Triathlon Bike Shoe Help?

Question

Okay, well this year is the first year we are allowed to wear "clipless shoes/ pedals" for the bike portion of our triathlons.

I have no idea what I need to buy for my bike. I have the traditional pedals currently that come with my road bike, for like regular running shoes.

These are the shoes I want:

http://bike.shimano.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/us/index/products/shoes/road/product.-code-SH-TR30.-type-.html

And these pedals seem good, and not too pricey:

http://bike.shimano.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/us/index/products/pedals/road/product.-code-PD-R540-L.-type-.html

But what are cleats? And do I need them with the shoes I selected and the pedals I want?

If an experienced road biker and help in what the difference between pedals and cleats are it would be appreciated, thanks! And if I even need cleats with those above shoes?

Pretty much explain shoes, pedals and cleats to me! :)

THX SO MUCHH! =]

Answer 1

Cleats are the "things" that attach to the bottom of your shoes that allow you to lock into your pedals.  The cleats normally come with the pedals.  So if you buy the shoes you referred to above and the pedals you referred to above, all you will have to do is mount the cleats to the shoes and ride away.  Some people will advise going to a bike shop to have the cleats mounted and adjusted (RAD is the term) to be sure you aren't stressing your knees.  My local bike shop charges $50 for this on equipment they don't sell, but it is worthwhile to avoid injuries.  The equipment you are buying is compatible, so it will all work together ... but others looking at this post should be aware that not all are ... look to be sure the shoes will accept the cleats that come with the pedals (SPD, SPD-SL, Look, etc.).

Be sure you get this all taken care of and have time to practice getting in and out of the pedals before the triathlon.  The shoe/cleat/pedal combination should give you some mechanical advantage versus regular pedals because you can pull up and push down with them

Good racing.

Mike

Answer 2

Cleats (also referred to as SPD) are basically the attachment that fits onto your cycling shoe. It's what attaches to the pedal.In this case it'll look like this:

http://www.marcel-malitz.de/wp-content/u...

Don't worry about buying some they come with the pedals ;)

I have those pedals that you selected, they're very good for the money. Just to warn you though, the pedals you have selects take SPD-SL fittings, like with most road pedal fittings, you probably wont be able to walk in those shoes very well/at all without looking like a drunk penguin as the fittings protrude and the shoes are very stiff.

In Mountain Bike pedals and shoes, the SPD fitting is more flush with the sole and the sole is a bit more bendy, enabling you to walk without embarrassment :)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/113/30378...