Road Or MTB Pedals - Which Should You Choose?
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- čas přidán 2. 06. 2024
- Clipless pedals fall broadly into two types - road pedals and MTB pedals. When making the move to clipless pedals people often ask - which should I get and what’s the difference? In this video, Ollie and Dan run you through the main differences between the two and conduct some experiments to work out which may suit you best.
In association with LOOK Cycle.
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We’ve partnered with LOOK to make this video, because they were pioneers in pedal design, having released their first clipless pedal back in 1984. The origins of which were in ski binding tech! And although we’re using LOOK, the information applies to other brands too.
The LOOK Keo 2 Max road pedal. It’s one of the most common road pedals in the world. It weighs 251g for the pedals and 65g for the cleats. It combines with this three bolt plastic cleat that is bolted to the bottom of your shoe. Road cleats like this are typically made from hard wearing plastic and are designed to be replaced when they wear out. They last ages though, and they will last longer if you don’t walk in them much.
By comparison, there is the MTB Look x-track race. It’s much smaller than the road pedal and the cleat is much smaller too. It’s also made from metal. It weighs 363g and the cleats are 55g. Aside from the weight, The crucial difference is that the MTB pedal is double sided making it a little easier to clip in.
What pedals do you use on your bike? Let us know in the comments below. 👇
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Leave us a comment below! - Sport
You're all fools, I ride with one MTB pedal and one Road pedal, it's the best of both worlds.
Very nice indeed. I'll tell to my frends.
😆 Yesss! Then just use the MTB foot to get around on foot *hop *hop *hop
Hmm - with that slight variance in power delivery I think you may end up going in circles. Then again maybe this is the best setup for a track bike?
Living the dream
😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣
as a bike shop employee, I recomend MTB clips for most of my road bike-buying customers. Road specific are for racers imho.
I agree. Mtb shoes are made to actually walk also. :) and secondly. Look casual
100% agree. Road shoes/ pedals are a complete and utter faff. Walking in them is absolutely horrible. If You're doing anything other than racing you're probably going to want to get off your bike at some point to go to a cafe/ toilet/ lift your bike upstairs into your flat etc and road bike shoes are horrible for that.
@@Mark-Helmy and you walk like a kid who just got out the tub who's trying not to slip
Well you're a shoop employee not a cyclists.
@@Mark-Helmy yeah, but you don't get to complete the look of your best Lance Armstrong or Froome impersonation in MTB/SPDs.
I’ve used mtb pedals on my road bikes for many years, thanks to the bike shop where I bought my first road bike. They recommended mtb pedals because it’s so much easier to walk in mtb shoes. I’ve never looked back.
They’re less intimidating as well because you can clip in on either side of the pedal. I’ll always use them.
I've got MTB and road bikes. I couldn't see the point in having two sets of shoes and cleats. SPD all the way and you can look like a normal shaved leg ape.
My journey started pretty similar: I bought a road bike with SPD and bought my first bike shoes. Fast forward few years and I added MTB bike to be able get off the pavement or follow kid on the trail. And I already have shoes for that ! Guess what, I just upgraded my road bike and someone tried convince me (and almost had) to get road pedals and shoes. I think I'm stick with SPD, perhaps get a better shoes for road only (still SPD comparable).
I use MTB pedals because I'm fat and slow and I often have to walk up hills, also makes the cake stop easier :-)
me too and i love cake also
😂
Felt that 😂 I prefer mtb pedals cuz they r double sided too
MTB cleats are more compatible with aerobellies
:-) :-0 :-)
You only need one pair of shoes. Get the best quality mtb shoes with a stiff carbon sole. You wont get hot spots. They are just as light. Two sides to clip in. Mtb cleats last way way way longer. Less plastic and waste. They are cheaper. You can walk anywhere without risking slipping over and injuring yourself like so often people do with road shoes. You don't loose any power. All you need today is a middle of the range road bike with a good bike fit, decent tires that are pumped up, and well serviced bike. And.... No body gets drop because they had mtb pedals of their bike isnt a 10 grand carbon aero bike.. You got dropped because you don't have the power.
Good attitude :)
preach it
You forgot power meter. Otherwise spot on.
They are not as light. Giro Road Shoes are 150 gram each. Show me an MTB shoe like these...
@Brainjock Yes you are right, it is no so serious.
I was just writing down facts. And fact is, road shoes are way lighter than MTB shoes and also the pedals.
A lot of grams per Euro or Dollar.
Keep cycling. Greetings from germany.
I use MTB pedals because it allows me to ride the same shoes with my MTB and road bikes. pretty convenient.
You could use road pedals on your MTB bike with the same effect....but wait that's a terrible idea :D ;)
I learned my lesson when I took my road shoes accidently to a mtb ride. All my shoes and bikes are now spd😂
Same here mtb pedal all the way
I use road shoes with SPD cleats on XTR MTB pedals. Its even worse to walk with than regular road cleats but what they didn't talk much about is the lightness of the road shoes without all the damn rubber/plastic of MTB shoes. Clipping in can be horrible as well; with MTB shoes there's plastic/rubber around the cleat to help your shoe stay on the pedal if you miss the clip-in, but with a carbon bottom road shoe you slide right off. All in the name of lightness and stiffness.
