Cleat Types

kingrollo

What cleat type does everybody use ? - I have switched from SPD to SPD-SL - clicking in an out , is if anything easier - but my old SPD were a platform on one side - which was great for coasting - round traffice junctions & hill starts !

nolance

I'm at the moment thinking about going clipless but am baffled by the choices.Can you explain them so that I can decided with a bit more knowledge please.

kingrollo

SPDS - are a small cleat which attaches to your shoe - you then click in & out by twisting. The advantage of spd (for me) is that you can get pedals flat on one side - but spd on the other - thus you can pedal whilst not being clicked in.
The downside of spd is that only a small part of your foot - is in contact with the the pedal - this can lead to hot spots and foot pain.

SPD-SL & Look
The big drawback of this (for me) is they come single sided - and pedal unclicked - isn't easy. The plus is that they eliminate hots spots (larger cleat) - and provide greater power transfer than spd

Haven't used the others - but I would guess they have the same traits as look "spd sl' - I am sure someone will enlighten us

FSR_XC

Having both MTB & Road bike it has to be SPD for me.

Got M520's on road bike.

It also means I can get off the bike & walk around without sounding like an out of tune tap dancer.

Bronzie

Note there are 2 types of Look cleats - the old "Delta" type and the newer "Keo" type. Can't get the old style Look pedals any more

Wobbly_wheel

I've got Look ones. I was suprised that road cleats are plastic as opposed to MTB ones that are metal.

FSR_XC

I am surprised that there seems to be more people using MTB style pedals than road.

synchronicity

nolance wrote:

I'm at the moment thinking about going clipless but am baffled by the choices.Can you explain them so that I can decided with a bit more knowledge please.

It's best to explain your expect usage... will you walk off the bike, will you be stopping frequently, riding in traffic, etc.