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2013-09-26 8:18 PM


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Subject: Which pedals do I get?
I'm looking to buy pedals, but there seems to be a lot of variety in type and price. Could you weigh in and give me suggestions as far as the benefits of the different types and then the main differences between a $50 pair and $300 pair? I appreciate the help!


2013-09-26 8:39 PM
in reply to: bschley34

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Subject: RE: Which pedals do I get?
basically it comes down to material of the pedal and the bearing that it uses.  you don't need carbon pedals... so don't bother spending $300 on them.  the Look KEO plus/classic pedals are the best out there for the cost IMO.  if you search online retailers and ebay you can find them pretty cheap.. but paying a little extra at your LBS and getting them installed for free doesn't hurt either.
2013-09-26 8:41 PM
in reply to: bschley34

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Subject: RE: Which pedals do I get?
Originally posted by bschley34

I'm looking to buy pedals, but there seems to be a lot of variety in type and price. Could you weigh in and give me suggestions as far as the benefits of the different types and then the main differences between a $50 pair and $300 pair? I appreciate the help!


Shimano 105 spd
2013-09-26 9:27 PM
in reply to: bschley34

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Subject: RE: Which pedals do I get?
Look Keo and Shimano pedals are the most popular and good value for money pedals.

If they are the PCs of pedals, then the iMacs are Speedplay pedals.
They have a very devoted fan base. They are expensive but you can clip in on either side. They are more popular with roadies than triathletes.
Time pedals are similar to LOOK & Shimano.
Crankbrothers and Shimano SPD are popular with mountainbikers.


You really can't go wrong with a Shimano 105 or Look Keo classic or plus.
2013-09-26 11:26 PM
in reply to: bschley34

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Subject: RE: Which pedals do I get?

here's a good place to start:

http://university.tri-sports.com/2011/09/09/beginner’s-guide-to-clipless-pedals/

 

Can't go wrong with any of the Looks.  The Shimano's are pretty similar in function.  Speedplay's have their advantages, but aren't tolerant to stepping in dirt/mud prior to clipping in.  So, if you plan on running with your bike across a grassy/muddy field before clipping in, they wouldn't be the best choice.

2013-09-27 7:09 AM
in reply to: morey000

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Subject: RE: Which pedals do I get?
Originally posted by morey000

here's a good place to start:

http://university.tri-sports.com/2011/09/09/beginner’s-guide-to-clipless-pedals/

 

Can't go wrong with any of the Looks.  The Shimano's are pretty similar in function.  Speedplay's have their advantages, but aren't tolerant to stepping in dirt/mud prior to clipping in.  So, if you plan on running with your bike across a grassy/muddy field before clipping in, they wouldn't be the best choice.




Everyone says speedplays are not tolerant to walking in mud/dirt, yet I have had them for 5 years and never have problems. At Eagleman this year transition was extremely muddy, as in you sinking down almost to your ankles in some spots with no way around. I decided before the race to run through transition in my shoes as I would rather spend 1 -2 minutes cleaning mud out of the bottom of my shoe than having mud on my feet(then in my shoes) for the whole 56 miles. As it turned out I jumped on the bike out of T1 and clicked right it. So I would not make a choice based on they they get fooled with dirt easier.


2013-09-27 7:29 AM
in reply to: mike761

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Subject: RE: Which pedals do I get?
Originally posted by mike761
Originally posted by morey000

here's a good place to start:

http://university.tri-sports.com/2011/09/09/beginner’s-guide-to-clipless-pedals/

 

Can't go wrong with any of the Looks.  The Shimano's are pretty similar in function.  Speedplay's have their advantages, but aren't tolerant to stepping in dirt/mud prior to clipping in.  So, if you plan on running with your bike across a grassy/muddy field before clipping in, they wouldn't be the best choice.

Everyone says speedplays are not tolerant to walking in mud/dirt, yet I have had them for 5 years and never have problems. At Eagleman this year transition was extremely muddy, as in you sinking down almost to your ankles in some spots with no way around. I decided before the race to run through transition in my shoes as I would rather spend 1 -2 minutes cleaning mud out of the bottom of my shoe than having mud on my feet(then in my shoes) for the whole 56 miles. As it turned out I jumped on the bike out of T1 and clicked right it. So I would not make a choice based on they they get fooled with dirt easier.

Haven't had that happen either in like 4 years. Love the 2-sided out on the roads!

2013-09-27 7:46 AM
in reply to: bschley34

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Subject: RE: Which pedals do I get?
I went into my tri store thinking I wanted Speedplays, because I thought their "double sided entry" was a key advantage. The sales guy said they can get hard to clip in if they get a little dirty or after they wear. He showed me how everyone one of the staff had the Look Cleo

I ended up taking his advice, and I've been happy. They are easy to clip in and out of and have held up well. Just get the steel version, unless you are a pro. There is no point in paying $300 for carbon pedals to save 50 grams
2013-09-27 7:51 AM
in reply to: chris00nj

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Subject: RE: Which pedals do I get?

I think Speedplay is an awesome road bike pedal but the huge problem with Speedplays is they're very hard to walk/run in because a) the cleats don't have a grip option so you might as well be ice skating if trying to walk/run on a hard surface, b) the cleats are very bulky which makes walking/running more difficult, and c) the cleats can get all gunked up when walking in grass or dirt. Basically, they're a potential T1 or T2 nightmare. This is certainly mitigated if you clip your shoes into your pedals but that's not an option at many races (like IM). 

I love the Speedplay pedals and the theory behind their cleat system. I use them on my road bike. They suck for me when it comes to triathlon. The Look Keo Grip cleats work 1000x better for me. 

