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โพสต์: 05 พ.ย. 2010, 11:23
Does Shoe/Pedal Weight Really Matter?
Q: I know lightness is a big selling point for road shoes and pedals, but how much does their combined weight affect speed? Does it make sense to upgrade to a lighter combination? -- Perry M.
Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Only if the lightest stuff is as comfortable as the heavier equipment you're replacing.
Shoe and pedal weight affects the total weight you're toting up hills, so there's a small penalty for heavier equipment.
However, let's say you can save about 200 grams (7 ounces) by upgrading to one of the lightest show-pedal combos. This will save only a few seconds on a 5-mile (8-km) climb -- negligible in recreational riding situations.
The shoe/pedal/cleat combo does constitute rotating weight, like the rim/tube/tire, so the penalty is magnified a bit. But because the circle scribed by your feet is much smaller in diameter than that of the wheels, again the benefit of saving weight is small.
Another consideration: If you like to stop at coffee shops or scenic spots on your rides, mountain bike shoes with recessed cleats are easier to walk in than road shoes with exposed cleats. Mountain bike shoes are often heavier than road shoes, but if you want to walk in the latter you'll need to carry a set of cleat covers. No one remembers to add their weight to shoe weight. There's also the inconvenience of putting on cleat covers each time they're needed.
Rather than counting grams, consider comfort. This is the area where shoes can make a much more significant difference in performance.
Light shoes that don't support well or that allow you to feel excessive pedal pressure can limit your speed and distance. Heavier but more comfortable shoes let you ride all you want. The resulting increase in enjoyment and fitness will more than compensate for the extra weight.
Q: I know lightness is a big selling point for road shoes and pedals, but how much does their combined weight affect speed? Does it make sense to upgrade to a lighter combination? -- Perry M.
Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Only if the lightest stuff is as comfortable as the heavier equipment you're replacing.
Shoe and pedal weight affects the total weight you're toting up hills, so there's a small penalty for heavier equipment.
However, let's say you can save about 200 grams (7 ounces) by upgrading to one of the lightest show-pedal combos. This will save only a few seconds on a 5-mile (8-km) climb -- negligible in recreational riding situations.
The shoe/pedal/cleat combo does constitute rotating weight, like the rim/tube/tire, so the penalty is magnified a bit. But because the circle scribed by your feet is much smaller in diameter than that of the wheels, again the benefit of saving weight is small.
Another consideration: If you like to stop at coffee shops or scenic spots on your rides, mountain bike shoes with recessed cleats are easier to walk in than road shoes with exposed cleats. Mountain bike shoes are often heavier than road shoes, but if you want to walk in the latter you'll need to carry a set of cleat covers. No one remembers to add their weight to shoe weight. There's also the inconvenience of putting on cleat covers each time they're needed.
Rather than counting grams, consider comfort. This is the area where shoes can make a much more significant difference in performance.
Light shoes that don't support well or that allow you to feel excessive pedal pressure can limit your speed and distance. Heavier but more comfortable shoes let you ride all you want. The resulting increase in enjoyment and fitness will more than compensate for the extra weight.
