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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
Why do I need tri specific bike shoes

nautrocket

Aug 28, 08 4:29

Post #1 of 9 (411 views)

Why do I need tri specific bike shoes	Can't Post

Is there a difference in performance between a tri specific shoe and a road shoe. Other than a few seconds in transistion I can't come up with a reason to upgrade. I understand to some a few seconds are valuable but not that important to me. Any other reasons?

eganski

Aug 28, 08 4:36

Post #2 of 9 (406 views)

Re: Why do I need tri specific bike shoes [notanaut] [In reply to]	Can't Post

There is a difference, road shoes perform better ;^) This guy knows:

http://web.me.com/...My_Blog/My_Blog.html

Macho Grande

Aug 28, 08 4:51

Post #3 of 9 (394 views)

Re: Why do I need tri specific bike shoes [notanaut] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I think the tri-shoes have more venting, but other than that, there is no real difference.

Bob
----------------------------------------------------------
"Don't do stupid shit" - Tom Demerly

machogrande.wordpress.com
(Updated November 20 with "Denouement"

determination

Aug 28, 08 5:28

Post #4 of 9 (348 views)

Re: Why do I need tri specific bike shoes [Macho Grande] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I say unless you're going to leave them on the bike, don't bother.

aarondavidson

Aug 28, 08 6:37

Post #5 of 9 (300 views)

Re: Why do I need tri specific bike shoes [Macho Grande] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I think the tri-shoes have more venting, but other than that, there is no real difference.

Bob

The main difference is in the amount of straps. You typically have 1 sometimes 2 on a tri shoe vs 3-4 on a road shoe. This allows you to more quickly get the bike shoes on, or strap them on while riding.
-- Aaron

Macho Grande

Aug 28, 08 6:39

Post #6 of 9 (294 views)

Re: Why do I need tri specific bike shoes [aarondavidson] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks, boy, I didn't know the difference. Here I've been cycling with my wooden Dutch shoes of late.....Maybe reply to the OP next time?

Bob
----------------------------------------------------------
"Don't do stupid shit" - Tom Demerly

machogrande.wordpress.com
(Updated November 20 with "Denouement"

(This post was edited by Macho Grande on Aug 28, 08 6:39)

JasoninHalifax

Aug 28, 08 6:43

Post #7 of 9 (280 views)

Re: Why do I need tri specific bike shoes [notanaut] [In reply to]	Can't Post

road shoes have more straps and are typically slightly more adjustable, therefore slightly more comfortable / snugger fit than a tri shoe. tri shoes go on and off easier, some road shoes are next to impossible to remove coming into T2 while still on the bike. some tri shoes may be slightly more comfortable when worn without socks.

Those are all the diffs I can think of. at the end of the day, both are still bike shoes and will do the job.

____________________________________
Fishtwitch clique (ex-butterflyer)
"Cats like Ham" - Tom D.

DuGuy

Aug 28, 08 7:59

Post #8 of 9 (201 views)

Re: Why do I need tri specific bike shoes [notanaut] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Ditto what people said. 1/2 straps vs 3+, fit is a little looser. I bought some used PI tri shoes on ebay, and dropped some real money for the road shoes. Also, tri shoes tend to be white (to reflect light/keep feet cooler (only a prob on a hot IM/HIM)) and they are generally better ventilated to allow more air flow/evaporation. My road shoes deff have more power transfer than my cheap tri shoes (better fit/C sole vs composite sole) but you gotta have an excuse for more gear ;) Plus in T1/T2 (duathlete here) it would take a lot longer IMO to get out/in of my road shoes than tri shoes.

"I consider myself blinding fast. I am like a gazelle on methamphetamines that has been shocked by a taser. That fast." - unclerico

out at the line

Aug 28, 08 8:02

Post #9 of 9 (195 views)

Re: Why do I need tri specific bike shoes [determination] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I agree. If you leave them on your bike, go with the Tri shoe. If you put them on and off in the T's then you could go road.