Jelfs Aug 2020 10:46am, 27 Aug 2020 740 posts	Sam Jelfs Problem is I have no idea whats comfortable, I have only ever used SPDs, and that was only so that I could have the ability to walk comfortably. Thats no longer an issue, I have another bike for commuting on (without cleats). I guess I shall stick with the SPDs I have, and just look for some new shoes.
KimCanRun Aug 2020 5:59pm, 29 Aug 2020 4,725 posts	KimCanRun Had a refresher bike lesson this morning. (It’s been quite a few years since I passed my cycling proficiency test!). Really enjoyed it. Thanks to M_N for flagging it Just need to get a bike!!
Lip Gloss Aug 2020 6:01pm, 29 Aug 2020 43,509 posts	Lip Gloss Well done Kim - you can teach me lol
halfpint Aug 2020 6:22pm, 29 Aug 2020 32,204 posts	halfpint First time out on my bike since my big spill. I was a little more tentative on the downhills but a good blast was had. Luckily we had a spare helmet in the garage. I didn’t fancy using the dented one.