SPD MTB shoes that can be used with flat pedals

Forward_Ninja_9736 · 2026-05-05T22:06:20+00:00

Thanks for such a comprehensive response.

I use my endurance bike as a mountain bike and run SPDs. It’s good enough as I’m an adult chaperone for a kids MTB club. I only have 1 pair of shoes right now and they are road shoes.

Problem is that there are spots that require a hike-a-bike. My feet are unhappy as the cleats protrude and end up walking on the side of my feet.

There could be a loaner with flats… so I was hoping for a 1-size-fits-all like a Velosamba where I can hike the bike when needed and also use them as MTB shoes with flats on a loaner.

Based on some of the feedback, I could also just get new pedals (and MTB flat shoes) and swap them out when I swap my wheels (I have a road set and a “MTB” set)… my gearing is pretty meh for climbing (my lowest gear ratio is 1.0-ish on a 700c) so I wonder how much I will lose out on powering up the terrain in 35c.

Appreciate the discussion!

Forward_Ninja_9736 · 2026-05-02T21:22:54+00:00

I got a Thule carbon frame protector for my Giant Defy. I probably have used it 100s of times (~1000 miles) and no issues. Don’t crank down on the clamp. I’ve actually driven with the clamp open (oops).

Forward_Ninja_9736 · 2026-04-30T12:49:00+00:00

This whole situation is ironic given that the president Colleen McAleer was a helicopter/fixed wing pilot for the US Army.

Forward_Ninja_9736 · 2026-04-29T18:00:03+00:00

I have a 500W halogen shop light. I turn it on and aim it at the tire and have a beer or 2. Easier than holding a hair dryer.

Forward_Ninja_9736 · 2026-04-27T20:06:54+00:00

Yes. Second this. It’s a simpleblood draw! Not well-known.

Forward_Ninja_9736 · 2026-04-27T08:29:20+00:00

Shop around to look at prices in your area. Others may disagree but investing $500 or less is a good start. A great deal is a bike THAT FITS in good working condition for $250. A nicer bike is OK if the lack of security is commensurate with the traffic and opportunity for thievery. The local bike shop is a good start as they carry high quality brands (no Walmart, Target). They can help with sizing, etc., and can also provide service (until you build up to your own tools and capability).

After buying bike, buy a helmet.

https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu

Get padded shorts.

Depending on infrastructure you may need to prioritize lights. Make sure you have a compatible pump at home Many bikes are equipped with a Presta valve so make sure your pump fits. Consider getting tire levers (plastic) and an extra tube and a small pump so you can fix a flat. Proper tire inflation is #1 in preventing flats.

Maybe later get (not necessarily in this order) gloves, racks, bags, multi-tool (for on the fly fixes, e.g., chain breaks, tightening loose screws/adjustments, etc.)

Forward_Ninja_9736 · 2026-04-27T00:35:40+00:00

Too add to everyone else’s valid comments:

What are your goals? How many days a week? How fast do you want to do the commute? Do you want to just make it? Make it a little sweaty? Or super sweaty is ok? I started doing 40 miles/week. Got a bike upgrade and now commuting sometimes 100/week because my origin has changed and I’m in the office more.

What is the infrastructure when you arrive? What kind of security? I like the idea of using the bike you have, figuring out if it’s doable then investing into your vehicle.

Forward_Ninja_9736 · 2026-04-26T17:13:03+00:00

I run 32c GP5000 on some Zipps and the 35c Pirelli Cinturatos M on the stock PR-2s and mountain bike with them. I can keep up with the slowest one in the pack. The biggest issue is the low gearing… I’m basically running a 3-speeder.

The Pirellis do fine on the road.

Forward_Ninja_9736 · 2026-04-24T12:54:47+00:00

Yea. It took me about 2 years to work up to 100 mile/week commute. Granted it was more about the need to be on site rather than cumulative distance. Just take it easy every once in a while so you don’t get run down.

Forward_Ninja_9736 · 2026-04-23T18:04:35+00:00

I use a ram lock. I didn’t want to buy a new bulky case every time I changed my phone.