2013-09-27 7:57 AM
in reply to: strykergt

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Subject: RE: Which pedals do I get?
I have been riding Shimano SPD-SL since they came out. I like them.
2013-09-27 8:29 AM
in reply to: jlruhnke

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Subject: RE: Which pedals do I get?
I LOVE my speedplays. I used to have knee pain with my spd pedals as I am a little bowlegged. The "float" that the speedplay pedals give me has completely alleviated it!


2013-09-27 8:36 AM
in reply to: bschley34

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Subject: RE: Which pedals do I get?
I have run straight-up-for-the-van spd (or spd-compatible) pedals on all of my bikes since I started riding. Inexpensive (you can buy used for as little as $10-15; new at $25-30), reliable, double sided, good for mountain or road.
2013-09-27 9:12 AM
in reply to: mmrocker13

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Subject: RE: Which pedals do I get?
Another vote for Speedplay here..

Never, in the 4 years I have run them have I had a problem with clipping in due to dirt or any other issue.
I love the ability to clip in on either side of the pedal.

As mentioned, the cleats are probably the most obtrusive for walking/running in.
I leave my shoes on my bike for transitions - so, this really is a non-issue for me.
2013-09-27 9:28 AM
in reply to: #4864912

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Subject: RE: Which pedals do I get?
I have both speedplay and shimano ultegra. They are both fantastic as pedals. I've had the speedplays for about 10 years and they are now on my sons bike (he stole them :-)). So when dad returned to triathlon this year, I didn't want to spend the big bucks on the speedplay So I purchased the ultegra. It took some time to setup as they don't float like the speedplay but they are fine now.

Ease of entry?

It is defiantly easier to clip into the double sided speedplay you can't miss. On the ultegra with its single side you need to nail the toe kick in or the pedal flips and you can't clip.

Dirt issues?
With speedplay I have never had an issue in my experience and I don't baby equipment. As for running in the cleats seem no different to me.

If I could only have one which would I buy, I would buy the speedplay again. I just really liked the float and ease of setup, that is the one thing I miss.

But at the end of the day you really can't miss with either of these pedals.

Cheers
2013-09-27 11:52 AM
in reply to: berndog

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Subject: RE: Which pedals do I get?
I'm using Time iClic pedals. Have been using Time ATAC pedals on my MTB for > 10 years, tried the iClics, like better than my older Looks
2013-09-27 12:01 PM
in reply to: bschley34

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Subject: RE: Which pedals do I get?
Another vote for speedplay here. So easy to use.
The only problem I found, is that the face of the cleat may bend out of shape. This will cause a problem clipping in and out.
But, I love the pedals.


2013-09-27 2:05 PM
in reply to: louamerica

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Subject: RE: Which pedals do I get?
I love the Shimano SPD-SL. I had some old- 105 pedals on my bike, and just swapped them out for Ultegras yesterday (LBS is closing, got them for $60), I can't see a perceptible difference, so I wouldn't recommend spending the extra money for them.
2013-09-27 6:19 PM
in reply to: #4865294

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Subject: RE: Which pedals do I get?
SPD are old school and IMHO junk. Pedal tech passed them by in 1994.

I rode SPD-SL (no relation at all to SPD despite the name) for yen years. Great entry, single sided, big platform, walkable, great on wet pavement. Now I'm on Look Keo due to my Garmin Vectors, and so far so good.

I bought my 18 year old daughter Speedplay Light Action and she LOVE LOVE LOVES them. After 3 rides she was 100% expert in them. Very easy learning curve.
2013-09-28 2:42 AM
in reply to: brucemorgan

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Subject: RE: Which pedals do I get?
Originally posted by brucemorgan

SPD are old school and IMHO junk. Pedal tech passed them by in 1994.

I rode SPD-SL (no relation at all to SPD despite the name) for yen years. Great entry, single sided, big platform, walkable, great on wet pavement.


I'd say SPD still has it's place with MTB.

I ride SPD-SL on my roadie and TT, and seems to work well.
2013-09-28 9:40 AM
in reply to: 0

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Subject: RE: Which pedals do I get?
I have the Look Keo style, except my pedals are Ritchey brand.  I find the metal SPD clips seem to slip when I'm trying to slam/click my foot in at transition ... the larger Ritchey clip just seems to catch better for me on the roadie during transition.  I also have the looser style clip which does allow a little float side to side.


Edited by Dorm57 2013-09-28 9:46 AM
2013-09-28 9:46 AM
in reply to: metafizx

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Subject: RE: Which pedals do I get?
I ride SPD-SL on roadie and TT bike.


2013-09-28 11:50 AM
in reply to: EKH


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Subject: RE: Which pedals do I get?
I have been riding Time pedals since...1988! Spent several weeks with Campy in the late 90's and switched back to Time. I have the iClic version.
2013-09-28 8:24 PM
in reply to: Billyk

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Subject: RE: Which pedals do I get?
I was a. Fan of Look back when LeMond was winning Tours with them. So naturally I went looks on all my road bikes.
2013-09-28 9:30 PM
in reply to: bschley34

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Subject: RE: Which pedals do I get?

I use Shimano 105 pedals.  Got them for $60 brand new.  Everyone I know who has speedplays loves them.  I just never felt I needed to spend more to get 2 sided entry.  If the price of speedplays came down to say $80, I'd probably give them a try...but I also don't see my 105's breaking any time soon.

2013-09-29 7:31 AM
in reply to: jlruhnke

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Subject: RE: Which pedals do I get?

Originally posted by jlruhnke I have been riding Shimano SPD-SL since they came out. I like them.

 

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