Essential Reasons for Wearing Cycling Shoes on a Spin Bike and Guidelines for Selecting the Appropriate Pair
Wheeling Through Life: The Power of Cycling Shoes on a Spin Bike
In my old days of biking everywhere, I'd wear regular kicks and slip my feet into some toe cages attached to my bike's pedals. But when I started hitting the spin bike hard, I reluctantly switched to "proper" cycling shoes – the kind with cleats on the bottom, clicking into the pedals.
I've penned down experiences before about my struggles with those first spin classes, trying to figure out the rental shoes. It took getting a spin bike for the comfort of my own home for me to realize – following a few rides – that I definitely needed those shoes.
The Magic of Cycling Shoes with Cleats
Hardcore cyclists opt for cycling shoes because they effortlessly transfer pedal power from your legs. Not much of a concern on leisurely city rides, but if you expect to sprint hard in a spin class or stand up from the bike's saddle, you'll definitely crave those shoes.
Donning thin-soled sneakers, like Chucks, will make you feel the pedal outline uncomfortably pressing against your foot with every stroke. Wearing flexible sneakers, similar to running shoes, will noticeably bend during those out-of-saddle climbs. I ended up using hiking boots before finally caving and heading to the cycling shoe store.
Pedals and Cleats: A Match Made in Heaven... or Bike Shops
Cycling pedals and shoes aren't one-size-fits-all. If you take a peek at the sole of a pair of cycling shoes, you'll spot a metal and/or plastic attachment called the cleat. This locks onto the pedal.
Several cleat systems exist – Peloton uses a large triangular one called LOOK Delta, while road cyclists frequently prefer Shimano's SPD cleats, debating between SM-SH51 and SM-SH56. Newbies to cleats, bike outside? Get the 56. It's easier to unclip.
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If you're pedaling outdoors and considering whether you'll be walking in the same shoes, take a deep breath. Spin bike owners can celebrate – you only need something to link your foot to the bike, no need to worry about unclipping on the pavement in a rush.
I picked my first cleats by searching Amazon for affordable pedals and ended up with a pair featuring a toe cage on one side and an SPD-compatible attachment on the other. I saved that in my shopping cart while I scoured for specific shoe matches. Once I found shoes compatible with SPD-style cleats, the pairing was a done deal. Already have either the shoes or the pedals? Check their requirements and get matching parts.
When it comes to labeling, these cleats and pedals are often referred to as "clipless," despite the "clipping in" lingo commonly used. Search for "SPD pedals," "SPD cleats," or "SPD shoes."
Assembling Your Shoe and Pedal Dream Team
Shoes and pedals sell separately, but here's a shopping tip: Cleats traditionally come with the pedals themselves (even though they attach to the shoes). So the buying process goes:
- Find a pair of pedals featuring your chosen cleat type (such as SPD).
- Find a pair of cycling shoes that accommodate the appropriate cleat. This means checking for screw holes in the right places. Some shoes can handle multiple cleat types, so double-check before you buy. Sometimes shoes will come pre-equipped with cleats, but not always.
- Be sure to have a set of cleats for each pair of shoes. Normally, the cleats come with the pedals, but sometimes the shoes do, or you can always purchase cleats separately if needed.
Two riders sharing the same bike? You'll need two pairs of shoes and thus two pairs of cleats. You only need one pedal set per bike, of course.
DIY Cleat Installation Guide
Your box of shiny new pedals usually includes the cleats in a small plastic bag. Slip on your newly bought shoes and try them on for a perfect fit, then set up the cleats from the pedal package. Check out this YouTube video for an installation guide. (Just search for a tutorial if your cleats use a different system.) Once everything is set up, spend a couple minutes practicing the art of clipping in and out. Get pedaling!
Now, don't forget to adjust. Scrutinize your cleat system and see what tweaks you can make. There may be a screw on the pedal that determines how difficult it is to clip in, and you might be able to adjust the placement of the cleat on the shoe. With time, you'll understand what adjustments might be ideal for you.
Choosing SPD Cleats for Outdoor Adventures
SPD cleats make the most sense for outdoor cycling. You can even trade your spin bike pedals for SPD-compatible ones, allowing you to use the same shoes with your spin bike and your outdoor bike. Here's what you'll need:
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- Reversible pedals with SPD on one side and toe cages on the other – they come with SPD cleats for your shoes.
- Or buy a set of standard SPD pedals (no toe cage option) – they'll also come with cleats.
- Need an extra pair of cleats for sharing the bike? Here are a pair of SPD SM-SH51 cleats (perfect for indoor cycling, with the added bonus of an allen wrench).
Now that your pedals and cleats are covered, it's shoe time. Plenty of cycling shoes are SPD-compatible. (They'll have two little screw holes next to each other.) Try these:
- Shimano unisex shoe that works with SPD or Peloton cleats.
- TIEM Slipstream, a sneaker-style SPD-compatible cycling shoe.
- Giro Rumble, a versatile mountain bike shoe that looks like a cross between a cycling shoe and a low-cut hiking boot, also SPD-compatible.
- Shimano's "high-performance" indoor cycling shoe features a twist-style (BOA) closure and has great reviews.
- Investing in cycling shoes with cleats for spin bike workouts promotes better health by ensuring optimal power transfer during workouts, making pedaling more efficient and reducing fatigue.
- Prospective cycling shoe buyers can consider cleat systems such as Shimano's SPD cleats (SM-SH51 and SM-SH56) or Peloton's LOOK Delta system, keeping in mind that newer cyclists might find the 56 system easier to unclip.
- When purchasing a pair of cycling shoes and matching pedals, one should first decide on the desired cleat system, then find appropriate pedals with the chosen cleat, and finally select a compatible pair of cycling shoes, ensuring the right screw holes are present for correct cleat attachment.
