So, I have ridden just about everything out there. I generally feel that most people would never be able to tell which pedal system they are riding if they did not see before they clipped in. I know there are differences, but I think they are pretty minimal and mostly just feel of float, or clipping and unclipping and such.
So. . . Since ST has data on just about everything, and seems to argue wattage savings about everything. What is the real power difference between clipless pedal systems. Is there any measurable difference in speed between say, the cheapest eggbeaters and the most expensive Speedplays?
I hear people talk about size of platform that bigger is better and such, but riding decent shoes it seems the size of platform would be mute. Considering that the shoe is essentially unbendable.
Please tell me why I should spend hundreds on expensive pedals or not.
t
ease of clipping in
stack height
weight
maintenance
float
q factor
those are things to look at when consider pedals, power transfer is not.
speedplay for instance - lots of float, more maintenance than most. clip in on either side.
look - clip in on only one side, maintenance free, variable float but none as much as speedplay
etc
power transfer? no difference unless the bearings go bad
What maintenance is involved with Speedplay? I’ve never done a thing other than replace worn cleats every couple of years.
Styrrell
I use the crappiest, cheapest, SPD-compatible (made by Wellgo) road pedals made.
The cleats are the same as old-school SPD mtb ones, and the pedals are small.
My bike shoes do not have CF soles on them.
All of these factors should stack up such that my “power transfer” should be the worst imaginable - I’m doing it all wrong.
And yet, somehow, I can still make a bike go pretty fast. How is that possible?
I guess that if I were to “upgrade” all of that stuff, I’d be the next Lance - it’s obviously the only thing holding me back.
What maintenance is involved with Speedplay? I’ve never done a thing other than replace worn cleats every couple of years.
Styrrell
They need to be kept clean, and they need greased once in a while.
One thing people forget in all of these power loss threads, is that power that is lost goes some where. Inless your shoe or the pedal is heating up due to all of the power absorbed it isn’t being lost.
Styrrell
On behalf of all of ST, thank you for handicapping yourself. How very fair of you.
Thanks for the replies. That is about how I thought is was. I think I will stick with the eggbeaters on all my bikes. I never maintain them at all. They are simple, cheap, reasonably light, last forever, and I already have them.
t
As opposed to other systems? They all have bearings. The only PITA with speedplays is you don’t want to walk in dirt and clog the cleat, but I would call that maintenance. It was fun when they first came out and a bunch of people had them before a TT where everything was covered with snow.
Styrrell
As opposed to other systems?
Yes, as opposed to other systems. If you had ever used them you would ask the stupid question.