Me too. I'm using mtb pedals because I'm started as xc rider. So now I've got same time atac pedals on my and wife's mtb and road bikes. I had a hope to see in this video efficiency comparison between mtb and road pedals before watching it.
Because they're double-sided, you can have "combo" platform/MTB pedals, where one side is flat for a regular shoe and the other fits an MTB cleat. I'm really surprised this advantage wasn't mentioned as it's far more meaningful than the minute differences in clip-in time.
Trade in your road bike for gravel grinder instead
@@shannontrainer5857 The bike in my photo? It's a cyclocross actually. It's my Canadian winter road bike (for slush, snow, ice), moreso than for offroading.
I have four bikes, though (MTB, Cross, Road, Aero Road). No gravel bike, but really I'm a road commuter more than anything else.
Absolutely this! I have mtb on one side and flat on the other, so I can ride my road bike to see friends in heeled boots or my summer sandals or even flip flops if I want to!
That's what I use on my road bike and it saved the day once when I drove an hour away to do a 42 mile ride and forgot my cycling shoes. Obviously wasn't as nice not clipped in, but it was a more casual ride anyway. And it was MUCH better than just getting back in the car and driving home disappointed. I also enjoy the ability to unclip one foot and pedal on the flat side in certain situations where I don't want to unclip at the last second.
I agree with this. I run the Shimano EH500 pedals for this exact reason. They are still on the lighter side, and they offer a flat side so I can just jump on my bike with regular shoes anytime I want. Actually allows me to use my bike more often.
I use MTB pedals. I'm relatively new to cycling (just 2 years) so it was easier to learn. But, I"m sticking with it. They're easier to clip in, easier to walk in. I like having the ability to ride on both sides if need to. Plus, 250 grams more in weight is literally 0.5 pounds. That won't do a thing on my 30-45 mile rides. If it's that much of a difference, I should just lose a couple pounds.
The one thing I find attractive about MTB pedals is they seem to be far closer to a "universal compatibility", from my understanding. Whereas every freaking brand of road pedals makes it's own cleat shape. And often even within the same brand not all their road cleats will be compatible with all their road pedals. :\
Response to Dan's question - I'm MTB pedals on my road bike because I commute on it. The choice is entirely about ability to walk off the bike. Plus, on casual fridays I don't need to change into business shoes and I can wear my (Fizik) M6Bs all day.
I do the same.
Yeah, the walk-ability is definitely a key feature. You can run MTB pedals on your road bike but you can't run road pedals on your mountain bike. Personally think road pedals are more comfortable for putting on a ton of miles on pavement.
I'm with you guys. I like road pedals because really hard, prolonged efforts don't cause any foot pain/hot spots. But on my older bikes that I dont ride that way, SPD pedals and Giro Junction MTB shoes work great. I can walk all over the place and people think they're regular shoes. 👍
Love DZR H2O shoes for SPD pedals. Waterproof and look like leather converses. My work dress code is not so strict, so I am happy to wear them most of the time.
I do the same
You needed to do the freshly mopped marble floor test walking test.
Wet tiled floor. Toilets in a tea stop. Lethal
The comedy bambi on ice walk. A walk even John Cleese would be proud of.
people would die
RIGHT?? the first time l tried road shoes w/o cleats l fell on my ass like a new born calf on ice !! They did feel great in the fit dept but so did the MTB equivalent !! And you like me probably use your bike to go shopping too SOOO walking is a must .
richard carr rubber cleat covers a must 😬🚴🏼
Double sided SPD’s for me so I have less chance of dying when trying to cross at junctions.
Good point; for my next set of pedals I'll go double sided SPD; you are saving lives here :)
Which double-sided models are good?
@@ryand141 SHIMANO PD-EH500
@@interloperblues also cleats Exhustar-CO3F
You could also look into Crankbrothers pedals for a 4x clip in chance! I like them very much.
I’ve got Speedplay pedals on my road bike and mountain bike pedals on my mountain bike. The Speedplay road pedal does have the advantage of being double sided unlike some road shoes but also helped me with knee problems caused by a more traditional road pedal. That said if I was commuting on the road I probably would switch to a MTB pedal just for ease of walking
MTB, always!!! There is no power transfer difference if you use good shoes (even fizik guy said that on a gcn video already) and you are able to walk or securely stop on traffic on a wet day.
do u remember which video?
I can see if trying to save weight on race day when every gram counts going with the lighter option but, if commuting or training safety and durability count more, plus if you're training, you probably want to train with MORE weight so that riding with less weight in a race is that much better
I bought (on special offer) some MTB shoes with a rigid carbon sole but with flex in the toes, so still comfortable to walk/run in, but I don't get that hot spot from the MTB cleats.
With shoes at the upper end of the market the difference is quite literally a different bolt pattern and a couple pieces of plastic that weight 20 maybe 30 grams bonded to the sole and nothing more. Aero wise let's face it if that a major thing to you then you're going to be wearing overshoes/socks anyway so the tread pretty much hidden the axle and pedal will be causing far more drag. Then here comes the shimano apd520 / 540 throwing the whole situation into disarray with its lightweight aero and low price walkable spd design, possibly the most underrated pedal in the world.