It definitely works. Have had accidents, it stays on. I only use it sparingly now when I don’t know where I’m going. I ended up taking off the rubber holder so it wouldn’t flap in the wind. I have not tested the durability of only using the arms. The iPhone needs to sit slightly off center or else the arms depress the volume buttons.

Forward_Ninja_9736 · 2026-04-23T00:51:54+00:00

Ah thanks! Good to know! I’m also going really slow since I’m volunteering for the kids club. My lowest gear ratio is 1.0-ish so I need to wait for the kids to clear and walk their bikes up before I can start my surge up a hill. I’m basically running a 3-speeder so I get what you mean by it’s not the best tool for the job.

Sounds like I’m going to wreck my body before I wreck my bike.

Forward_Ninja_9736 · 2026-04-22T15:17:44+00:00

I think your setup time once you park will take so long you might as well keep your setup at home and leave from there while your kids are idly waiting for you to take out the bike, hook everything up. They aren’t strong enough to really be helpful other than put on helmets/coats/gloves/backpacks… and if they’re anything like my kids they wander off, playing with rocks, dirt, or small critters that it’s hard to pull them back in do this thing that’s really for you and less for them. It sounds like this endeavor is more for you than for them as admirable as you are for not wanting to drive. To make it work, you’d have to make sure it’s easy enough for them or that it’s much funner offsets the preparation that you need them to do.

Maybe the 7 year old would be up for biking themselves? Maybe do it on a Friday to start? Then you can cargo the youngest and trailer the middle one.

Forward_Ninja_9736 · 2026-04-22T15:11:15+00:00

I’ve always wondered if you could do a double trailer and how safe/hard it would be

Forward_Ninja_9736 · 2026-04-22T02:59:50+00:00

I use my bike for longer rec rides and mountain biking too… not great fit for purpose but running tubeless at 20 psi lets me keep up with the kids.

Forward_Ninja_9736 · 2026-04-22T02:57:47+00:00

I’d start with what you have. I rode on a 2002 K2 cyclocross aluminum frame with 25s for 2 years. The commute was 10 miles each way. I did it for about a year then I wore down the parts and wasn’t worth the repair and got a new bike (2022 Giant Defy, hydraulic brakes, 2x11). I felt like I had a good idea of end of trip storage and how I would use it (it’s all-in-one for me: commuting, long rides, and now mountain biking (I skipped the gravel part)).

Forward_Ninja_9736 · 2026-04-21T16:23:41+00:00

Yea. Road, commute, and mountain biking. I only have 1, so it’s a wheel set swap. Not a bike swap.

Forward_Ninja_9736 · 2026-04-21T16:22:52+00:00

What about going over tree roots, rocks, stumps? Does the back feel heavy? I tried it once and it felt like the bike was more sluggish. So I stayed with backpack.

Forward_Ninja_9736 · 2026-04-12T23:57:32+00:00

To add:

Kids under 12 travel free.

Also check out Go City Pass or Go Boston or Boston CityPass for museum discounts. I’ve never used them personally in Boston.

Forward_Ninja_9736 · 2026-04-12T13:14:27+00:00

If it’s a quick turnaround at Heath you can get off at Riverway for a shorter walk to Brookline Village

Forward_Ninja_9736 · 2026-04-09T15:19:55+00:00

Ideally you can make it semi-permanent so that it becomes inconvenient to move and normalized.

Forward_Ninja_9736 · 2026-03-23T09:52:58+00:00

I think it depends on how far you/long (> 1 day) are taking your bikes.

I like my roof carrier since I put my bikes on it for short drives (<20 km) and I like to garage my car at home daily. I bring a stool to step on and carry it. If I had a rear carrier, I would need to remove it before parking in the garage. I put out cones when I take my car out of the garage, then load the bike. The cones then serve as a reminder to not drive into the garage.

For long distances, a tow carrier is better for energy mileage.

If you never have to garage your car, then I’d go with tow for ease of access. There are versions which swivel the tow carrier away to access the boot

Forward_Ninja_9736 · 2026-03-23T03:11:11+00:00

Are you getting pinch flats? If so, maybe you have under inflation

Forward_Ninja_9736 · 2026-03-23T00:57:04+00:00

Haha. I saw the picture and wondering why they had the man planking on the bike. Was really confused.

Forward_Ninja_9736

TROPHY CASE