Cleat Types

kingrollo
kingrollo Posts: 3,198
edited July 2008 in Road beginners
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 !

Comments

  • nolance
    nolance Posts: 79
    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
    kingrollo Posts: 3,198
    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
    FSR_XC Posts: 2,258
    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.
    Stumpjumper FSR 09/10 Pro Carbon, Genesis Vapour CX20 ('17)Carbon, Rose Xeon CW3000 '14, Raleigh R50

    http://www.visiontrack.com
  • Bronzie
    Bronzie Posts: 4,927
    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 :cry:
  • I've got Look ones. I was suprised that road cleats are plastic as opposed to MTB ones that are metal.
  • FSR_XC
    FSR_XC Posts: 2,258
    I am surprised that there seems to be more people using MTB style pedals than road.
    Stumpjumper FSR 09/10 Pro Carbon, Genesis Vapour CX20 ('17)Carbon, Rose Xeon CW3000 '14, Raleigh R50

    http://www.visiontrack.com
  • synchronicity
    synchronicity Posts: 1,415
    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.