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Running Shoes or Clip-Ins?
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 2005-02-01 4:47 PM |
New user  12 Texas |  Subject: Running Shoes or Clip-Ins?As I prepare for my first tri, just wondering if you think running shoes for the bike & run are the way to go or if you transition from clip-ins on the bike to tennies for the run? Edited by sjones 2005-02-01 4:50 PM |
| 2005-02-01 4:57 PM in reply to: #111240 |
| Member 20 Austin, TX | Subject: RE: Running Shoes or Clip-Ins? In all of the races I have done (okay, only 4) I have used my clipless pedals and cycling shoes then switched to running shoes. I'm sure my transition from bike to run is a little longer than some who are wearing the same shoes, but I feel like my ride is so much stronger with my bike shoes. Some things I might consider if I was in your shoes  ... what are you goals for the race? are you concerned more about just finishing or are you really interested in being as efficient as you can be? are you used to biking with clipless pedals? if not do you have time to get used to this? whatever you decide, go out there and have fun, be proud of yourself, and remember "the woman who has the most fun, wins" Good luck, edna |
| 2005-02-01 5:12 PM in reply to: #111240 |
Expert 803  MD | Subject: RE: Running Shoes or Clip-Ins? Most people who cycle regularly with clip-in cycling shoes use them in a triathlon and transition into running shoes in T2. I always cycle with my clip-in shoes, even in spin classes, and I couldn't imagine racing in running shoes with toe clips. To speed up the transition from cycling to running shoes I strongly recommend the ez laces that don't require lacing up the shoes in T2. They slip on fast. Look up YANKZ or Speed Laces on any of the vendor sites. For the short sprints some prefer to use running shoes to avoid losing time in T2. Another option is the Pyro Platform - basically an adapter that clips into your pedals and still lets you use running shoes - and is supposed to give you a solid platform - look into it at http://www.trisports.com/pyroplatforms.html- a quote from the description "...These pedal platforms are ideal for sprint triathlons and duathlons because you can use your running shoes on the bike and still have a stable platform in which to transfer power to your drivetrain." Never tried them - but maybe somebody else has and can put up a product review for us. |
| 2005-02-01 5:22 PM in reply to: #111240 |
Pro 5153  Helena, MT | Subject: RE: Running Shoes or Clip-Ins? I voted for running shoes for both, not because I think it's better, but it's what I have. Just haven't had the money to go clipless yet. If running shoes are all you've got, you'll still do just fine.... |
| 2005-02-01 5:28 PM in reply to: #111240 |
Champion 5495 Whizzzzzlandia Silver member | Subject: RE: Running Shoes or Clip-Ins? This year SHOULD mark my first year of clipless bike shoes... I've been using my running shoes for the past two seasons, and now it's time for me to try bike shoes! I didn't do it before because: 1) I wasn't totally confident in my cycling ability and the thought of being clipped onto my bike scared me! 2) I wasn't sure if I was going to make a full out committment to triathlon, and I didn't want to spend the money. Now I'm ready to give bike shoes a try. Or a "tri" I suppose if I'm being cheesy. |
LWhizzzzzzzzzzz| 2005-02-01 5:36 PM in reply to: #111240 |
Champion 7036 Sarasota, FL | Subject: RE: Running Shoes or Clip-Ins? I did my first two sprint tri's last year in running shoes and toe clips. It was okay, but I always felt my feet were being pinched whenever I tightened my pedal straps enough to be effective. Last fall I picked up a pair of Wellgo clipless pedals on Ebay and a pair of bike shoes on clearance from Nashbar.com - had a total cost of around $60. Couldn't believe the difference the clipless pedals made - almost 2-3 mph immediately. I'm still learning the proper pedaling technique, and think I still have a lot of room for improvement. For me, any time lost in T2 changing shoes is more than made up with a much faster bike time. Mark |
| 2005-02-01 7:10 PM in reply to: #111240 |
Extreme Veteran 476 San Jose, CA | Subject: RE: Running Shoes or Clip-Ins? i did my first 5 or so Tri's with running shoes. I was there to finish. a few time out, I was near finishing in the top 5, so the Go Fast Crackpipe hit me. but it can, and is done the world over. If you do go clip-ins make absloutely sure you're confident in your ability to get out of them 98% of the time. All of us fall. and will fall again. so don't worry when you do |
| 2005-02-01 8:42 PM in reply to: #111240 |
Expert 1013 White House, TN | Subject: RE: Running Shoes or Clip-Ins? Having never completed a triathlon, this is the opinion of a full-fledged newbie and has very little basis in fact. However, I would think that one could gain more than enough time in the bike portion to offset the extra time in the transition area. Again, just my uninformed opinion. |
