I'm doing triathlons now (just learning the ropes) and competing on a fast bike but using the stirrup-type straps that wrap around regular running shoes. My question is this......about how much faster are the clip-in biking shoes than the ones I'm now using? I mean - in terms of mph and/or how much faster could I go over a one hour ride going full-tilt?

Is it just me or do you have the perfect screen name for this thread?

I think over time you will find there is a big difference between the two shoes. The clip in shoe has a hard sole to transfer energy more efficiently and prevent energy being absorbed by the rubber sole of a tennis shoe. Also, at the end of a long ride on the bike, your feet will feel much better than with regular shoes because the pressure of the pedal is distributed on the sole of your feet rather than being concentrated on the ball of you foot. Therefore, since your feet will be more comfortable, you will be able to ride faster over the long haul.

I don't have actual data or hard numbers to back up my point, I am just speaking out of experience.

Thanks...what you're saying makes sense. I gain a little bit of time in transition by only changing shoes once. I'm guessing 45 seconds or so, max. If it could save me more time than that over a 15-20 mile race, I'd gladly make the change.

Ankle Breaker wrote: I gain a little bit of time in transition by only changing shoes once. I'm guessing 45 seconds or so, max. If it could save me more time than that over a 15-20 mile race, I'd gladly make the change.

That was my question as an amateur mini triathloner.
In small races, I'll just put on my running shoes to bike.

I think you should man up and actually compete in a triathlon before getting advice! Bwahahahahahahaha

If you go to the clip ins, hook me up with your straps please! lol

BTW, the pool was much warmer yesterday, keep complaining!

Sonofanump wrote:

Ankle Breaker wrote: I gain a little bit of time in transition by only changing shoes once. I'm guessing 45 seconds or so, max. If it could save me more time than that over a 15-20 mile race, I'd gladly make the change.

That was my question as an amateur mini triathloner.
In small races, I'll just put on my running shoes to bike.

I just wonder how short of a bike portion of the race would actually pay dividends with bike shoes. That is the ten dollar question here. What is your opinion on that?

I stay at the sprint 1/2m, 12-16m, 5k level with one pair of shoes.
If it was the olympic 1m, 24m, 10k i'd switch shoes.
JMO