"Jim Ley" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:
[email protected]...
> So, I've always cycled in trainers - generally an old, no good any
> more for running, running shoe. My pedals have no clips or anything,
> what's the reasoning behind special shoes?
Proper cycling shoes have a fairly solid inflexible sole - unlike a trainer.
This makes them more efficient and more comfortable to pedal on - but
possibly worse off the bike.
For somebody who's interested in performance, you can also lose any tread
and any shock absorbing - there's no point, the only contact point is with
the pedal. All the design compromises (ventilation, fabric choice, padding)
made in the shoe can be to make it better for cycling rather than walking -
unlike trainers. (of course a lot of trainers have the design compromise
chosen to look good, but I'm guessing you don't use them
).
If you're happy with plain platform pedals, there's no real reason to use
cycling shoes.
However lots of people like a bit more contact with the bike - originally
provided with clips + straps, nowadays normally by some variety of clipless
pedal. This enables you pedal for more of the pedal circle - most obviously
pulling up, which gives you more power/efficiency.
With clips + straps, you can use trainers, but something with a knobbly sole
is IME a bit **** (makes it hard to get in + out). With clipless, obviously
you need a shoe the cleat will mount to, which inevitably means a proper
cycling shoe.
(Clipless pedals are great, but not necessary. All my riding is done in them
though
)
cheers,
clive
