Pedal dilemma

secretsam

I know this is a question as old as time, but anyway: am about to get a bike fit, as an Xmas pressie to encourage me to drag my lardy backside out on the road

Am wondering about pedals: I currently run SPDs with Spesh MTB-style shoes (which I'm happy with), but was wondering if I'd get more benefit from running full-fat road pedals, eg SPD-SL, Looks, etc. - or should I just stay as I am and save the money? Am planning to move up to a 100 mile distance this year, ABW.

I suffer from the following pathetic excuses:
- Wide feet
- Oldness (am coming up to 45 )
- Generally dodgy joints (some knee, hip, back discomfort related to various car crashes, rugby injuries, etc)

Ta in advance

slowbike

If you're happy with the shoes then stay with them and the pedals.

I ride on SPDs on both bikes. The important bit is to have a shoe that doesn't give hotspots - so it needs a stiff sole - if you've got that then the cleat and pedal choice is secondary.

markhewitt1978

It depends really, assuming you have plenty of spare funds. SPD-SL is ok if you are literally just getting on your bike, riding and then when you get off you change shoes; as they are pretty much useless for anything else.

maringirl

I ride with SPDs but a proper stiff soled Shimano shoe. Ideal as it means I can walk easily in them if need be (often is up some of the hills!!!). Hubby does same.

rafletcher

I'd agree that initially I'd stick with SPD's - though I'd always go for duoble sided ones myself, for some reason I never go on with single sided SPD's! Then, if you get any "hot-spot" issues, I'd suggest some road specific pedals. Again I could never get the hang of SPD-SL, but then I've ridden 25+ years on Looks. I know the SPD-SL's have "pontoons" to make walking less of a faff, but persnally (again) I'd go for Looks and get some cleat covers. Never going to be elegant, but will stop you going base over apex in the gents!

Ricey83

I use Shimano 105 spd-sl's with Shimano R087 shoes and I've done a couple of 100+ mile rides and they're comfortable but if you're already running SPD's then I can't see the point in changing as I don't know of any benefits to be honest.

Garryboy

I like spd's and MTb style shoes as the cleats are recessed - meaning you can walk normally rather than looking like you've cacked yer drawers.

However, I started to get knee problems. I switched to speedplay frogs which have loads of free float (feels weird at first), but work same kinda way as spd's (recessed cleat).

Give them a look

secretsam

Thanks all - those A600s may well be the ideal compromise, think they look ace (ahem!) but also offer a bit more support

gethinceri

I'm of similar age, with similar rugby and road accident related knee, hip and back problems. I use Shimano 520 SPD pedals and they work really well for me with MTB shoes. I'll change pedals when I can spend £200 or so on a lovely pair of Sidi shoes, but for the foreseeable future I'll stick with what I've got because they do what I want.

Initialised

Likewise, I've done ~15000 miles on SPDs 520 and MT42 shoes, the shoes have now cracked behind the cleat (negating the benefit of stiff soles).

I was looking for some replacements and the road shoes fitted that bit better, so tempted but for me it'd mean leaving a spare pair of shoes at work and I really don't like the idea of not being able to walk when I get off the bike.

I think I will go with Egg Beaters for the road bike, Mallets on the MTB and Specialized Expert or Comp MTB shoes.

secretsam

yup, got the old 520s on all the bikes now, apart from the MTB (which has those off road platform/bear cage ones - 524s???)

So i'll stay as I am

Bike fit tomorrow, I can hear the laughter now as they see my racing physique!