Author Topic: Cleatskins  (Read 16167 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline rjones35

Cleatskins
« on: August 03, 2011, 09:28:48 am »
Anybody used them?  They look like a good idea, but from the pictures they look thick, like they would really put your foot in a weird position?

Offline DaveB

Re: Cleatskins
« Reply #1 on: August 03, 2011, 10:02:00 am »
Is "Cleatskins" a brand name or a generic for the rubber caps used to allow walking with road cleats?  The rubber covers sold to go over Look (and similar), Time and Speedplay road cleats do work to prevent wear of the cleats, protect vulnerable floors and provide some walking traction but they are indeed awkward to walk in. 

For touring or recreational riding where stopping for traffic or walking is a real consideration, I far prefer recessed cleat MTB-type pedals and shoes. 

Offline staehpj1

Re: Cleatskins
« Reply #2 on: August 03, 2011, 10:04:42 am »
Anybody used them?  They look like a good idea, but from the pictures they look thick, like they would really put your foot in a weird position?
Do you mean like Kool Kovers?  If so, yes I have used them and like them very well.  When on my road bike I always have a pair in my jersey pocket.  I use them with my road shoes/pedals (Look cleats), but use spds on tour.  They are fine for walking around at stops, going into a store, or even in a pinch walking a few miles after a break down.  That said I wouldn't wear them for hiking by choice.

I always wondered if anyone made something similar for SPDs to stop the crunch crunch when walking, but never really bothered to give it much thought.

I have considered using road pedals on tour and taking Kool Kovers for stops, but so far have always decided to use my SPDs.

Offline rjones35

Re: Cleatskins
« Reply #3 on: August 03, 2011, 10:08:13 am »
These are new, I think.  Cleatskins Bikeskins.  They're a rubber, or silicone, cover that straps on your shoe over the cleat.  Supposed to be easier to walk in than regular cleat covers.  I've used the cleat covers for my speedplays for a long time, and they do the job, provided they don't fall off. I was thinking these might be cool! http://www.cleatskins.com/products/cleatskins-bikeskins

Offline staehpj1

Re: Cleatskins
« Reply #4 on: August 03, 2011, 10:08:56 am »
I see them here:
http://www.cleatskins.com/sport/cycling

Just looking at them quickly they don't look like the cycling model would be as nice as the Kool Kovers.

Offline rjones35

Re: Cleatskins
« Reply #5 on: August 03, 2011, 10:59:28 am »
Yeah, I don't know.  I was thinking they might be nicer walking in than regular cleat covers.  Might be more of a hassle though.  SPD type shoes with recessed cleats would definitely be easier, but that's not what I have.

Offline jsieber

Re: Cleatskins
« Reply #6 on: August 03, 2011, 11:14:54 am »
The Cleatskins are carried in the Adventure Cycling store, Cyclosource, as well.
http://www.adventurecycling.org/store/index.cfm/product/607_25/cleatskins-bikeskins.cfm

Offline rjones35

Re: Cleatskins
« Reply #7 on: August 03, 2011, 11:16:09 am »
Oh yeah, shoulda looked there first!  Thanks!!

Offline rjones35

Re: Cleatskins
« Reply #8 on: August 03, 2011, 12:39:46 pm »
Just ordered some, I'll let you know how they work out!!

Offline rjones35

Re: Cleatskins
« Reply #9 on: August 10, 2011, 09:53:22 am »
Got my Cleatskins yesterday! Haven't actually used them yet, other than walking around the house, but they seem pretty cool.  They're a little heavier than I was expecting, but they're rubber, so they can roll up or sqaush down to nothing, or tie on the bike somewhere.  They're real easy to put on and take off, I wear a 46-47, depending on the shoe, so I got the XL and they fit fine.  Very easy to walk in.  I got these with the idea, since I wear road shoes with the cleats that aren't recessed, that I could wear them when I'm riding and want to stop and walk around town, or go on a tour of something, or whatever.  I wear Speedplays, and the cleat covers for those are okay and small enough to put in a jersey pocket, but they don't stay on very well, especially if there is any mud or soggy ground and they're a hard plastic, thats fairly slippery walking on tile floors, again, especially when wet.  In the past, on a couple of occasions anyway, I've taken flip-flop type sandals and jammed them either in a water bottle cage or a jersey pocket, which worked, but then I lost a water bottle cage or a jersey pocket.  I don't think the Cleatskins are a "must have", but I think they will come in handy and make a little nicer to walk in my bike shoes!!  They make another version, the Pro bikeskins, or something like that, that stay on your shoe all the time.  You just flip them forward to cover up the cleat.  Might have been the way to go, I'm not sure. I thought the ones I got would make for better walking.

Offline RKKay

Re: Cleatskins
« Reply #10 on: August 10, 2011, 04:50:23 pm »
Hi guys. I noticed the thread and wanted to address some of your questions. My wife and I co-founded Cleatskins. Cleatskins go over any cleated footwear to protect the cleats, as well as car and home interiors. We currently have two versions for cycling shoes. Bikeskins fit over the entire forefoot and can be used with Shimano, Speedplay, Time, Look or any similar cleats. Realistically, these are intended for people who go to spin class, as most people don't want to carry them while they ride.

We also have ProBikeskins, which ride on the shoe at all times and, when you dismount, you flip the strap from the heel to the toe to cover only the cleat. We currently have versions for Look (which fit Mavic and Campy), Speedplay and Shimano.

Next month at Interbike, we are debuting PBS Grips, which will fit each of the ones I just mentioned, as well as Time. They will be like a cross between Kool Kovers and ProBikeskins. They will be strapless, and you will carry them in your back pocket. The advantages they have over Kool Kovers are 1) they will not fall off; 2) they provide great traction; and 3) they provide some cushion. Various cyclists have been testing them in the US over the past few months, and the response has been very good.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to comment here, PM me or e-mail me directly at rkay@Cleatskins.com. Rick


Offline rjones35

Re: Cleatskins
« Reply #11 on: August 10, 2011, 04:55:45 pm »
Oh really!!  How well do the new PBS grips stay on Speedplays?  That's what got me looking for something different in the first place, their covers kept falling off!!  And I probably should have gotten the Pro's but I liked the idea of the whole front of the shoe being covered.  May still end up getting the Pros, or maybe the new ones when the come out.  Thanks, they are very cool!

Offline RKKay

Re: Cleatskins
« Reply #12 on: August 10, 2011, 05:18:44 pm »
The rubber is more conducive to getting when there is torque applied (such as when you step on a small rock). There also designed to be form fitting and have a lip that helps keep it on as well.

Check your inbox. I sent you a PM. Rick

Offline RKKay

Re: Cleatskins
« Reply #13 on: August 11, 2011, 01:21:04 pm »
Here's a sneak preview of our Grips for Speedplay.



Offline rjones35

Re: Cleatskins
« Reply #14 on: August 11, 2011, 01:36:58 pm »
Cool!! I like the way they look!!