My clipless conversion questions

[ryandood]

I went to look at cycling shoes today and have a few questions. The LBS people told me that the different pedals required different cleats, ie; SPD, crank bros, thats all I know of.

Can any cycling shoes support any cleat or are there specific shoes that won't work with specific pedals/cleats?

Are there any other kind of pedals (for mtb) other that I don't know of? Any special benefits of going for one pedal/cleat design other than preference?

And lastly, I tried on some Pearl Izumi Vagabond M4's and they fit pretty well and were priced reasonably, anyone have an opinion towards this shoe?

Thank you for any input you may have.

[Pato]

As far as I know, any MTB shoe can accept any MTB cleat. The only problem I can see is the lug design on the shoes may interfere with the pedal in some combinations. You can always check that at the shop by placing the shoe on the pedal and see if there is any contact between the lugs and the pedal. You will also want to rotate the shoe as if you are unclipping to see if the lugs prevent the shoe from twisting out properly.

All pedals have their advantages and disadvantages. It's also a matter of preference.

[dubjay]

Originally Posted by ryandood

And lastly, I tried on some Pearl Izumi Vagabond M4's and they fit pretty well and were priced reasonably, anyone have an opinion towards this shoe?

I used the Vagabonds for a while. Great shoe for the price.

The only reason I stopped wearing the Vagabond was that the lugs wore down so much that the cleat hit the ground first, which made for some possible slips.

Pearl Izumi has a lifetime satisfaction guarantee on their shoes so if anything ever rips/breaks, they'll take care of you. I had another PI shoe with a strap/buckle mechanism that broke. I sent the shoes back to them, and a new pair showed up a few days later.

[herzalot]

I have Pearl Izumi mtb shoes that I think are the model you mention. 3 velcro closures, no ratchet. Anyway, they're terrific and reasonably priced. As for pedals, seems to me there are two major engagement systems - Crank Bros, Time and Look have two wire loops that engage the cleat while Shimano and a whole host of other SPD style pedals use a more-complex-looking retention system. I'm sure there are others like Speedplay, but certainly not the majority. The wire-loop style pedals offer a lot of float (the amount of twisting you can do while still engaged) and are reportedly easier to step into, particularly under muddy conditions. The SPD style engage and disengage with a more pronounced "click." I've used SPD, Time and Crank Bros and I prefer the SPD (XTR or XT) because of the confidence-inspiring click. I know when I'm in and I know when I'm out. I can get out far more quickly and confidently than I did with the other two. I needed to add a shim or trim the lugs of my shoes for the CrankBros Candy to keep the pedal body clear of the rubber lugs. Two of my friends swear by Eggbeaters and won't ride with anything else - but then, they ride single speeds, so they're not right in the head.

[ryandood]

I've read alot about these lugs that get in the way and possibly need to be trimmed. Is this the cleat things that stick out on the bottom?

[Alex]

Originally Posted by ryandood

I've read alot about these lugs that get in the way and possibly need to be trimmed. Is this the cleat things that stick out on the bottom?

Yes. The lugs might get in the way of the pedal spindle, not so much the cleat itself. (i.e. a thick spindle together with high lugs might not give enough clearance)

[Cableguy]

If you get Crank Bros Mallets, you might need to do some grinding on your shoes, depending on the model. Or add some washers/spacers on the cleats. I think that might be true with any kind of pedals with platforms.

[mfoga]

Originally Posted by Cableguy

If you get Crank Bros Mallets, you might need to do some grinding on your shoes, depending on the model. Or add some washers/spacers on the cleats. I think that might be true with any kind of pedals with platforms.

I have them and had to add the shims that come with the cleats but after that they have been fine.

[Winger]

Originally Posted by ryandood

And lastly, I tried on some Pearl Izumi Vagabond M4's and they fit pretty well and were priced reasonably, anyone have an opinion towards this shoe?

I tried on every shoe at every shop I could find, and these fit my feet like a glove.

Overall, I'm medium-happy with them. I've had them almost 1 year and I ride ~10 hrs/week. I use them with Shimano SPD cleats/pedals.

Likes:
-Fit
-Price

Dislikes:
-When wearing thin socks, I can feel the cleat hole through the sole liner. I forget about it after 10 minutes of riding.
-The side of 1 shoe is starting to unstitch.

[dubjay]

Originally Posted by Winger

-The side of 1 shoe is starting to unstitch.

Winger - send them in when the hole gets too big to get yourself a new pair. Lifetime guarantee!

Q: How can I get my warranty issue handled?
A: Your local Pearl Izumi dealer is the best resource for your cycling, running and outdoor needs, and this service continues in the event that you encounter a warrantable defect in one of our products. Please visit your dealer for prompt warranty service whenever possible.

If you would prefer to send the item directly to us, here are the details: All shipping to Warranty must be pre-paid and insured. State law (and common decency) requires that products accepted for warranty be clean. Please include your name, address, phone number, e-mail address (if applicable), and a description of the product defect.
Ship to:
Pearl Izumi
ATTN: Warranty Dept.
1886 Prairie Way
Louisville, CO 80027 USA

For warranty assistance outside the US, please contact your local dealer or distributor; we cannot accept warranty shipments from outside the US.

[herzalot]

Originally Posted by ryandood

I've read alot about these lugs that get in the way and possibly need to be trimmed. Is this the cleat things that stick out on the bottom?

No, it's just the rubber grippy part of your shoe that is next to the cleat base. Shim or trim if you're getting Candy, Time or any other pedal with a platform. SPDs fit nicely without trimming or shimming. I have an extra set of XTRs I'd sell you. PM me if interested.

[Rockinthecasbah]

we just had this dissusion crank bros, and times have a different mech and have more release points then SPD,
Crank bros will float, foot can swivle more then spds, but on crank bros you can pull your foot straight up and out if you try hard enough,

[Geronimo]

clipless pedals ARE a fad, but the shoes on the other hand are awesome, because when your not riding you can tap dance.

[Rallyfox]

IN my opinion as far as these go spd's are easier to learn in but I prefer to use crank bros for riding. Oh and the cleats are not interchangeable. Thats all I know. Accept that I really like my Acid's.... and my 5050 flats. 5 10's are really the only way to go. Screw the clips.