I think the difference is due to the pedal itself not the shoe.... between my two setups (sworks shoe to 6800 pedals, and giro empire vr90 to xtr9000 pedals) only difference I can notice is there's vertical play (I can lift up on my pedals which make a click noise probably between cleat and pedal) which I can make happen on command but doesn't happen if I'm just pedalling normally.... I reckon this would be a measurable difference but possibly just a comfort/personal complaint, as well I find its easier to unclip from mtb pedals (I run my road pedals maxed due to being used to it from track and like being firmly in for sprints).... besides that as long as you have great quality shoes, 0 noticeable difference. if you have a expensive top shelf race bike tho where you're spending thousands for marginal gains, it'd be silly to use mtb shoes. Im gonna be racing crits on my cross bike this year and am for shits and giggles gonna try racing in my mtb shoes/pedals to see if it negatively affects my racing
I walked past you when you were filming this, but like a silly fangirl, I was too shy to say hello! MTB for me...for those times when you have to push your bike up the second half of the Col Des Glieres : (
Paula, I live in Veyrier (Geneva), and the Col des Glières is the one big steep nearby climb I haven't done yet. I've climbed Salève (Coin-Croisette) countless times, Grand Colombier twice, but Glières just seems so intimidating!
Thanks for highlighting the differences.
I have severe arthritis and some missing bone in one ankle; the recessed SPD system allows me to walk almost normally on my bad ankle providing the ground has no cross slope so it is mountain bike for me on my road bike or any bike.
I still use toe-clips and straps, and therefore any pair of shoes I happen to be wearing. The fact that they're loose enough to get out of easily means they're not as efficient as cleats, obviously, but - also obviously - they give me more connection to the bike than flats would. As my bike is a general-purpose workhorse, that still seems like the best option to me.
I feel that unless you're racing, use SPDs.
The inconvenience of the road cleats and pedals don't outweigh the benefits when you're out in the real world where you'll be stopping for various things, getting passed obstacles and just getting off the bike for that sweet viewing spot on your journey.
However, if you're on a race course where you know all that matters is power - then road pedals is the obvious choice.
I've used road pedals only since I went clipless. If you dont clip in on that uphill red light and have to clear the intersection you can still use the pedal body to get going and then clip in across the intersection. they really arent that bad. As for walking Shimano cleats last way longer then look and do well off tarmac
yeah totally agree to this, currently using look pedal right now, was thinking about switching over to MTB pedal and shoes because of the comfy of walking and the durability of the cleat
I completely agree. With multiple bicycles (MTB, Road, Cross) and multiple shoes. SPDs was the way to go for me. Now I can use all my shoes on all my bicycles. For Road bicycles I'm running Shimano PD-A600. Single sided and pretty light as well as a larger "platform". Pretty much everything else I run Shimano XT either trail or race. With my carbon soles I don't seem to get hot spots (does it spread the load better?). Just like the original post I'm not racing so the minor differences aren't a "issue" for me either.
Couldnt agree more
@@undentifiedkc do it. You will be way happier and safer. Unless you race you dont need one sided pedals. And you can still use road shoes. Only now you can clip in on either side.
You guys need to spend a bit more with your GMBN colleagues...Enduro is not endurance long rides (as you both alluded to), but rather more technical trail riding focusing on downhill speed. They need bigger pedals with more foot contact for control vs the normal SPD pedals used by marathon or XC riders because of their light weight.
This was hilarious, GCN unaware of the existence of the enduro MTB discipline.
For the roadies: enduro races are short fast steep technical sections, which are timed, linked by non-timed uphill sections to get to the top of the next timed downhill section. Platform pedals help with control and absorbing impacts without bruising the bottom of your foot, and while the clipless part keeps your feet from bouncing off the pedals (and allows a bit more max power on steep uphills).
I laughed so hard when they said that. Also it should be mentioned the multi-time champion of the Enduro World Series uses flat pedals and not clips.
I fairness to GCN guys there is a lot of this mistake written on line. I know little about mountain biking but looked up enduro pedals because I commute on my road bike and use MTN pedals because of clipping in and out in traffic a lot. I looked at enduro ones because the website also said they were better over long distances. I think it was chain reaction cycles here in Canada. Should have just asked the local bike shop instead of going straight online I guess.
The platform clipless confuses me...I get it if you're using a soft shoe, but if you're using a carbon sole then the only benefit I gather is if you unclip and need to slap your foot back on the pedal but can't quite clip back in cause you're going through a real bumpy section or what ever.
@@HooxNZ enduro races, as has already been mentioned, are short, technically demanding downhill sections which are timed and then a longer, untimed, uphill transition to the start of the next stage. The biggest reason for the large platform is not comfort but control. The platform will usually have pins sticking up round the edges like a regular mountain bike flat pedal, designed specifically to provide extra grip with soft rubber soled shoes. All of this allows you to get down some pretty hairy stuff, even if you become unclipped and also makes it less likely you will accidentally unclip when bouncing through really rough stuff. Take a look at the Crankbrothers Mallet pedal to see what I mean.
This was the first and best video that provided both a visual and verbal description of the difference between road and MTB cleats/shoes so that I could figure out that I purchased a used road bike with MTB cleats on it. Kudos and thanks!
I enjoy the flat-mtb combos on a Cx bike. Flats because I can just jump on and ride without pre-considering to wear cycling shoes, and mtb one-sided because they're the only option when wanting flats one-sided.