| 2005-02-01 10:03 PM in reply to: #111240 |
Elite Veteran 610 chicago area | Subject: RE: Running Shoes or Clip-Ins? My first tri I went with running shoes, but then I was sucked into this triathlon thing and ended up getting clip-ins (clipless). Takes a while to get used to them, so if you do get the clips make sure to practice with them before the race. Honestly, I would stick with the running shoes for your first race, then spend the money afterwards if you really enjoy this racing thing. Good luck! Oh, and I really like the Yankz laces as econway mentioned in his post. They're great, you just slip your shoes right on and your off! Edited by bmax 2005-02-01 10:05 PM |
| 2005-02-01 11:04 PM in reply to: #111240 |
Expert 795 New Mexico | Subject: RE: Running Shoes or Clip-Ins? Err...none of the above. I have not used clipless yet, but I will be switching in the next month or so. Because of my feet going numb, I don't do well with running shoes on the bike. For the cycling, I still use cages, but with cycling shoes. Not ideal, but still more comfortable than with running shoes. |
| 2005-02-02 10:56 AM in reply to: #111240 |
Expert 1836 Lafayette, CO | Subject: RE: Running Shoes or Clip-Ins? Prior to my first tri, I got a cheap pair of toe cages and stayed with my running shoes. I went with my same strategy for my second race. At some point, I'm sure I'll switch to clipless pedals, but for your first race, I'd worry more about just enjoying the race, and not what shoes to wear. Personally, I like NOT having to do anything but rack the bike at T2. |
| 2005-02-02 11:26 AM in reply to: #111240 |
Lethbridge, Alberta Bronze member | Subject: RE: Running Shoes or Clip-Ins? I've been wondering about this too. I got my mountain bike years ago as a package deal, cheap through a charity auction, and it came with clipless pedals. I put some simple rattrap pedals on the bike because I didn't have shoes for the other pedals but now I'm wondering if I should get some bike shoes and try them. I was always uncomfortable with the idea of mountainbiking with my feet attached. Getting my feet free while road biking seems like it should be a bit more predictable. |
| 2005-02-02 11:34 AM in reply to: #111240 |
Elite 2421 | Subject: RE: Running Shoes or Clip-Ins? If you have the money to buy the shoes and pedals there's no reason not to. If you practice your transitions (and if you're not, you should be) then the extra shoe change shouldn't cost you more than 15-20 seconds, if that. If you invest the extra time/money in speed laces and practicing flying mounts/dismounts the time lost could be a few seconds all the way down to no lost time. And as a number of people have noted the speed gains on the bike are well worth it. Of course if you're just in it to finish, then I wouldn't dream of wasting the money. bts |
| 2005-02-02 11:36 AM in reply to: #111240 |
Expert 623 Wye Mills, MD | Subject: RE: Running Shoes or Clip-Ins? I'm thinking of making the switch to clipless from running shoes myself. For T1, you're putting on shoes of somekind anyway, so that's a wash. But for T2, does the speed gained by clipless offset the time taken to switch shoes again? As has been stated earlier in this post and in others, going to a clipless system should result in a gain of 2-3 mph. Using my own slow self as an example, if I average 18 mph on the bike over 15 miles (sprint dist.) it will take 50 minutes. If I gain 2 mph from clipless pedals/shoes it will take me 45 min., and if I gain 3 mph, it will take 43 min. So, can you change shoes significantly faster than 5- 7 minutes? Even if I can't change shoes that quickly, I still want to go faster! |
| 2005-02-02 12:40 PM in reply to: #111526 |
Resident Curmudgeon 25290 The Road Back Gold member | Subject: RE: Running Shoes or Clip-Ins? So, can you change shoes significantly faster than 5- 7 minutes? My last T2 took me 1:24, including about 150 yards of running with the bike in cycling shoes (on grass, thank God). I know I can get it under a minute if I switch to Tri shoes and perfect the "shoes on the bike" thing. |
| 2005-02-02 12:47 PM in reply to: #111240 |
| New user 166 Michigan | Subject: RE: Running Shoes or Clip-Ins? In triathlons, biking is the only discipline where you can "buy speed", by getting better equipment. IMHO, the improvements go in the following order: clipless pedals, aerobars, then maybe racing wheels (if you are already fast). |
| 2005-02-02 3:08 PM in reply to: #111308 |
Champion 6786 Two seat rocket plane | Subject: RE: Running Shoes or Clip-Ins? |
| 2005-02-04 11:58 AM in reply to: #111240 |
New user 12 Texas | Subject: RE: Running Shoes or Clip-Ins? I appreciate all the helpful advice! I am in a tri training program that has us on trainers for the next 2 months, so I figured this is as good time as any to get used to the clipless, so they are being put on my bike this weekend! I'll definately look for those race laces for my running shoes to aid in an easier transition in T2. Thanks! |
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