Cycling Shoes | CRONO Italian Road & MTB, ROCKBROS & BSP
Cycling Shoes: Common Questions
What cycling shoe brands and styles are available at Urban Cycling Apparel?
This collection carries road and MTB cycling shoes from CRONO, ROCKBROS, and BSP. CRONO is a handmade Italian brand from Treviso with nearly 50 years of shoe-making experience, offering road shoes across the CR series and MTB and gravel shoes across the CX series, all featuring carbon or carbon composite soles and Boa dial closure systems. ROCKBROS offers more accessible clipless options for road and MTB riders. BSP rounds out the selection with additional footwear choices across riding disciplines. Both clipless and flat pedal styles are represented in the collection.
What makes CRONO cycling shoes different from other brands?
CRONO shoes are handmade in Treviso, Italy, the heartland of Italian cycling manufacturing. The brand has been producing shoes since 1973 and every pair is assembled by hand in their factory. CRONO's road shoes use full carbon or carbon composite soles rated for maximum stiffness and power transfer, Boa Li2 dial closure with their proprietary Multi Contact System that distributes pressure across eight points for a secure, even fit across varied foot shapes. The MTB and gravel CX series uses Carbocomp soles with reinforced grip studs and Boa dials, designed for both clipless and flat pedal use. Reviewers consistently describe the fit as glove-like from the first ride. CRONO sizes run true to European sizing, which is unusual in road cycling shoes.
What is the difference between CRONO road shoes and MTB shoes?
CRONO road shoes in the CR series use a 3-bolt cleat pattern compatible with Look and Shimano SPD-SL road cleats, a stiff full carbon sole optimized for power transfer in a road riding position, and a low-profile upper designed for aerodynamics and weight savings. The CX series MTB and gravel shoes use a 2-bolt SPD cleat pattern compatible with Shimano SPD and most MTB clipless pedals, a more walkable Carbocomp sole with rubber grip studs for traction on trails and technical terrain, and a more protective upper construction. Road shoes are not suitable for trail use due to their recessed cleat design and lack of grip on the sole.
What is a clipless pedal system and do I need it?
Clipless pedals use a spring-loaded mechanism that locks onto a cleat mounted to the bottom of a cycling shoe, securing your foot to the pedal throughout the pedal stroke. Despite the name, you are clipped in. The term came about because they replaced toe clips and straps. Clipless systems improve pedaling efficiency by allowing you to apply force through more of the pedal stroke and reduce foot fatigue on longer rides. Most road and performance gravel riders use clipless. MTB riders use either clipless SPD systems or flat pedals depending on terrain and preference. For commuting and casual riding, flat pedal shoes are generally the more practical choice since you can walk normally off the bike.
How do I choose the right size in cycling shoes?
Cycling shoes typically run small compared to street shoes and sizing varies significantly across brands. Most riders need to size up half to a full size from their normal shoe size. CRONO is a notable exception: the brand sizes shoes true to European sizing, so if you normally wear a size 43 in street shoes, a 43 in CRONO will likely fit correctly. ROCKBROS shoes follow standard cycling sizing conventions. When in doubt, measuring your foot length in centimeters and comparing against the brand's size chart is the most reliable approach. Cycling shoes should fit snugly with no heel movement but without cramping the toes.
Are cleats included with cycling shoes?
In most cases, cleats are sold separately. Cycling shoes are cleat-compatible but cleats are a separate purchase because the correct cleat depends on your pedal system, not just your shoe. Road shoes use either Look Keo-compatible cleats or Shimano SPD-SL cleats depending on your pedals. MTB shoes typically use Shimano SPD cleats, which are compatible with most MTB clipless pedals. When ordering shoes, confirm your pedal brand and model and purchase the matching cleat set at the same time to avoid a second order before your first ride.