Ollie + Dan ... Great combination of presenters for content like this!
I use cable ties and get the mrs to cut them off when i get home, mind you she popped out for 3 hours the last time i got home.
I've always worn MTB pedals on the road, even before I started riding MTB's. I choose them over road pedals because I needed to walk around campus and grocery stores in relative comfort. Much more comfortable too (imo).
yeah i believing you i love mtb shoes we are an user not a racer
It's for this reason that I use Crank Brothers Egg Beaters
I remember this same video from some time ago with Dan, and there was no brand partnership and it was a much more balanced insight into different pedals.
Perfect reason why I use MTB on the road. Get tired of flipping the pedal around. I knew I wasn't crazy.
I bought my first pair of clipless (spd) pedals a long time ago and had them on two separate road bikes. When I got my new bike, I tried the SPD-SL's and switched back in about three days. Simple reason, there's no "wrong side of the pedal" to clip into. That's worth an extra 100 grams of weight to me.
I rode Look pedals in the late '80s and early '90s but, coming back to cycling now, I decided to try a pair of high-end Shimano MTB pedals and some hybrid shoes from Specialized. Still hard soles, but the cleats are recessed. They're so much better in every way. Clipping in, walking, and even riding is so much more comfortable.
Is gcn spying on me? How did they know that I'm having trouble deciding between road and mtb pedals?
Anyway, good job! 👍
It's all down to money. If you have a road bike and an MTB and you don't have money for both types of shoes and pedals, buy MTB ones. If you have one type, buy for the type you ride. If you commute, buy MTB pedals
I was used to road pedals and switched to mtb due to my gravel bike which I use as a roadbike too and never looked back. mtb pedals all the way
@@TheSinadin generally you don't want to use road pedals unless you want to go for max power.
@@martinicc67 nice tip there. Thanks..
Clifford depends on your need. Unless you’re a hard core roadie, (racing) or money is a factor, go with mountain type. Easier to maintain, the clips will wear, last longer and take more abuse. The newer shoes are more comfortable and made to walk in, unlike dedicated road gear, which is purely for riding. I use both, and find a have less foot fatigue on long rides, over 50 miles with road pedals. But commuting, day to day casual riding, go with mountain pedals.
It’s worth mentioning mtb cleats last wayyyyyy longer than plastic road cleats. Nobody ever got dropped in a road ride because they had mtb cleats and pedals.
Reminds me of my first ride with a group on a borrowed bike and tennis shoes. Some guy just got a $3k-5k Giant unobtanium (to me anyway) bike and I was on a borrowed flat bar Aluminum frame bike.
He couldn't keep up.
It's not the gear it's the rider...
Yeah I got through 3x SPD-SL cleats in one year. SPD has probably saved me 20x cleats by now
Tony Bright Thank you for being Mr Obvious. Its the operator/motor and not the machine!
Wherever Andever Wooden frames and old wooden tubular rims actually ride really nice believe it or not!
Oh! And you can only pedal one gear at a time. It requires a rider to move the bike very far, otherwise the bike just gathers dust.
@adrian b look up cleats more then as there are spd and road cleats together so can maybe use metal cleat on road
Ive always used spd mountain bike pedals on my road bike. Just feel its more comfortable to walk in them and they do get the job done as good as any clip on pedals.
I've only known SPDs, and they are brilliant. Extremely durable, easy to clip into/out of and comfortable.
Ollie channeling Matt there! I’m massive roadie but admittedly, I’m as bad as Matt at clipping in. Great show GCN!
usually I get and leave my left side clipped in, which is enough to pull away from an intersection, then once I'm up to speed, if the other didn't go in immediately that's when I try to get the second one in (unless there's a short distance between stop lights, in which case it's more annoying to clip it in... and of course, THAT'S when it goes in easily)
Try Speedplay. In first go 95+% of the time without looking.
Best thing about this video was seeing Dan on the slide!! 😂😂
I ran MTB on both bikes for over 25 years. Switched to road pedals on my road bike two years ago to see if it would bring more stability (feet rock side to side) It did. I feel much more connected to the bike, and I reduced knee pain after switching to road pedals. I still prefer the overall riding experience of MTB pedals, but I can't deny the huge weight savings and knee comfort on those longer rides while using road pedals.
I appreciate your comment. I almost bought MTB pedals due to being about to walk on gravel but I have knee issues so I'm grateful to opt to a lightly option of road pedals.
I use m520 mtb pedals on my road bike, mainly 'cos I like to be able to walk with my bike shoes on! I also sometimes clip pd22 plastic jobbies into them on one side, for when I'm wearing trainers. Pretty flexible set-up I think, and good value too.
I use mountain bike pedals on my winter/gravel bike. They are easier to clip in and more durable
I only discovered clipless pedals 2 years ago and had opted for SPD, because I always have to carry the bike out of the cellar, up the stairs and run through the garden before I can ride. In fact, I have never tumbled over with them, unfortunately there are just a few road bike shoes that are designed for this system.
I just like the fact that you can still walk with the shoes.
