Shoes for a hybrid type bike

[practicallyperfectinmyway]

Hi all

I'm planning on buying a bike like this -

www.cyclelane.co.uk/m7b138s388p11842/ORBEA-Comfort-22-PACK-2018

Orbea is the brand. I'm after a bike for the summer, mainly day trips along quiet roads and cycle paths, I prefer a sit-up type model. I've a trek just now (use it for weekend rides, 20-30 miles?) and really like it - I'm after keeping this at my mums in Scotland.

My question is, do I go with trainers or go for a more specialist cycling shoe? Just now (on my Trek) I just wear regular trainers (either my running shoes or gym trainers).

Other than a helmet and gloves, I don't really go beyond these with my extras.

Thanks!

Proper cycling shoes have much stiffer soles than trainers/running shoes, which means much more energy from your legs is transfered to the pedals and transmission. You’ll find that these make your pedalling much more efficient, possibly faster, and you’ll tire less easily, pariculaly on hills. this type of thing. You could get really brave and get pedals you clip into as well with this, for full on power transfer!

In addition to the excellent advice from the PP... I’d go for touring pedals to go with the touring (or mountain bike which will also have the more flexible sole) shoes. Basically you clip in to one side and the other side is a grippy platform, ideal for pedalling not clipped in, so handy approaching traffic lights/ junctions and starting until you can do it smoothly. These are great for learning to ride clipped in to build your confidence. Touring or mountain bike shoes have the added benefit of being fine for walking around in too.

Being clipped into the pedals is not only easier and more efficient but is safer as your feet won’t slide around or bounce off the pedals.

You can set the tension to the loosest setting on the pedals so it’s super easy to clip in and out.

Oh and get some padded bib shorts or tights! Your arse and lady bits will thank you for it. DHB tend to be decent quality at reasonable prices.

I totally agree with noodl.

If you go for cleats get the multi directional cleats, stamped M on the bottom. Much easier to be able to twist in any direction to get out, you can still loosen them off to begin with.

Toe clips are also an option, I have both and don’t mind either, toe clips don’t require special shoes.

Love your user name @Buttertubs !

Hi all, thanks for all your message and tips - a whole new world of cycling awaits me.

I'll let you know how the bike is next week, weather permitting I'll get in a day around Rothesay which is accessibly from Glasgow.

Happy cycling!