Road pedals used as MTB pedals?

Triathlon Forum
1

I have a pair of Ultegra pedals that I was going to put on my mountain bike. Right now it has clips that I just ride with my sneakers. I can’t really afford MTB shoes and pedals now so I figured I’d put the Ultegras on. Is there a big difference between MTB and road cleats in terms of getting your feet on the ground quick enough for mountain biking?

Thanks

2

No issue regarding the speed of clipping out but mtb shoes are designed to provide some functionality out of the pedal and on the trail.

3

So, you are also saying that you will be using road shoes to ride yer MTB?

Please, please, please - have a friend videotape that.

Then you can sell the footage to America’s Funniest Home Videos (or Dave Lettermans’ Stupid Human Tricks) and make enuff $ for proper pedals and shoes :wink:

The phrase I’m thinking of is “accident waiting to happen”…

PS - You can probably get pedals/shoes combo from Nashbar or Performance for under a C-note.

4

I don’t think there’s an issue with getting your feet out fast enough.

The issue is getting them back in. For one thing MTB pedals are double sided. Secondly most good MTB pedal/cleat combo have some sort of “self” cleaning system for mud and dirt.

Plus MTB shoes have soccer shoe style cleats for when you have to run your bike.

5

I’m going to assume that this is a BAD idea!!

I was planning on using my MTB more once the weather gets bad and didn’t really want to spend anything on new shoes and pedals since I’m not really into mountain biking. I’ve got these pedals laying around so I thought I’d give it a try. Maybe I’ll reconsider though !!

6

I would just buy some SPD pedals (can get some for $50 and up) and some shoes, it will save you hassle in the long run.

7

I have some SPD’s that I am going to be selling. They are used, but not thrashed. PM me if you want to talk price. I have shoes too, but since I’m a chick, I’d assume they won’t fit you.

8

I would say road shoes being used off road is a bad idea.

  1. the only traction you have is the cleat itself. Yikes! Then of course, it is full of dirt, grass, mud, etc as you try to put it back in your pedal.
  2. not being able to clip back in while riding off road can be extremely dangerous. Been there, done that. Wreck waiting to happen.
  3. Mtn bike pedals, like others said, are made to ‘shed’ the dirt so you can get your cleat back in there with out it being all gummed up. the more you spend on pedals, it seems, the better they shed the off trail grit.

You are better off in tennis shoes and toe clips off road than you are with road shoes and road pedals, in my opinion and experience off road. There are enough opportunities to fall off road, I wouldn’t purposely subject yourself to more if you don’t have to.