hi folks
time to get some new tri cycling shoes. anyone with some recommendations?

Can anyone recommend links ?

Cheers

Hi

You don't say what distances you are concentrating on, but for shorter races a lot of people I know are sold on this new offering from Zoot -

http://www.goldcoasttriathlete.com/ZOOT-UL...es-p-16144.html

Haven't used them myself so can't comment, but the features look great.

M

would distances make a difference? i mean the shoe should be able to last 30km or 100km right? pardon the ignorance. or are we talking in terms of comfort? so some shoes aren't comfy after say 50kms..

but in terms of distances id probably would be doing more than 60kms per training session.
in terms of races.. probably same.. 60kms. max.

What I meant was the shoes I showed you aren't big in the cushioning and impact-resistance department - they are more like a racing flat.

I personally wouldn't wear them for half or full Ironman, or a long course race, although they would be fine for anything up to OD.

However, a smaller athlete may have no problems going longer in them.

Bigger guys like me usually shove elastic laces in their Kayanos and suchlike.

Hi,

If you are brave you can go to the triathlon site.

http://www.transitions.org.au/

I hear The Colin, Rohan, Brick, Jen Runs and other CoolRunners frequent the site so it can't be that tough.

Hi NvrGiveUp,

I cycle in these and they are the bees knees! http://www.goldcoasttriathlete.com/Shimano...oe-p-16253.html

Re the Zoot runners, I have ordered a pair and am going to race C2S in them so will give you some feedback!

Cheers,

Danny

I lurk there on occasion.... I don't say much though. Too scared

Sorry i should of specified that im after try cycling shoes.

Aaaah - now I gettit!

I have exactly the same cycle shoes as Danny, and I luuurve them!!!.

M

depends largely on your budget and desire for bling factor too. I'd recommend (if you have the money) to go with a carbon-sole shoe if you can. The difference in the stiffness between the two types (plastic .v. carbon sole) are pretty dramatic.

The Shimano TR50 is the next step up in their range if you're going to spend more for a carbon shoe. They're also probably the most popular choice you'll see at your average Tri.

I won't recommend you try the cycling shoe I'm wearing though, which is the Nike T-Speed (carbon-sole, reverse single strap etc..). While I love it, I've recommended it to 2 of my mates, and they've ended up hating it. They reckon the upper has too much 'give'.

wow bit suprised at the carbon vs plastic sole bit, in all honesty i thought the carbon was simply bling.

will definitely look into a carbon sole. How does the reverse strap handle? any chance it catches onto the chain guard or chain?

Hi NvrGiveUp

These are my cycling shoes: http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=F2052

I love them, however will need booties for the chilly weather due to the large gaps between the velcro straps.

Let us know what you decide... Muzman's shoes also look pretty schmick!!

funny thing was that I didn't notice how bad the plastic sole shoes were either until I bought myself a new bike.

I started out riding on a standard aluminium frame cannondale (and had plastic sole tri shoes) and then traded up to a full carbon bike. The very first thing I noticed when I took the new bike out was how much my shoes were flexing under me. I'd never noticed it before cause the old bike was also flexing around too. Perhaps it could be described as the carbon bike's stiffness 'showed up' the weakest link in the power transfer, if you will.

If you're not comparing one shoe to another, then you probably won't notice it. But if you can afford it, and can try on a pair for a road-test before-hand, you'll probably find it's worth the expense.

The reverse strap is designed to keep out of the way of the chain, and to make it easier to slip into the shoes 'on the fly'. However, if you're just as comfortable pulling on cycling shoes in Transition before getting on the bike, then a reverse strap won't do much for you. Most triathletes prefer doing that anyway.

It depends on what sort of distances you're planning on doing as well. For sprint races and Olympic distance at a minimum, I'd recommend to everyone to practice this technique - if you can pull shoes on quickly while on the bike (i.e. while you're moving forward), you really do save a lot more time than you would expect. I'm not that quick on the bike - but I can fly through transition and get a good head-start on most competitors by doing this.