I have Felt cyclocross and BMC roadbike. Normally I use Felt for winter with SPD pedals and BMC for summer and virtual with SPD-SL pedals. In summer time I traditionally participate Lake Puula race in Finland which is 100 km tarmac and 33 km gravel. For this I change SPD-SL pedals to Felt to change bikes fast in race.
Thanks for the tips. I got my first cleats and pedals. Went for the Mountain bike type and it's been really easy to get used to. Fallen 3 times already, so I hope I am finally done with the break-in falls 😅
I started using mountain bike pedals on my road bike when I turn 70, wish I had done it before.
I use Speedplay pedal/cleat system and absolutely love them! You can clip in on both sides and are in the clips 2-3sec without having to look down at the pedal.They are lightweight.
I think Speedplay by Wahoo often as built-in power meters, and they are by far the most expensive pedal system I've known.
Finding your channel has been a blessing, because of this video I went with Mountain Bike Pedals with a dual platform. For those days, I just want to ride my bike without the shoes! This specifically! SHIMANO PD-M324 SPD Dual Platform Pedal
As I was just getting into road biking, a friend who had been doing it for 15 years introduced me to SPD pedals and for all the reasons you explained, made perfect sence, so that's what I bought for my road bike, my new project flat bar, 1 by carbon road bike that I have just finished and will buy for my vintage Bianchi with modern groupset and wheels that I have just started working on. Incidentally, I use flat pedals on my mountain bike 😂
I've always used MTB pedals on my road bike, more comfortable and being able to walk normal when off the bike
Hah, this video's done naught but remind me of being a kid....so cheers Look and GCN for that! Tell you what though, i feel a lot more comfortable/confident sprinting in road cleats than mtb. maybe i just need mtb pedals with a stronger spring or something but i like how secure my foot is with road cleats. As for power transfer and hotspots, i think that's far more to do with the design and material of the sole and fit...
Bought new bike with MTB pedal and MTB clipless (previously flat pedals), first time using clipless. Took me 15 minutes to learn, so far so good. Love it.
Thanks for the great video! It actually helped me a lot, as I bought my first roadbike (used) just a few days ago. And it still had very old "road-pedals" on it, where I am missing the cleats, so I decided to get new ones anyways. But going into research I had to realize pretty fast that road-pedals are gonna be very uncomfortable in a big city. And as I am mostly am going to ride the bike in the city area of Berlin.
So knowing that I got irritated of what pedals I should get, as those for MTB are clearly for that, or are they? No they are not, thanks for telling that. Will buy a pair of those for now.
When I raced back in the 1980s it was all clips and straps. So when I converted to clipless it was with Sportives in mind, and the ability to walk around feed stops, clamber up to fountains, take a break from riding, etc. and not racing. So I went for SPD/MTBs with road uppers and concealed cleats, and have stuck to that. They work brilliantly and give all the benefits above, plus lose very little power unless you're counting the fractions. I can use all my shoes on all my bikes - road, MTB, spin, tandem, flat bed on the old steel frame, and any hire bikes. Unless you're racing |I cannot see too many disadvantages. What was it Shimano used to advertise? "Ride like the wind without walking like a duck!"
I just started on clipless at 44 years young. I went with the mtb spd clipless because I live in an overly hilly area and real pros would have a challenge on 20 miles of our hills. Anywho, I'm not a pro even close so I must walk sometimes. Can't do that in road shoes. Plus, wife and I pedal together and we like to sight see, so walking is often on our schedule. So mtb shoes for us.
Thank you for the video. It helped me a lot in choosing what pedals to use for my road bike...
Having been a roadie in my youth, going from the clips with straps to Shimano Dura Ace pedals (before the cleats allowed lateral movement of the foot while clipped in), I remember the occasional trouble clipping in when the pedal wanted to spin. A huge disadvantage in the start of a criterium.
After a few years of flats on my MTB, I decided to try clipless and went with the Look carbon spd style pedals (mostly due to their popularity), and was amazed at how much less fidly they are to clip into. Never a worry about a spinning pedal being "right side up".
0:33. Bugger I thought Matt has returned
#metoo 🤣... We miss Matt that much!
probably against his contract to do guest videos 😕
plus that laugh at 0:25
I thought so, too!
He hasn't clipped in yet to return.
No such luck!
*An entire category of MTB pedal was missed -- MTB pedals that use SPD cleats on one side and regular street shoes without cleats on the other.* My favorite is the Shimano *PD-A350.* They weigh 380 g and I use them on every one of my bikes -- including my road bikes. So does my family. I use Shimano *SM-SH56* multi-release cleats with them. The PD-A350 pedals are balanced so the cleat side naturally stays on top. But, when you need to ride your bike without cleats, you simply flip the pedal over and you have a nice large aluminium alloy bed for your street shoes. They are so versatile. They are great on my long training road routes as well as my longer endurance road routes. But they're ideal for commutes or trips to town when you don't want to carry cycling shoes.
Regarding cycling shoes, it's important to remember that MTB pedals and cleats do not allow you to use real walking or running shoes on your bike. Why? Because a cycling shoe -- including an MTB one -- needs a stiff sole to distribute the pressure from the cleat evenly over the front of your foot. This stiff sole on MTB shoes, makes them too inflexible to comfortably walk or run any serious distance. That's why you won't see triathletes using a combo cycling/running shoe -- they use dedicated shoes for each event in the race.
