Pedal/Cleat Question

JohnnyKay - 2011-02-14 12:41 PM Comes down to personal preference.  There's no right or wrong, best or worst, here.

Tom Demerly. - 2011-02-14 12:59 PM

Significant factor: Size 48 foot.

I'll suggest you will want to gravitate toward systems with a very large cleat/pedal interface surface area- such as Shimano, Look. Smaller platform pedals with reduced lateral support will place a substantial reliance on the sole of your shoe- something it may or may not be up to.

If you are buying $550 carbon fiber soled Sidi's or custom carbon soled cycling shoes like BONT then you will have greater latitude on pedal selection- the high quality, graduated stiffness built into the carbon fiber sole will do part of the pedal's work in transfering power to the drivetrain and insulating the foot from any localized pressure that could lead to discomfort.

If you are like the rest of us and buying a less expensive $150 +/- shoe then you will likely want a larger platform pedal. Speedplay makes a compelling argument on their website and in their technical material for the surface area of their interface but the "roll" axis support of the foot on the pedal simply isn't there compared to wider pedal/cleat interface systems like Shimano's excellent road pedals.

Bigger foot- bigger pedal. Best of luck with that Sir.