But post Houston marathon with my sore foot I needed something…and found that I enjoyed watching TV while using the indoor bike trainer. In came Giro Cycling shoes, maker of my favorite helmet, this pair is made to work with the combo pedals David put on my bike. Because I have a hybrid the he wanted to make sure I had the option to ride with or without clips…yes he is the biker and knows what all this means!
I was determined to get them because I am starting to ride the bike so much more, but I am totally still terrified to actually head out in a group. Corey gave me some great tips so soon I’ll head out to a parking lot, but until then I’m clipping in at home!
I cannot lie…when it showed up with a manual, I almost closed the box back up…except the shoes are so friggin cute in purple and when was the last time I could velcro on my shoe?? I feel very lucky that I bought the bike trainer because it is giving me a chance to clip in while not fearing falling over or needing to unclip at say stop lights…and falling over.
SIZING?
Biking shoes come in European sizes, so I checked all of my running shoes and decided a 43 would work. Unfortunately, it turns out I was wrong…OR that my feet aren’t used to the smaller toe box and the forward push that I am doing in these shoes. My poor toes are in a lot of pain at this point, so I guess I may need a larger bike shoe than running shoe. Anyone else have this happen?
WHY GO CLIPLESS?
Am I ready to sign up for a tri? Umm no, right now I am going to cheer on David when he signs up for one this Spring. But I would say yes there is one in my future and since so many of you are doing them now I wanted to start figuring out how all this gear works!
Clipless pedals were important to me as I start riding longer to ensure that I am using all of my muscles. I don’t want to over fatigue just my quads with a downward thrust when I can also be pulling up! Just like you eventually realize you need better running shoes, I realized I needed to up my game on the bike. Of course the longer I ride, the more efficient I’ll be so that I don’t get tired so quickly.
You can simply use the foot cage, but I know from experience in spin class that it’s very easy for your foot to fall out and when that swings around and whacks you in the shin it sucks. You truly get more power by clipping in and I’m told your risk of toppling over when trying to stop really does decrease after a couple rides.
REI has a great article on how to choose pedals (and why they are called clipless!!), which will then impact the shoe that you get. Another little tidbit I didn’t know! Not every cycling shoe works with every clip because there are road clips and mountain bike clips to keep the terms very high level.
More on fun new gear for biking coming up! Have you tried clipless pedals? How many times did you fall over? :)
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Gratitude Journal
Feb 26
I am grateful for the amazing stranger at the airport that let me snag his cell phone charger because mine was dead and I needed to call a ride!