My buddy rides traditional pedals with just those small half toe clips that are strapless. Works fine and he can wear whatever shoe he wants.
Great video guys. I have ave just been going along the same thought process with my road & MTB bikes. I now keep a good dedicated pedal spanner in my kit bag & swap pedals on bikes as desired on each ride and circumstances. Have some non-clip flats pedals too if its just leisure use with ordinary shoes. Must say that the MTB pedals (mine are combo SPD / flats) and shoes are used for often on both bikes and easier to clip in than road pedals (have a few foot slips in the past in town road junctions) Think of pedal / shoe pair as transferable equipment, rather than part of the bike they are used with (as per helmets, clothing, bottle etc
Time Xpresso on road bike and Look Quartz on MTB and gravel (2 sets). I bought road ones last - just didn't want to screw the pedals between the MTB and road bike before every ride.
Used both on my 2 bikes. You could definetly feel the differenc of the weight of the road shoe Vs MTb shoes specially when you are getting tired. Both has its own adv and disadvantage. I love it both!
It is a bit horses for courses. I have both, road for the road bike, MTB for the MTB... I've commuted in both too. Personally, I do prefer the road pedals for road riding as they have the bigger contact area. Also, keeping cleat covers in a jersey pocket will change your life. They let you walk almost normally with road pedals, and dramatically increase the life of them, as they you aren't wearing the cleats on the ground.
How do you benefit from the bigger contact area? I mean, I can feel the difference between the two, but I can't say one is "faster" than the other. Both my types fo shoes are stiff so I don't feel any flex in either. If the MTB pedals are less effective (due to smaller contact area?) they should be warmer than road pedals after a ride, right?
where did you find the cleats covers? I have never heard of it. thanks for the tip.
@@CARLOSALBERTOECHEVERRIMILLAN , I bought mine online (Wiggle or Chain Reaction cycles from memory). For Shimano road cleats, the part number is Shimano SM-SH45. If you do a Google search, you can likely find them (or a cheaper copy, which likely work almost as well).
@@Huttify , The bigger contact area means less of force on that area of your foot. As such, there's less of a 'hot spot' and accompanying discomfort on the ball of your foot. Don't get me wrong, it's not really night and day difference, and if I had to choose one, I'd go with MTB pedals, as they are more versatile, plenty of my mates ride MTB pedals on their road bikes. But, there is enough of a difference that, for me at least, they're worth it. Also, I must admit, I prefer the aesthetic of road pedals on my road bike ;)
@@CARLOSALBERTOECHEVERRIMILLAN Look Keo pedals come with cleats and cleat covers. Keo has a "walking cleat" now that has a softer compound on the fore and aft parts of the cleat.
I rode mountain/ and hybrids for the last 8 years. I recently bought a road bike, and purchased mtb peddles for it. I was able to continue to use my shoes, and my comfort level with the equipment is there. I’m considering purchasing road shoes next summer, but I may still buy a pair that can take both cleat styles.
Bike commuting in L.A. with so many stoplights, the ability to clip in fast actually sounds really beneficial! Thanks for enlightening me to this. 😁
I commute on my race bike also, usually I can clip in as quickly as it takes to put my foot on the pedal
I'm worse than Matt when clipping in 😂🤣 So, MTB for me... Just make sure after your winter commutes you clean/grease the cleat & pedal, or it will start rusting almost immediately.
Where is that playground at? Chernobyl?
And who is Luca?
Apparently the kids abandoned it?
Even worse. England in the Autumn.
Fukushima?!
I think they're in Bath.
The sound of clipping in and out is just so satisfying
I already got the road ones for my first clipless but still watching this for info :))))
I love your videos. They are informative but most of all you guys are hilarious. Keep on! 💕👌
The GCN crew has way too much fun in their work. Keep up the great efforts.
I use Crank Brothers Egg Beaters. Besides having four point entry, they are much easier in my ankles which takes stress off of my knees. I have them on both my road bike and gravel bike.
Michael J Brennan any major differences from 1s to 2s and 3s etc.
I started on the Egg Beaters and moved over to the Candy for a bit more support on longer rides.
@@the_hwyman I also use candy's on my road (tt) and my gravel bike.
After a few years of struggling with trying to clip in with Look Keo pedals and their “one chance or no chance” clip in under pressure scenarios (e.g. from standing starts at traffic light junctions), I learnt many years ago to put two-sided MTB pedals on my road bikes. Plus the fact that road bike shoes tend to have very shiny, low friction soles that offer you bugger all chance of spinning the pedal if you don’t manage to clip in first time round (the cause of many of my early traffic junction starts resulting in my unsafe and embarrassing drop sideways into the road).
Always looking down when driving away in the city. Racing cleats, vital seconds indeed.
Guys enduro isn’t to ride long distances it is to ride a trail where only the down hill parts are timed and the bigger pedals aren’t for comfort they give you more stability on the downhill.
I ride Mt. pedals on my road bike so I don't look like a tool when I walk into the cafe!
I was in my first cycling event ever and I really appreciated guys who managed to change their road shoes for trainers at the ending ceremony. Everybody else looked like women on their firsts' high heel walk
@@BogotaEnglish triathletes are always wearing trainers by the podium. Gotta appreciate them!