A reverse strap is easier to reach when taking your feet out of the shoes on the bike before entering T2 as well ...

(and nice euro-white bling Shan

thanks for the reply!

Will definitely look into getting a pair of cf sole shoes. I can completely relate to your comment on the change resulting from new bike ( i went from a 15y/o cannondale to a specialized allez and i bloody love it!).

at this stage imtossing up between the TR50, specialized trivent tri shoes, or pearl izumi tri fly II. Cant go sidis because i find they make a very narrow shoe and i have wide feet.

Hi Folks,

I know its a bit of a hijack but the new Zoot shoes turned up today - took them for a run. They are very light and first impressions not too bad but I want to give them a better test than today!

Cheers,

Danny

This is one of a few things that has me puzzled so far. Whether to just put the shoes on and duck-run with the bike out of transition or try to clip them on and slip into the shoe as I try and ride.
Obviously the single strap Tri shoes would be much easier if I wanted to do that.
Currently my bike shoes are 3 straps and a quick release buckle, so it might be easier to duck-run in them.
For a newb like me, is it worth getting a dedicated Tri shoe, my main goal at the moment is to finish, so hopefully an extra 30s in transition won't matter.

TynoMite, I still run in my cleats and until I think I should spend the money on a new pair of tri (cycle) shoes with the single strap, I don't think I will worry about the extra time I lose in transition.

should have added that one of the reasons I originally taught myself to get into my shoes on the fly was due to a poor achilles tendon. Couldn't stand the thought of running in cleats at the time, and still can't.

plus I don't like pain and am paranoid of skating on ice (i.e. cleats on bitumen/concrete/pavers etc...)

plus, plus if its wet, you get mud in your cleats running through T1 and may not be able to clip in.

plus, plus, plus you don't have to sit on your backside (intentionally or un-intentionally) while trying to get into your shoes

plus, plus, plus, plus you don't have to get into your shoes in the first 20metres. Wait till you're clear of the mess coming out of T1, and wait till you're up to speed or (preferably) riding downhill so that you don't lose any speed. There are some courses (Noosa for example) where the pros don't get into their shoes until after the first 1km or so. There's a couple of local courses here which are much the same.

how convincing am I?

Fairly convincing, Miner...

Perhaps this tri season I should give it a go. I just think I will waste more time trying to clip in than I will just running in cleats.
I've seen novices try to do it and it looks quite awkward.

As someone who nearly went base over apex down my stairs before a ride one morning, you'd think I would have thought of that one.
I also tend to assume it'll be nice and dry when I'm competing. Very silly that.
Might have to have a crack at the barefoot transition.

Definitely awkward at first, however with the right shoe (ie tri specific cycling shoe) and abit of practice the transition can be come really fast.

In addition to what Miner has listed, another concern is breaking the cycling shoe whilst running out of the bike compound onto road or whatever then hopping onto the bike. Yes theres mud and slipping all over the place, but we forget that cycling shoes have ZERO flex (or close to it).. so running with them is extremly awkward (flat footed) or you are pressuring the shoe to flex while ur running, eventually compromising the stiffness of the sole.

BUT!!! (this is mainly for Tynomite) - if the cycling distances you're doing are fairly low in the Tri races you participate in (i would say anything from 8km - 30km), u could be probably better off just using toe clamps instead. Save $$ from buying tri shoes & save time from transitions.

The benefits of having cycling shoes for those distances over toe clamps are probably neglible.

What do others think?

I know Rohan is a fan of this for the short races.

And even Hamish Carter would likely agree. Watch a replay of the Melbourne Commonwealth Games Tri some time ...

The minimal flex thing is a good point.
Definitely gunna try leaving the shoes on the bike at least a few times in training.
My first tri is going to be SprintMan at GHIM, 33k ride, my second will be Noosa.
I won't get a chance to have a go at a real short course event until after Noosa.

