SPD SL or Time?

stumpy paul

The old style look pedals on my winter are getting very tatty. Not convinced of the wisdom of continuing to invest in old technology so was planning to change pedals and get use to them over the winter before changing other bike too. Keo look a little small to me - as I have very wide feet was attracted to the new shimano as they seem very wide just where I would need it. Equally many rave about time pedals.

If it makes any difference they would be used for 150-200 mpwk commuting / races / training / sportives.

Any opinions / experiences gratefully recieved. Ta.

Monty Dog

I have no direct experience of SPD-SLs, but have been a commited Time user since I got tired of the squeaking of old-style Looks. The big plus point for Time is the very natural float feeling - slightly odd at first - and the closeness of the foot to the pedal. Best of all is that the cleats last years not months - you don't actually walk on, so wear out the engagement parts. The only downside is that if you walk on soft mud, you sometimes have to clear out the rear part of the cleat to re-engage. Most of the people I race with use Time pedals too.

The Mechanic

I use SPD-SLs and find them great. They are harder to clip out of than my SPDs even on the lowest tension setting but I still like them.

McBain_v1

SPD-SL with a nice Dura-Ace pedal - lovely platform. Not had any problems unclipping, although you should tweak the tension down when you are first starting out.

Aidocp

I bought SPD-SL's a few weeks back, the lbs told me there were easier to walk in than Time. Un clipping is no problem, clipping is for me is but I guess I'll get use to it.

dag_on_a_bike

SPD-SL R540 at first, now SPD-SL 6620.

Never tried Time, but liked the SPD-SLs enough to go back for more. Can't be all bad then.

campagsarge

Time for me. I tried Looks for a while and found it messed my knee up so I went back to Time as their free float system really suits my biomechanincs and would not now try any other brand.

sloxam

time rxs, every time

Eat My Dust

I've only ever used SPD-SL's and I have never had a problem with them, even the basic model. I use the new Ultegra pedals now and they are a treat.

eh

I think Time have a greater platform area than SPD-SL could be wrong though.

I don't get Aidocp's point about SPD-SL being easier to walk in, both systems suck in that respect but then neither are designed for walking in. Also on the release tension note that Mechanic raises you want it to be high, when you are sprinting in a bunch at 35mph+ the last thing you or anyone else wants is to pull a foot out.

I'm a paid up member of the Time fan club, due to their nicer float, low stack height, low Q-factor and long lasting cleats.

Aidocp

eh wrote:

I think Time have a greater platform area than SPD-SL could be wrong though.

I don't get Aidocp's point about SPD-SL being easier to walk in, both systems suck in that respect but then neither are designed for walking in. Also on the release tension note that Mechanic raises you want it to be high, when you are sprinting in a bunch at 35mph+ the last thing you or anyone else wants is to pull a foot out.

I'm a paid up member of the Time fan club, due to their nicer float, low stack height, low Q-factor and long lasting cleats.

You're right, both systems would be crap for long distance walking. The lbs meant for short distances SPD-SL are a little better for waddling. I live in a flat and for carrying the bike the short distance up the stairs they work for me.