Spring Fever - Pedals, Shoes & Cleats Review

Well, here we are again the start of a new season. It’s time to think about the gear you’ve been training on over winter – is it old or worn out by the rain and general wear and tear? Maybe it’s time to think about upgrading all your gear, or just a select few parts.

Either way, this issue we take a look at several equipment areas – pedals, shoes and cleats – that triathletes will need to consider throughout the season.

In reviewing the gear, I’ll keep things practical and only tell you what you need to know. You can look up the rest of the info on the web and find technical data if that’s what you’re into. Before making any new purchases, you should also weigh up the cost versus your needs as an athlete factor.

Bike Shoes

Vittoria Premium

The thing I noticed first about this shoe was the quality finish. The shoes are hand made in Biella, Italy. I was lucky enough to try them on and the sizing and fit would have been good except I have broad feet and they were built on a European (last). They felt firm but not uncomfortable. While not suited to sprint / Olympic distance racing because of the ratchet system, the shoe would make an ideal training or Ironman accessory because of its lightweight and breathable nature.

Northwave Aerator Racing

I was lucky enough to visit the Orbea factory in Melbourne recently (thanks Desly and Craig) and one of the products that caught my eye for triathlon use was the Northwave Aerator Racing shoe. It’s light and well made for a mass production shoe, but the big plus for athletes is the ventilation system. It really looks like it would be a winner for cyclists during the summer months or northern states year-round. The shoe is applicable to triathlon as a high-end training shoe or as an Ironman racing shoe. The shoe itself has several unique features such as the ventilation system and the heel hold down system with a Y shape area at the back to stop heel lift.

Shimano TR02

Having worn Shimano road shoes for several years now I can testify they fit broad feet, such as mine. The shoes are lightweight and easy to use on the bike with the single strap system. The heel is well protected from dragging along the ground while attached to the pedal, which is handy for a sprint / Olympic style shoe. It also has a seamless sock style inner, which helps to get the shoe on and off at speed. The single 45mm strap is closed toward the centre of the bike so there’s little effort required in getting the shoe locked on while exiting transition.

Nike T-Speed

Nike is relatively new to the cycling shoe world, but they have come a long way in a short period of time as far as fit, style and range go. The Nike T-Speed is similar to the Shimano TR02 in that they close in the same fashion and have solid construction in the heel area. This shoe is usually used in sprint / Olympic distance racing and will work well with people who start with their shoes attached to the bike. I have some junior elites who use these shoes and they were really happy with them over last season. The one gripe these athletes have is that the shoe has a small tongue which sometimes gets in the way in a race situation.