To be fair...if you're in full skin tight cycling gear when you walk into a cafe you will look like a tool regardless of your shoes.
@@Quicksilver_Cookie Good point!
@@Quicksilver_Cookie but you are doing sport and you should not give a f about what people are thinking bout you
This is by far the best cycling channel. Thanks guys
My first “nice” road bike purchase at the LBS fitted me with mountain bike pedals. I didn’t know the difference, and never researched further. I just accepted them and have been using ever since on all of my road bikes.
As a full time bike messenger the mavic crossride sl mtb pedals have been my choice for the last few years. The pedals are reliable in any weather and the cleats are very durable and are easier to walk/run in. I use the Giro Empire Vr90 mtb cycling shoes. I would recommend them to everyone that needs a cycling shoe to run stairs in.
My favorite shoe.
Guys guys guys, enduro refers to a mtb discipline in which timing is only collected on selected downhills; think of it as a series of downhill races for which you have limited preparation time. The pedal reflects the usage, a more substantial cage facilitates easier riding in the event that you need to unclip at speed or when cornering. A standard mtb pedal is designed for technically mellower riding, think XC, with less emphasis on unclipped comfort and more on weight and efficiency. Enduro = fast changes in altitude, XC = fast changes in latitude.
Good point. As someone who has toured a few thousand km on mtb pedals, in my experience other parts of your body start hurting before your feet do.
I use MTB pedals on all my bikes for exactly the reasons you've highlighted ... especially the ease of walking in MTB shoes angle. Funnily enough though the first clipless pedals I had were Look road pedals which I used on an MTB many years ago. I liked them and I thought they worked great ... until I tried a pair of SPDs and realised the benefits I'd been missing. Now I use Crank Bros egg beaters which I reckon are even better than SPDs.
I have both, a road bike and a MTB, with the road bike acquired about 1.5 years ago, so I started road cycling on mtb pedals... nothing wrong with that. As I leant more, I upgraded the road bike (got a much lighter one) and also moved onto road pedals because of weight savings and to match my superlight shoes, which I think it's the sensible thing to do. However, I miss having mtb's when clipping at traffic lights (having impatient drivers behind me). So if you commute or have to walk, I'll recommend mtb pedals for almost instant clip-in. I now have look pedals: Keo-easy (super-cheap and light).
Unless weight is of ultimate importance or you race the extra weight is negligible. And you can still use road shoes with mtb pedals if weight is important.
Seriously, if your having a crappy day, spend a few moments watching these guys. They will make you laugh, and you may even learn a thing or two.
your crappy days must be weak.. for me only strong whisky will do.
I have four bikes. Two road and two flat-bar commuters. I run Look Keo Blades on the road bikes and MTB pedals on the commuters, which also have two-sided pedals so I can ride without any clips if I want. I also replace the Keo pedals with MTB pedals in the winter as I ride year round.
I’ve used SPD for years but have started bike touring so I didn’t want to carry 3 pairs of shoes ( cycling, hiking, sandals ) so adapted a wide ski strap to attach to flat pedals. I push the shoe toes in under the arch of the strap towards the frame, twist the heel in towards the frame and I’m able to pull up on the pedal stroke but release easily by twisting my heel out. It works for me !
I think we need an Ollie does cyclo-cross video next year based on that park test run 😁
The problem with SPD pedals and pedalling efficiency is you'll need expensive carbon-soled shoes. So instead, I went for SPD-SL pedals...with expensive carbon-soled shoes.
Pppppeeerrrfffeeect! Hahaha
Haha 😄
That is why I have two pairs of SPD shoes. A non-so-expensive for daily-use shoes and a pair of carbon-soled shoes. I only use my carbon-soled shoes for big rides and events such as Gran Fondo
This video helped, but the comments below summed everything perfectly.
I have a flatcar bike for long commutes and occasional bike riding. I plan to buy a SPD single side (flat normal pedal the other) so I can clip in when I go for proper rides, walk in the shoes, and on the days I am just popping down the shops, wear regular shoes. MBT on my flat bar / and racing bike (if I get one) all the way).
There is a handy grippy cleat cover you can buy for walking around on road shoes. It negates the issues of slipping on the Cafe floor and wearing them out when walking. The lightness of shoe, cleats and pedals for road appeals more than the heavier mtb version. Thats said I'm willing to give it a try someday.
I have used the MTB ones for ages because it makes easy on triathlon transition..... just the running/walking bit gets you in front of a fair group of people.
Solid idea to be fair
Crankbros Eggbeater 11's with stiff carbon soled shoes. How about a vid exploring which road shoes can take mtb cleats.
I use Eggbeaters with mountain bike shoes (Sidi's), I think this is the best of both worlds, multi-sided, easy to get into, walkable shoes.
here in canada the 11's are 450$... why use them over the 3 or 2's ? are the material better?
North Gen yeah, I don’t get the 11s I’m currently running the 2s on my road bike, and double shot 2s on my commuter
Are the 1s good enough for casual riding or should I invest in 2s or 3s. Basically better materials? Is that the difference?
The ones with only two holes in the soles...next topic.
I’m getting back into cycling after many years without a bike. Used toe clips back in the day. Bought the PD M-324 for my gravel bike so I could.wean myself into clipless pedals....they have cleats one side a flat the other.
