Reigster now for free to join this or any of the thousands of ongoing discussions - Connect with thousands of athletes, post questions, share thoughts, find a training buddy,access triathlon training programs, marathon training programs and more!
Discussion: transition with bike shoes
Subject: transition with bike shoes By: D L. Written on: 2006-06-21 17:35:45 Message: i just got a pair of bike shoes and am confused about how you tansition with them...i have read stuff that says you keeps the shoes cliped into the bike but how exactly do you get them on? a little help on this issue would be greatly appreaciated
Subject: RE: transition with bike shoes By: Tim O. Written on: 2006-06-21 18:09:03 Message: DL, this is a personal choice/preference from my perspective and the course layout has a part in it as well. I have always put my bike shoes on in T1. However, on the finish I leave my shoes clipped into the pedals. It takes a little work getting the skill down of getting your foot out of a shoe and then placing it back on the top of the shoe to keep pedaling but after a couple of times you'll get the hang of it. many of the courses I do start out with an immediate climb so I don't have any flat section to work my feet into a shoe otherwise I would work on that skill. Most of the Pro's I see leave their bike shoes clipped in for begin and end of the bike ride. The bike shoes I use have 1 strap that enables me to easily pull my foot out while riding. However, my pull out is a: 2 step process done on a semi flat to flat section of road ~100-300M before the finish: 1.) loosen up strap and prepare foot to disengage, 2.) holding the rear of the shoe with one hand I push down on the heel with my hand and slide my foot out. 3.) place my foot back on top of the shoe. Then let go of the shoe with my hand same for the other side. Usually takes me all of 8-10 seconds. Best of luck, however I practice this about 3-4 times the day before the tri just to refresh my memory and then the day of the race I spot where I will start this effort and verify I can finish it before any turns or climbs to the end of the bike.
Subject: RE: transition with bike shoes By: Tim O. Written on: 2006-06-21 18:09:51 Message: Okay 3 steps.
Subject: RE: transition with bike shoes By: John H. Written on: 2006-06-21 20:54:36 Message: If you leave your shoes clipped into your pedals it can save some T1 time because now you making forward progess as you slip into your shoes (think muti-sport multi-tasking). This is how you see guys with quck T1 & T2 times. Make sure your straps are pulled all the way open but not out of the strap loop. You run out with the bike to the mounting line and hop on. Place your feet on top of your shoes and get going. When you're clear of transition and and other cyclists, bring one foot up to the 12 o'clock and procede to slip your foot inside. Do the same for the other. It takes practice because you have to lean over and will have to use your hand to do this. Tri shoes have a grab loop on the back heel and a shorter tounge (or no tounge at all) to help make it easier. Pull your straps tight and hammer away. My last tri had the T1 coming out on a slight hill. I decided to put my shoes on in T1 and clip in for the hill. BIG MISTAKE! Trying to push off going up hill and clipping in was made more difficult by all the cyclists around me. Next time I do that event I will leave my shoes clipped in like ususal and pedal to the top of the clibe before I put the on. The dismount is as Ron discribes.
Subject: RE: transition with bike shoes By: John H. Written on: 2006-06-21 21:01:23 Message: A little trick known among triathletes uses a rubber band. On the grab loop of your left shoe, loop the rubber band around to where the chainstay meets the seat stay at the rear dropouts. The rubber band will hold your shoe/pedals in a horizontal position so they don't spin around when you run. As you start to pedal the rubber band snaps and falls away. It's good because you'll know where your pedals will be and they will be in a positon for you to immediatly add power. Make sure you do it on the left (non drive) side.
Subject: RE: transition with bike shoes By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-06-22 01:46:28 Message: I do the rubber band thing,but my shoes were made with a single velcro closer strap. There is a notch on the strap that holds the shoe wide open so that I can slide my foot directly into the shoe when mounting. the shoes fit well enough that I did not take the time to close them until the first downhill about 3/4 of a mile into the ride. To dismount I took the advise I got here on ontri and did as Tim described. Practice these things a lot in a safe place before you tri to do it fast. Ron
Subject: RE: transition with bike shoes By: D L. Written on: 2006-06-22 06:06:58 Message: thank you guys for your insight
Subject: RE: transition with bike shoes By: John H. Written on: 2006-06-22 13:16:50 Message: I'm Sorry Tim, I didn't meen to mistake you for Ron. Brain Fart.
Back to Discussion Index Triathlon Training  Triathlon Gear  Marathon Training  Health and Fitness