Look vs SPD pedals

I wouldn't get SPD pedals as those are mtb pedals with smaller platform. I use SPDs for cyclocross and winter riding with my winter bike boots.

I'd suggest getting one of the Shimano pedals either 105, ultegra or Dura Ace depending on your budget. Probikekit.com sells them for a good price. They have big platform and were recommended to me by all the bike shops I asked about which type to get.

Look system, for sure.  I've tried both, and SPD just doesn't compare, IMO.  I have the Shimano Ultegra pedals and I love them.

Depends. SPD-SL are a platform system like the Look system. Good pedals

Another happy user of SPD-SL Ultegra pedals here.

I wouldn't get the SPD pedals, they're for mountain bikes and will start wearing on you after about 50 miles or so.

On top of the draw backs mentioned above, the SPD pedals limit the types of shoes you have to choose from. They require a certain bolt pattern to attach to the bottom of your shoes, and they are not as ubiquitous as the ones for the Look style and the Speedplay style. Unless you are on a mountain bike, stay away from the SPD's.

Also a vote for the SPD-SL pedals, very similar platform tho. Def avoid the 'standard' SPD tho...more of a mountain bike thing.

Edited by blindman10 2009-07-19 12:42 AM

I have 2 pair of the Ultegra SPD-SL pedals. I love them. If I had to do it over though, I would get the Dura Ace level. I've had to replace the bearings in 1 of the pedals, after like 500 miles.

Thanx for all the replies!

Oh! another silly question.... can u run on transition 1 with shoes design for look pedals. Cos it seems imposible to run with the ones I've seen. Are there many types of shoes?

Absolutely.  In T1 I don my helmet, sunglasses, and bike shoes right at the rack and run out of transition to the mounting line with the shoes on.  It's usually a pretty short distance to go anyways, so no big deal.

Supposed disadvantage of SPD cleats is the small cleat area may cause pressure on the foot as you pedal ("hot spot").  IMHO- this is a non-issue for short rides or stiff-soled shoes.  I've don't many centuries in SPDs & never had an issue.
Bottom line- Use whatever pedals/shoes you prefer.  Make sure your bike shoes match whatever pedals you choose (i.e. 2-hole SPD vs 3-hole SPD-SL & Look).  Many MTBers use SPD pedals for road riding just to stay with one system for all their bikes, and for easier clip in/out.  For spread out transition areas (100-200+ yd plus), it's easier to run fast with your bike on MTB many shoes than sliding on slick asphalt with Look or SPD-SL cleats- or tip toeing with bare feet on sharp stones/sticks.  I've even met some pretty fast guys who prefer to cycle in their run shoes with old school flat pedals w/toe straps to minimize T2.

Do yourself a favor and check into Speedplay...I love mine.

I have both Look pedals (A5), and SPD-SL (Dura Ace). I prefer the SPD-SL for one reason, there are three rubber pads on the cleat. This small addition is the difference between getting a firm foot on the ground at dismount, or skating and sliding with the Look cleat.

Both are great pedals, if you don't use your road bike for triathlons, then this point probably doesn't matter.

Edited by vonschnapps 2009-07-19 5:49 PM

Slip and slide for any road specific cleat shoe. MTB shoes with hard plastic or carbon soles with rubber lugs are great for running in transition if you are the type that does not leave shoes on the bike.

Personally, I hate SPD pedals because the only good ones out there are just as spendy as a set of Time ATAC or Crank Brothers pedals which have way more float and are easier to get in and out of.

That being said, I run Time road pedals on my Tri bike and Time ATAC on my mountain bike, road bike and Cyclocross bike.

I used to have SPD and I switched to Look when I got my tri bike and I like them better. I prefer the larger platform and they're easier to get into.

Absolutely you can!  I crashed in a HIM race this weekend and ran 4 miles in ~cheap bike shoes with look cleats.

[hijack]

I have a set of SPD's that came with my Giant years ago but I can't find the platform attachments. I have been hesitant to put them on my MTB because I will take my MTB down to the pool with the kids, but don't want to have to wear cleats to ride down there. I want the clips for the obvious benefits of the cleats. Anyone have a spare set of platform attachments they want to sell/send to me? PM me.

[/hijack]

I voted for Look, but they are the only clipless pedal I have ever used.

Okay, so I always rode w/ SPDs and never had an issue with them (many 60-160+ mile rides and still no issue).  I decided to "upgrade" to SPD SLs.  Know what?  I like the SPDs better...

The main reason:
I like the shoes better.  The tread on the mtb style shoes makes locking into the cleat way easier (especially helpful if you're in a spot where you need to click in and out frequently, like traffic areas, sketchy terrain, etc.).  Also makes walking around much easier.

Regarding the float, broader platform, ease of click in/out - I never felt any disadvantage with the SPDs and didn't really notice any advantage or increase in comfort with the SPD SLs.

In the end I thinks it's just what works for you...

Edit: forgot to mention - because the SPDs are dual sided there's no need to flip the pedal to clip in...


Edited by ezl 2009-07-20 10:25 AM

This user's post has been ignored.

Depends...If you get the SPD -SL...they are the same platform pedals like Look

I have the SPD - SL...Here is a pic:

 

Edited by velorider62 2009-07-20 11:01 AM

My preference is neither.

I like Speedplays.  The extra amount of float seems to be a little easier on my knees.