Which pedal system ?
rogerv1978
Posts: 31
Whats the preferred choice of pedal systems ?
I have recently had a bike fit and have been advised to change my clip in choice from spd's to either look or speedplay for a more secure fit on the pedal and more adjustment, but I also discovered some sdp-sl shoes and pedals on wiggle which are much cheaper and seem the same fitment as the look system so still as secure and same adjustment ? Just wondered what the opinions were on them ? Or do I just stick with the spd's as I have 2 different pairs of shoes one for normal cycling and one for triathlons, I also like the fact you can walk in the spd's without struggling, although I have been having problems lately clipping in which I think is down to the fact the cleats are so small ? TIA
I have recently had a bike fit and have been advised to change my clip in choice from spd's to either look or speedplay for a more secure fit on the pedal and more adjustment, but I also discovered some sdp-sl shoes and pedals on wiggle which are much cheaper and seem the same fitment as the look system so still as secure and same adjustment ? Just wondered what the opinions were on them ? Or do I just stick with the spd's as I have 2 different pairs of shoes one for normal cycling and one for triathlons, I also like the fact you can walk in the spd's without struggling, although I have been having problems lately clipping in which I think is down to the fact the cleats are so small ? TIA
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Why can't you clip into your SPDs? Which pedals do you have?
In terms of adjustment, Look and SPD-SL are pretty similar. Is it more float that you need?
For road cycling in general, SPDs are great. There aren't any performance benefits you are losing out on if you get on with them.0 -
Just out of curiosity, what brands of pedals did the shop sell?
I've always found spds to be a pretty secure fit, though they won't have as much float as Speedplays.
If you're having trouble clipping in try changing the tension on your spd pedals.0 -
Not quite sure why I am having problems recently and its only my right foot for some reason, I did tighten up the tensioner to try and stop the movement on the pedal and the cleat got twisted and jammed in, when I sorted out the cleat it still wasnt great clipping in and just wondered if the look or spd-sl are much easier to get clipped in ?Simon Masterson wrote:Why can't you clip into your SPDs? Which pedals do you have?
In terms of adjustment, Look and SPD-SL are pretty similar. Is it more float that you need?
For road cycling in general, SPDs are great. There aren't any performance benefits you are losing out on if you get on with them.
The pedals are the A600 on my main bike and A520 on my spare one ?
The guy who did the fit said he could have done with a bit more adjustment on the cleats to fine tune my leg tracking.0 -
The bike fit was done at an independent physio who is also fully qualified bike fitter. So he had no bias on make but did suggest look or speedplay.Gozzy wrote:Just out of curiosity, what brands of pedals did the shop sell?
I've always found spds to be a pretty secure fit, though they won't have as much float as Speedplays.
If you're having trouble clipping in try changing the tension on your spd pedals.
I do find them secure but I can twist my foot a bit on the pedal and just wondered if the other ones were more secure ?0 -
rogerv1978 wrote:
The bike fit was done at an independent physio who is also fully qualified bike fitter. So he had no bias on make but did suggest look or speedplay.Gozzy wrote:Just out of curiosity, what brands of pedals did the shop sell?
I've always found spds to be a pretty secure fit, though they won't have as much float as Speedplays.
If you're having trouble clipping in try changing the tension on your spd pedals.
I do find them secure but I can twist my foot a bit on the pedal and just wondered if the other ones were more secure ?
It's not about secure; it's about float. A little bit of float is mostly a good thing, unless your cleats are set up perfectly.
It's all about personal preference. Speedplay are pretty unique and have plenty of fans. Look, Time and Shimano SPD-SL follow a similar principal. SPD is great for commuting, but not so good for long periods in the saddle. SPD is pretty much as easy as it gets for clipping in and out of too. If you have an issue then something is wrong.0 -
Jonny_Trousers wrote:SPD is great for commuting, but not so good for long periods in the saddle.
Sorry, but that's complete nonsense.
My PD-A600 "Touring" SPDs combined with carbon-soled S-Works shoes are completely comfortable for 100+ mile rides. And they are as light as "road" SPDs.
The contact patch around the cleat is the same as Speedplay and others. That on the PD-A600 and 520 is wider than regular (M540) SPDs but to be honest if you have stiff soles (eg carbon) then there is absolutely no difference and no "hotspots".
Unless you believe the MARKETING MEN who tell you pedal that A is "road", pedal B is "MTB" and pedal C is "Touring".
If you want to look like a pro, have an overwhelming desire to fit in and don't care if you can walk in your shoes, get SPD-SL/Look/Speedplay. If you want all the benefits of these but the ability to walk, get SPD like M540 or PD-A600.
The joke is that expensive "road" systems (eg Speedplay) provide "cleat covers" which you have to carry separately and make clumpy walking even worse but slightly quieter. . .go figure. Two prominent multiple record holders, Obree and Wilkinson, use SPDs on their road/TT bikes. Do we honestly think that these guys, who are all about marginal gains, would use a pedal that compromised their speed/performance?0 -
I used to have speedplay zeros on my road bikes, loved the float cos i have dodgy knees.
But i've now switched over to eggbeaters after using them on my cross bike. Loads of float, easy to clip in n out and the added benefit of being able to walk through my lounge without slipping on the wooden floor
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Bordersroadie wrote:Sorry, but that's complete nonsense.