I could never get the hang of leaving shoes on my bike. Would have to stop and unclip shoes (harder when done by hand) and then put shoes on feet, then clip back into pedals

I have used my Ritchey mountain pedals and shimano mountain bike shoes on my road bike (don't tell triathlon or road cyclists). Was able to run almost properly out of transistion. Any mud in cleats, just had to do a couple of stomps and out that came. However the shoes has the extra flex people say is not as efficient.

However, for a punter like me, it wasn't going to make me lose a sheep station. But I have since swapped back to my look pedals and shoes for the road bike. Now allowed partially back into the fold that is triathlon and road cycling with my 90's Cannondale (another reason not fully allowed in).

I recently bought a new bike and shoes. I asked for Tri shoes but the shop that I bought the bike from advised me to get used to cycling with road shoes first. I think it was because of the flex thing.

Did a short distance Duathlon on the weekend and changed the shoes and then stomped out of transition. Haven't tried leaving the shoes on the bike yet as I was more worried about wet/muddy socks going back into my runners and causing problems during the 2nd run leg.

If you are new to tri's try different things during races and practise. Go for a short run then come back home and use it like a transition. Leave your shoes on your bike one time, change into them another time. See what works for you.

I don't think the straps are going to make much difference if you run into transition with your shoes on.

Cheers
Andrew

I thought that the only thing different about tri cycling shoes and normal road cycling shoes is that tri shoes normally only have one strap?
So I'm not sure what the shop meant by you getting used to road shoes first, Ewoksta.

Re: the issue of muddy socks - I think most people cycle without socks and put socks on during T2 for the run.

... or no socks at all for the run leg of Olympic distance or less. I'm too blousey to run a half without socks though

Yeah I'm with Sunset. Not sure why you'd need to get used to 'road' shoes before trying 'tri' shoes. The only disadvantage of training in tri shoes is that (with the single strap) you don't get as much tension while buckling up. Any serious roadie will tell you that tri shoes are not as efficient as road shoes for this reason.

personally I just own the 1 pair of tri shoes which I use for training & racing all year round. As Shan mentioned earlier though, Tri shoes usually have more ventilation, so the winter booties get dusted off a little earlier in the off-season

I think she mentioned that the tri shoe had more flex in it and as such lost a little bit of power. Being a complete newbie to tri's I took there advice.

Haven't tried running sans socks yet. My feet have a tendancy to blister the first chance they get so I try and do things that feel comfy.

Bit off topic but thanks for the responses/advice.

Cheers
Andrew

the difference in flex between the road and tri shoes the assistant showed you may well have simply been due to the particular models of shoes she had in store. Most cycling shops will stock a full range of road gear (incl. plastic & carbon sole shoes), but quite often only stock the entry-level tri shoe (more than likely with a plastic sole).

The actual sole construction of both types of shoes are essentially identical (although the Shimano TR50 has a neat little drain hole at the toe of the sole to let water out). For the majority of shoes, (the Nikes & Sidis for example) the soles are built on exactly the same plastic or carbon mould. The difference is in the stiffness and buckling/strap system of the upper.

That's certainly true, but tri shoes also have drainage holes for water (as pointed out by Miners), seamless insides to make it easier on sockless feet, and bigger finger loops on the heels counter to pull them on and off. Plus - the single strap is reversed to avoid running gear (as has also been mentioned), and the feature I love about my TR50s is the little notch in the strap to keep em open till I'm ready.

Oh yes, I luurve my shoes ...

practice makes perfect
I have watched plenty of people attempt fast bike exits who have obviously never tried it before raceday !! no need to run and jump...just get on cleanly and get out of the dangerzone (bike exit ) asap .
shoes on the bike is worth the practice especially with some transition areas - you may have quite a way to get to the bike start line - rather awkward waddling in cleated shoes.getting out of T1 sooner and getting on your bike with feet on top of your shoes is far more efficient as no down time...get up to speed and slip your feet in all while you are moving forward...free time right there .some tri squads actually practice on/off bike sessions.
similar to miners I do all my riding in my beloved Shimano TR01 but after 4 years and plenty of work I have retired them for brand new TR 50...still brand new - don't want to get them dirty
no socks if you can manage is better too.

