and pedals for exactly those reasons. No cleat covers needed. Have worn them as regular footwear on occasion. Also, MTB SPDs are ubiquitous in spin classes.

------------
That said, since I don't/have never worn road shoes, I'd be interested in feedback from others who wear both about what you give up with an MTB vs. road setup.

I have had no problems using both Shimano and Sidi shoes with campy record pedals and cleats.

If you are going to stick with light road shoes, they will never be easy to walk in. Many people snap cleat covers under their seat for when they need to walk.

If you are open to using SPDs or another mountain system, some mountain shoes become reasonable to walk in. And many shoes, such as the SIDIs have such a stiff sole, that your shouldn't have any problems with hot spots or tired feet even while road riding.

It depends on how much walking you plan to do vs long distance road riding. If you just hop on the bike and do long rides or races, just deal with road shoes and limit your walking. If you use the bike to commute/shop/drink coffee/etc a mountain cleat system begins to make much more sense.

And if you find yourself using you bike shoes as regular footware, it is time for an intervention!

"For ease of walking, use a shoe with a recess for the cleat. The shoe below is unique in that it has a recess, but doesn't have the clunky lugged soles typical of off road shoes.

See:

http://penncycle.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=6329

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000650VIU/002-0713775-6004017?v=glance&n=3375251

I used ""road"" pedals (Look) and shoes (Sidi Genius)) for years before switching to SPD. I'd never go back.

""Chainwheel"""

"I opted for two pairs of shoes/pedals. It only takes a few minutes to swap pedals.

I have Specialized ""BG Comp MTB Shoe"". There’s a carbon version - http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqSection.jsp?sid=EquipShoesMTB.

I also have a SIDI/Keo combination. This season Look came out with several versions of the Keo.

I probably use the Specialized more then the Keo. The Specialized shoes are comfortable for NYC stop/go, walking and using mass transit.

The SIDI/Keo combo is terrific for long rides. However, during the Montauk Century there was a flooded patch of road and muddy at a couple of rest stops. Keo’s are not friendly to these conditions.

Since I live in a Manhattan apartment, I also opted for a cross-cycle with two sets of wheels. I use a 32 spoke wheel with cross-cycle tires (80 psi) for city and some Westchester rides and road tires (120 PSI) with SIDI/Keo for long distance.

It did cost about $250 to ridge this combination. However, days like yesterday, riding though Staten Island and New Jersey made the 80 psi tires a great investment.

I’m an advocate for cross-cycles. This type of bike allows for long distance rides, and within a few minutes, it switchs to a off road or city combination.

IMHO, for NYC streets there is nothing better then a tire at 80 psi.

Ean Novélo


"

"""I have a pair of the Shimano SH-T 092 shoes. The shoes are fine, but a little clunky and pretty heavy. A pair of 46's weigh, with cleats, about 980 grams (over 2 pounds), about 300 grams more than a typical road shoe...""

Well, 300 grams on a bike + rider system that's >200 pounds for most of us really isn't a big deal. Like I say, I previously used Sidi Genius shoes and Look cleats, and I don't notice any speed difference with the T092s. Can you tell the difference between a full and empty water bottle without looking?

""Chainwheel"""

I have been pleased with my MTB shoes-- Specialized BG Sonoma.

They are great for going up and down the stairs carrying your bike. The soles have a recessed space for an SPD cleat, so your chances of slipping are reduced. They weigh about 876g and are cheaper than most other shoes offered.