Pedals & Tyres

lanternerouge79

Okay i'll soon be adding a CX bike to my N+1 collection

I currently use SPD's on my hybrid for commuting and get on with them quite well although not sure what they'd be like for muddy conditions.

I mainly want to use it for trails I.e hampstead heath, Parkland Walk, Tasmin Trail around richmond Park, Epping Forest, Lea Valley, North Downs and Towpaths. While it will be dryer (hopefully) by the time the bike arrives in mid march obviously i still may encounter muddy conditions so ideally need a pedal and true combo that is best suited to the above.

I do have to consider the distance on an actual road i may have to ride to and from the trails so can't have something that is entirely road unfriendly.

I have been interested in ATACs but would prefer zero float. Can the float on this be locked out?

tgotb

For racing, pretty much everyone uses SPD, ATAC or (to a lesser extent) Eggbeaters. ATACs are quite a lot better at staying unclogged than SPD, but that's only really an issue if you're jumping off the bike repeatedly to run up steep chopped-up grass slopes and then needing to clip in instantly at the top(ie racing). I've never tried egg beaters, but have heard mixed reports about their longevity.
ATAC definitely has lots of float; you can alter it between 12 and 17 degrees (iirc) by swapping the cleats between feet, but that's about it. If SPD works for you at the moment I'd stick with it.

antsmithmk

I use SPD for training and racing. You will need to think more carefully about shoes than pedals if racing. You want plenty of grip and spikes in the toes.

lanternerouge79

Speaking to others the consensus seems to be stick with SPD.

I don't see myself racing as I can't maintain high pace for long but may try out the super cross if it's at Ally Pally again this year, then who knows