+1
I use XTR SPD on my road and mountain bikes, with carbon-soled shoes as per Borders. Work a treat.Condor Super Acciaio, Record, Deda, Pacentis.
Curtis 853 Handbuilt MTB, XTR, DT Swiss and lots of Hope.
Genesis Datum Gravel Bike, Pacentis (again).
Genesis Equilibrium Disc, 105 & H-Plus-Son.
Mostly Steel.0 -
Ok, for me SPD aren't so good for long periods in the saddle. They give me hot spots in a way that my SPD-SLs do not.0
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Jonny_Trousers wrote:Ok, for me SPD aren't so good for long periods in the saddle. They give me hot spots in a way that my SPD-SLs do not.
But are you using the same shoes with both?0 -
Simon Masterson wrote:Jonny_Trousers wrote:Ok, for me SPD aren't so good for long periods in the saddle. They give me hot spots in a way that my SPD-SLs do not.
But are you using the same shoes with both?
I did do, yeah.0 -
Hot spots are down to the flex in cheap shoes, not how the shoes connect to the pedal. It's as simple as that.
XTR and Sidi Dragon 3 for me.Boardman Elite SLR 9.2S
Boardman FS Pro0 -
Ok some great points of view and arguments for both which is why I like this forum ! I think for now I will save my money and stick with my spd's and just have a little play with the tension on the pedal so it feels right clipping in and out, its interesting to know that a bit of float is ok I always thought they were meant to be stiff on the pedal ! Thanks for all the info guys !!0
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Also by the sounds of it maybe I should save up and get myself a pair of carbon soled spd shoes ?0
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rs2000kurt wrote:I used to have speedplay zeros on my road bikes, loved the float cos i have dodgy knees.
But i've now switched over to eggbeaters after using them on my cross bike. Loads of float, easy to clip in n out and the added benefit of being able to walk through my lounge without slipping on the wooden floor
Same here, swapped my old Onza's for eggbeaters, and they do a very good job considering the weight and price.0 -
Jonny_Trousers wrote:Simon Masterson wrote:Jonny_Trousers wrote:Ok, for me SPD aren't so good for long periods in the saddle. They give me hot spots in a way that my SPD-SLs do not.
But are you using the same shoes with both?
I did do, yeah.
In that case, which SPD pedals were you using?0 -
Simon Masterson wrote:Jonny_Trousers wrote:Simon Masterson wrote:Jonny_Trousers wrote:Ok, for me SPD aren't so good for long periods in the saddle. They give me hot spots in a way that my SPD-SLs do not.
But are you using the same shoes with both?
I did do, yeah.
In that case, which SPD pedals were you using?
M520s0 -
So not a comparable platform size, then.
(Not that there's anything wrong with the small SPD platform)0 -
rogerv,
How old/worn are your spd cleats, have you considered fitting a new set, may help?0 -
Yeah they are not that old but I did think about getting some new ones as they're not that expensive !DJ58 wrote:rogerv,
How old/worn are your spd cleats, have you considered fitting a new set, may help?
I have found the xc60 shoes which are the carbon sole version of the ones I use at the moment the xc50 they are £100 on wiggle at the moment !0 -
Just a thought before you go splashing out on new shoes, did your bike fitter check your foot alignment, did he mention anything about footbeds or shims? Did you tell him that you were experiencing hot spots?0
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I have speedplay zero on the road bike & TT bike and Shimano XT on the XC bike.
I'd like to use eggbeaters on the XC bike for the weight & mud clearing but too much float for me. I like to be locked in pretty tight0 -
Yes he put some shims under the cleats and some wedges in my in soles to correct the alignment and it is so much better now I was just concerned with the amount of float ? I have not experienced any hot spots ? Also just curious what are these egg beaters that people are mentioning ?DJ58 wrote:Just a thought before you go splashing out on new shoes, did your bike fitter check your foot alignment, did he mention anything about footbeds or shims? Did you tell him that you were experiencing hot spots?0 -
Roger,
Apologies for the confusion with hot spots, I must have confused that with what someone else had said.
Egg Beaters are a type of MTB pedal made by Crank Brothers: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/crank-brothers- ... 53603936990 -
I found I used to get a bit of hot spot / pain with M520 pedals on longer rides. I switched to A520s and had no problems since. Also much easier to clip in and out of and walk in than SPD-SL type systems.Bianchi Infinito CV
Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Ultegra
Brompton S Type
Carrera Vengeance Ultimate Ltd
Gary Fisher Aquila '98
Front half of a Viking Saratoga Tandem0 -
Going to get some Speedplays as soon as I have the cash... can't be doing with the weighting on the Looks I have anymore, too much hassle clipping in since they always come to rest vertical due to the weight distribution, a pain at busy roundabouts on hill starts etc.0
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When you use SPD cleats with road shoes does the the cleat stick out the bottom of the shoe or is it recessed like it is on my touring shoes? If it sticks out I would have thought that is even harder to walk on than a look cleat.0
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gloomyandy wrote:When you use SPD cleats with road shoes does the the cleat stick out the bottom of the show or is it recessed like it is on my touring shoes? If it sticks out I would have thought that is even harder to walk on than a look cleat.
Road shoes they would, but nothing to stop you wearing touring or mtb shoes.0
