Pedals: Shimano 105 SPD SLs or Look Keo Classics?

jonny_trousers

Hi,

I ask because I own a set of each that came with bikes I have bought second hand and I am thinking of sticking them on my latest aquisition. I use Shimano M520s on my single speed and was thinking of just going SPD on the road bike too, but I am now wondering if I should just get a second pair of shoes and cleats and use one of the pairs I already have.

Your advice would be appreciated.

Garz

Depends on what these other bikes are used for. For sportives/audaxes and longer journeys I would utilise the pedals by getting some shoes + cleats. If you are comfortable with the SPD's and want to interchange freely then just sell the pedals, no point in them gathering dust!

peddlefever

Both pedals are nice and provide a better platform than SPDs for longer distance riding, at least in my own experience. When I first started road riding I had some SPDs and quickly changed them when I started doing longer distances because they caused hot spots and didn't feel as stable as a road pedal.

As far as whether to use the Shimano or Look pedals, they are quite similar. The main difference is that the body of the Shimano pedals is metal, while the Looks are plastic. I am using some Looks right now and haven't had any wear issues with the plastic bodies, but metal might be worth using depending on how rough you are with your bikes. I hear the bearings on the 105 pedals are very smooth, and was thinking about getting some 105 pedals myself to give them a try.

Either way I don't think you can go wrong. I would actually try both to see how you like them. You can use the same road shoes for each and would just have to buy a couple sets of cleats to try each one. Might be a bit of a hassle and you could end up just sticking with the first one you try, but I always like trying every option I have to see which one personally suits me.

jonny_trousers

Thanks guys!

I was thinking about just sticking with SPD, but the new bike really does deserve to be taken out on longer rides and if the other pedals might make life more comfortable... I should confess that I called the Looks 'classics' because that was the best match I could find for them online. They are actually made of some kind of metal and do look a hell of a lot like the 105s. Maybe I'll give them a shot as the cranks are Campys and it is surely sacrilege to have Shimano next to Campagnolo.