Speedplay pedals - better than SPD-SL?

racingt
racingt Posts: 108
edited April 2009 in Road beginners
Hi guys
Son purchased a Colnago CLX, and needs to put new pedals on it - currently riding old Looks. I'm a fan of Shimano SPD-SL - he likes the look of Speedplay

What do you think??

All advice gratefully appreciated!!

Comments

  • sward29
    sward29 Posts: 205
    Having used both systems I prefer Speedplays, but there are downsides to them. On the plus side they're lighter and potentially more secure than SPD-SL's as you'll never pull your foot out accidentally. The cornering clearance is great and way better than any other pedal system. The adjustable float is great and they are easier to set up than SPD's as you don't need to position the cleats quite so accurately as the free float compensates for any slight discrepancy.

    The downsides are few. The cleats are expensive but should last at least a year and they don't squeak like the shimano ones did when I used them.

    Ulitmately, both are good so he shouldn't have too many problems with either.
  • Yorkshireman2
    Yorkshireman2 Posts: 32
    Light, easy to engage and with a reassuring click when you do, kind to the knees, dual sided, clever design and you'd get a good price on ebay if you found that you didn't get on with them.
    Only downside is that they are not good for walking in but you can get special covers that more or less solve this.
  • davelakers
    davelakers Posts: 762
    Loving my Speedplays after 3 years on SPD-L. They are far more comfortable and I feel a lot more secure!!

    If only I could get the hang of clipping in first time everytime..................
  • Brian1
    Brian1 Posts: 595
    I am curently using look keos but on a couple of occasions I have missed clippin when moving away from traffic because of the way the pedal doesnt sit horizontal when you are clipped out, will the speedplays solve this problem.Thanks in advance.
  • brushed
    brushed Posts: 63
    I have used speedplays for about 2 years now.

    They give you all the advantgaes of a double sided pedal but with a larger platform area for better power transmission of a single sided road race pedal. Good in traffic.

    I have found when clipping in it sometimes works to angle your foot into the crank toe first.

    Keep the shoeplates lubed and get some coffee caps ( covers ) for walking in to save the metal cleats and your floor.

    Careful screw tightening is needed otherwise they dont work. Use threadlock or check screws very regularly.

    Have been used to win Paris Roubaix so must be good.
    FCN 4 summer
    FCN 6 Winter

    'Strong, Light, Cheap : choose two' Keith Bontrager
  • eh
    eh Posts: 4,854
    Get Time instead better that either SPD-SL or Speedplay IMO.

    Time advantages:

    Secure
    Excellent cleat life
    Free float
    Low stack height
    Low Q-factor
  • kez78
    kez78 Posts: 109
    I've been using Speedplay for nearly a year, like most people on here I can't rate them highly enough, they are pricey but if like previously suggested you buy the coffe shop covers the cleats will last several years.... mine are nearly a year old and a long way off being replaced.

    The only downside I've found is if you get a bit of mud in the cleats (when for example taking a pee in a field) they can become difficult to engage, on occasions I've had to stop and give them a clean, which can be frustrating

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