Now I’m used to them it’ll be double sided MTB pedals for me. 😊
I used Look pedals for years on my road bikes. I purchased a beautiful 1996 Lemond Buenos Aires (Reynolds 853 steel frame) yesterday that is outfitted with MTB pedals (Shimano MH PD 515...an entry-level pedal from way back). The feel of the pedals on the steel frame bike is awesome. Power transfer in my opinion is efficient and I doubt the additional grams will make any difference on hill repeats or long rides. I live in a somewhat hilly area so I"m anxious to give these a shot.
Depends on distance.
My road bike shoes 1/3 the weight of my MTB shoes, cleats included.
I am not going to ride 50+km at speed on road with the additional MTB rotating mass.
If you have additional rotating mass you can ride better with inertia. And remember, on a 8% climb, 1kg more = 1,2% faster you can read that on books about cycling. So it's not significant. Just 1min faster on a 1h30 climb
I use mountain bike pedals for I can walk to and from my house , into cafes and more. I love them.
Me too, same reasons ^^
I use a road bike as commuter and was looking for a MTB shoes with a road's look and i luckily found! With a Shimano Click'r pedals they work just perfect to me.
Great video. Very helpful! Thanks a lot! Subscribed 😉
6:50 I've seen this place before. Must be GCN/GMBN's local playground..
It's just outside their headquarters
Bath
MTB Petals seems the best option to commuting, if you have to un cleat a lot
@@JayB-lz6yd Excuse my French ;)
Liked this video. Wife was not able to transition to road bike cleats - too difficult. Thanks to this video I will suggest to her using MTB cleats instead. Cheers!
From personal experience I've always used road pedals, but I bought a pair of MTB pedals ready for the Summer and my training for TCR.
Over the last 18 months I've done a ton of camping and wild camping and I believe it's something I should have moved to ages ago mainly for the convenience around camp or in the woods - no need for flip flops for example. I can admit I've lost a few pair!
If you do lots of endurance riding, audax, bikepacking and such; it is surprising how quickly you can go through cleats. Interestingly always the left cleat for me, the side I clip and unclip in last.
MTB on my mountain and road bike.
I have a wide foot and found more MTB compatible shoes that suit my foot size/shape.
Your comment is the most useful since I have wide feet. Narrow shoes, typically made by Italian manufacturers don't fit me.
MTB all the way.
I used to have road specific shoes/pedals on my road bike, but I had MTB spds on 2 of my other bikes. When my road shoes got worn out, I decided to make the switch for commonality. I have some nice XT pedals and some super stiff XC racing shoes.
I don't feel any power transfer penalty with such a stiff soled shoe, and they are just so much more practical for everyday use. I haven't changed a cleat in 2+ years.
Yep, I've just made a similar decision coming from the other side. Have got 4 bikes with MTB setup and 3 different pairs of shoes. Just bought my first Summer Road Bike and looked at getting road pedals/shoes, but decided to stick to MTB so I have all my shoe options available on all bikes. For a start it means no extra spend on the new bike, and then down the line I'm thinking I might get the lightweight single sided A600 SPD touring pedals for the new bike and a really light minimalist pair of carbon soled MTB shoes to serve as my 'summer road' pair - the type I'd be scared to destroy offroad but which would still give me a recessed cleat and cross-compatibility across the bikes.
If I ever get strong or fit enough for power transfer to matter then maybe I'll revisit, but by that point I expect I'd want to buy more pairs of shoes anyway. Only other time I envy road shoes is when using toe covers - they're a bit floppy on my MTB shoes and I expect would work much better over an external road cleat.
PeatCowman
Once your XT pedals wear down, get X-Pedo titanium. For 100 euros, they save you more than 150 grams and will also never rust. Furthermore, the external bearings allow you to service them at home, further saving you money.
@@dannybeeh6332 thanks, will check them out
PeatCowman
You’re welcome mate! You truly don’t have to spend $500 to get an ultralight pedal these days!
Check them out on R2 bike, they do great deals.
Best of all, X-Pedo still use the Shimano SPD system, so your mates can still ride your bike, and you won’t need new shoes or anything.
I use MTB pedals on both my commuter/MTB and on my roadie. Mainly because I can't justify shelling out the money for 2 sets of shoes and pedals since I'm never going pro. Good video!
Well I recently buy my first road Giant, but being a MTB amador athlete I got more used to clipping on both sides of the pedal. Mean while I m worried about not put extra weight based on my choice for spd MTB pedals.
0:25 Oliver's laugh is staring to sound like Matt's
Klyde Jimeno 7:50 too
How about those MTB pedals with one flat side? I love those!
Azy Alysa I use these pedals (Wellgo R120B) for my road bike and MTB too.
Me too, Ive got the Shimano version, they work a treat @@sckschan
Even better are pedals with flats on both sides.
@@sckschan Nice! I'll check those out too. I'm using Shimano PD-A530 :)
@@ThisGuyRides I used flat pedals for a long time and only recently switch to clipless. I find clipless pedals actually keep my legs in the correct position, minimize injuries/pain. Having flat on the flip side is just a brilliant option, esp. when I'm in an unfamiliar terrain that I'm not sure if I'm able to unclip on time 😅 or that I can just hop on for an errand ride