Light SPD (2-bolt) road shoes? Suggestions?

[Turkle]

Hi, all. I think there was a thread on this a while back but I couldn't find it.

I ride 2-bolt SPD pedals everywhere because I like being able to comfortably walk around when I stop. I go into cafes when I bike!

I'm looking to upgrade my shoes, which right now are some heavy mountain-bike style shoes, and they are plenty worn out. I would like the ease of walking of 2-bolt, but something closer to the lightness and stiffness of road shoes.

Any suggestions for me? Thanks!

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by Turkle

Hi, all. I think there was a thread on this a while back but I couldn't find it.

I ride 2-bolt SPD pedals everywhere because I like being able to comfortably walk around when I stop. I go into cafes when I bike!

I'm looking to upgrade my shoes, which right now are some heavy mountain-bike style shoes, and they are plenty worn out. I would like the ease of walking of 2-bolt, but something closer to the lightness and stiffness of road shoes.

Any suggestions for me? Thanks!

https://www.switchbacktravel.com/bes...ain-bike-shoes

[Jaybee]

For whatever brand fits you, find their top line or level below that xc race shoe. It will be carbon, 2-bolt, built light and stiff and probably just a road shoe with a few lugs glued on the sole. For me this is Giro, either Empire VR90 or Techlace Code VR70.

[Tall]

I like my Empire VR90 https://www.giro.com/p/empire-vr90-m...200000081.html

Claimed weight is 315 g.

[Dired]

Shimano makes a 3 to 2 bolt converter. Works very well.

https://www.rei.com/product/135149/s...cleat-adapters

[EB]

Shimano S-Phyre XC9... if you can deal with the color they come in

Fantastic shoes for XC, gravel, and road... and they come in narrow and wide sizes. On my second pair!

[Likes2ridefar]

Specialized S works gravel recon may be worth checking.

Cross models of mtn shoes sometimes have less rubber and weight. Lake is what I prefer.

[TheseGoTo11]

I've been riding in some Shimano RX8 for about a year and a half. Impressively light and stiff. Come in silver or black.

[Turkle]

Thanks for the suggestions folks!

I think I'm going to have to go to a store and actually try some of these on. My wide feet are often a poor match for long and skinny "Italian-fit" cycling shoes. Are cycling shoes subject to the same supply chain crunch as bike parts? Any recommendations on a NYC store that would have a really good selection for me to try on?

[trener1]

Do you do the usual up 9W ride.
Piermont bikes has a pretty good shoe selection, at least they did last time I had to try on some shoes, which admittedly was pre covid.

[jimoots]

Originally Posted by Turkle

Thanks for the suggestions folks!

I think I'm going to have to go to a store and actually try some of these on. My wide feet are often a poor match for long and skinny "Italian-fit" cycling shoes. Are cycling shoes subject to the same supply chain crunch as bike parts? Any recommendations on a NYC store that would have a really good selection for me to try on?

Try a Bont XC shoe

[Likes2ridefar]

Originally Posted by Turkle

Thanks for the suggestions folks!

I think I'm going to have to go to a store and actually try some of these on. My wide feet are often a poor match for long and skinny "Italian-fit" cycling shoes. Are cycling shoes subject to the same supply chain crunch as bike parts? Any recommendations on a NYC store that would have a really good selection for me to try on?

If this is the case do yourself a favor and get lakes in wide. They were a game changer for me and my foot really isn’t that wide and is low volume.

I’d recommend the 238/241 and any of the higher series.

[Turkle]

Originally Posted by trener1

Do you do the usual up 9W ride.
Piermont bikes has a pretty good shoe selection, at least they did last time I had to try on some shoes, which admittedly was pre covid.

I do, but last time I went River Road was closed after the hurricane. Is that opened up again?

[yinzerniner]

Originally Posted by Turkle

I do, but last time I went River Road was closed after the hurricane. Is that opened up again?

Henry Hudson drive is closed for foreseeable future due to hurricane damate but you can get to Piermont fastest/easiest by just shooting up 9W instead. River Rd is open again.

If you have wider feet then Lake is your best bet. Newer Shimano is definitely narrower than earlier fits.

But for the RX8 they make a "wide" model. I have the RX8s and they've been great - basically a road show with just enough tread to walk like a semi-normal human.

[charliedid]

Originally Posted by TheseGoTo11

I've been riding in some Shimano RX8 for about a year and a half. Impressively light and stiff. Come in silver or black.

I ride these too.