What is the best clipless pedal system and why? I have SPDs now cause they came with the bike, but wonder if something else would be better, easier, faster. What’s the benefit of one system over another?
Different systems have different advantages and disadvantages. I am a Look fan because I find the lasrger platform provides maximal stability for riders with slight biomechanical abnormalities, which is most of us. Speedplays are lighter and easier to get into, so I recommend them to riders with clean biomechanics. Whatever your choice, a few grams of weight savings should be low on the priority list. Ken
Speedplay. Lots of float, no look entry, light as all get out, and a long-lasting cleat. I have tried Look and Keywins previously.
I like the Speedplay Zero. Although the pedal surface area is fairly small, the cleat/adaptor assembly is large and stiff enough that I don’t get ‘hot spots’. The adjustable float is a nice feature, and you can’t beat double-sided entry for quick transitions. As far as weight, yes the pedals themselves are lighter than some, but once you figure in the cleat, you’re probably breaking even. The only feature they’re missing is adjustable release tension, but I’ve never missed having that.
I’m a huge fan of my speedplay pedals (I have the X/5’s). The float takes some getting used to, but that doesn’t take long. They’re really easy to clip in and clip out. The size of the pedal is a non-issue (I can’t feel it through my shoes).
I haven’t tried anything else other than the always wonderful toe clips and running shoes.
I like my Speedplay Zero’s.
Easy to get in and out of (very important when riding in traffic), plus they come in different colors to match your bike.
I have the Bebop pedals which are really similar to the Speedplay X and Zero series. You should check out their website (http://bebop.com) because it’s hilarious.
BTW, they are cheaper and lighter than equivalent Speedplays, I believe.
I have the Ultegra 6610 SPD SL and am really happy with it. It has some float (6 degrees total I believe) is easy to enter and exit and for the price you can’t beat it.
I want to try the ‘side mount pedal’ for my Tri bike. They are supposed to be available now, or soon. The entry is really easy, but the exit is a little tough, apparently, until you get used to it. The logic of putting the pedal axle at the level of your metatarsophalangeal joint, with a shorter over the top radius and longer across the bottom radius, is very interesting.
The designer and headquarters are ~10 miles down the road from me, over in Pasadena.
I saw a woman using them over at the Rose Bowl. She loved 'em. I’m intrigued. Have any of you used the demos that are supposed to be out there?
I don’t have any affilation with them.
bump
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Time RXS: light, comfortable, great performance and price.
Dave in VA
there is no best. it’s like asking which is the best bike/saddle/wheels.
But I’ve tried a lot of systems and I have my preferences.
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Time RXS. My newest and favorite. I’ve always liked Time’s big platforms, float, and solid feel. But they’ve always weighed a ton. Now the new RXS are here and they’re MUCH lighter than the old pedals. Not quite as solid as the old ones, but that’s what you get for the weight savings.
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Speedplay. I’ve tried 2 sets (the old x-2’s and the speedplay zero’s). Tons of float and super light. But I just never got used to the tiny platform. Great pedal, though.
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LOOK. Big platform and newer versions are lighter. A solid all-around performer. If the float were a little nicer on my knees, I’d rate them higher.
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Keywin. Very light but zero float. Horrible for your knees if not dialed in correctly.
- Keywin. Very light but zero float. Horrible for your knees if not dialed in correctly.
Actually, the new CRM style Keywins do have float, but you can lock it out if you choose to (I don’t like float myself).
the sidemount pedal looks very interesting, the titanium cleats would eliminate replacing worn cleats and you can run on them during transition…anyone try them out?
I have used speedplays for eons…but switched to
Dura ace for more foot comfort. As said before, Everyone is different in their comfort and preferences. Me I prefer brunetts!
Coombe. Same virtues as Speedplay but better, except for price. Extra bling factor since they are rare (I’ve never seen any but my own). No moving parts, easy double sided entry/exit, wide cleat, solid engagement, impossible to hit them on the ground cornering (your shoe would hit first), light weight, tons of float, cleat/pedal seem like they will never wear out.
My only dislike is the cleats clog with sand or rocks very easily and then you can’t engage them. Have to be careful where you walk when you get off to take a leak. The other thing is you can only get them online, and it took them MONTHS to deliver.
TIME,
Its all personal preferance, one of the lightest in the business and some of the best quality.
Plus look around the old models are on sale and they are just as good as the new although not as light.
Another vote for Time RXS.
What is the best clipless pedal system and why? I have SPDs now cause they came with the bike, but wonder if something else would be better, easier, faster. What’s the benefit of one system over another?
As you can tell – many choices and opinions – try a few different ones – the one you like and works for your style of riding and your biomechanics is the best one for you.
I have tried many different pedal and keep returning to Look – I take the weight disadvantage to be comfortable - but that is what works for me – I have a friend who Time fits perfectly, another who speedplay fits perfectly – you get my drift.
I discussed a few pedal types at my bike fit yesterday. This is the gist of what the guy said:
Speedplay’s platform has too little surface area. Foot stability is not very good, and becomes much worse with a little wear. (I went into the fit with a pair of used speedplays, FWIW).
He was of the opinion that Shimano pedals wear out too quickly, commenting that the new DuraAce even has replaceable sections, whereas the others are just throwaways after not so many miles.
He was pitching Look as the best thing going for stability and durability. I ended up buying PP396 that has adjustable float (with the red cleats) - but he also said that you’re better off using the black cleats with no float and having a fitter dial in your cleat position for optimal biomechanics. Less likely to cause an injury. Of course I have to see him again for that!
What say you, slowtwitchers? How about you slowtwitch FIST guys?