Aside from the discussion of shoes on pedals, these are the best value carbon soled shoe I have been able to find.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=24041

I have a pair and I can only say good things about them. I train and race in them. 3 straps and they take me all of 5 seconds to put on.

hi plaz.. how do u do it? i currently have a pair of road cycling shoes that look very simliar to those u posted (also shimano but plastic sole) - and i seriously struggled with getting my feet in and out of the shoe (tried practicing on the indoor trainer).

first the tongue gets in the way.. and because i have no loop, the minute i take my feet off the shoe (to open up the straps) the shoe flips upside down .. its such a struggle! which is why im now looking to get a proper tri shoe

Gee, you make it sound so easy Kandingo.
Are you gunna put Mercurochrome on my gravelrash after I stack it trying to "slip" my feet in?
I may or my not try this tomorrow morning, with my 3 strap shoes. See how game I am.

I put them on before I get on the bike. I take my feet out on the bike though.

TynoMite,

Practise on a softer surface.

Local park riding on the grass is a better option than the wire brush option to get the gravel out.

there you go mate. Would have to be the only reason I was ahead of you (briefly) on the bike at Byron I think our swim splits were otherwise identical?

One of the squad guys said they do some sessions on grass when they go back to doing full transition sessions.
I had a slow pace try today on road.
Like NGU said, I had trouble with the tongue of the shoe getting in the way.
I tried once putting my left foot in the shoe, already clipped in, before I climbed on the seat, but still couldn't mange getting the right shoe on properly.
The heel hook would have been handy.
Currently riding in Shimano RO85s like these Check 'em out

I think if I were to race shorter stuff like that regularly, I would get those Shimano TR50 I think they are called. The big single strap jobbies that opens back to front. For long stuff, it doesn't matter as the dude is still putting suncream on me and I have my shoes on already.

The next race I do has a 4km swim and I hope they scale up that Byron '1500m' for it

Plazbut
doesn't matter how you put your shoes on for distances longer than OD - but in a sprint tri with a mid pack swim it makes a big difference to get out of transitions asap !! It's the 4th leg of tri...not to be confused with the 4th leg of Ironman

TynoDave...with triple straps it may be best to put on quickly and just jog out to start line...you can still practice getting out of shoes just before finish.still some benefit from entering T2 barefoot.

mate, don't add any more substance to that rumour. It's my Oly PB and I'm sticking with it

I agree with Danny and Muzman - The Shimano TR30 are a great shoe. Not stupidly expensive either...

i try and try and try... but i cant do transitions with my cycling road shoes ! whats the bloody technique!!??

OK, which particular part is giving you trouble, NGU?

Once i take my feet out of the shoe.. the shoe rolls back upside down.. and ive got no way to bring it back up so i can pedal on them..


Just an update with my shoe choice.. i was able to source the specialized carbon fibre sole tri shoe through a contact for a little over $200! the shoe fits so well compared to my cycling shoes.

if anyone else is looking for a pair, shoot us a pm - he has a couple of pairs left.

Thanks

I had issues with that too.
Planning when you remove your feet is important here. On a straight, slight down hill works best for me.
I have found it best to take one foot out, push the other leg down to 6:00 position, then either use the shoe-less foot to bring the shoe right side up, or reach down (I tend to use the opposite hand) and do it by hand.
By no means am I quick at that, but it is getting easier with practice.

You need to freewheel (not pedal) and use your foot to flick it back up. Sounds tricky, but you will get the hang of it. Just never give up.

MissZ and TynoMite have the technique spot on, NvrGiveUp - the key i to have the opposite foot at the bottom of the pedal stroke.

This is why I favour shoes with a nie big heel loop, so I can leave my finger in there until I have planted my foot back on top of the bike. Hot Tip - work on your flexibility so you can do this without thinking too much about it.

Again, the key is to practice these things in a quiet location with no pressure - even on a wind trainer.

M

thanks for the tip everyone.

Cant wait to use these new shoes! they are so blingy!

And that's the important part NGU.
You gotta look good!