I’ve seen a few posts in the past few days asking for feedback on different pedals, so here’s our brief review of the relevant road systems. One thing of note is our take on float. Anything more than ~6 degrees is excessive (not necessarily detrimental, just not necessary). If a rider is moving through a range of motion more than that, there is typically something wrong with either the fit or the rider’s biomechanics. Float may be a band aid, but not the cure. More than 6 degrees really just allows for sloppy cleat alignment. Now having said that…
Speedplay Zero or Light Action - We used to be quite cautious in our recommendation of Speedplay pedals until the introduction of these 2 models. Why? The original X series pedals had a cleat interface that was not very rigid laterally. We (and others) tended to see that this instability didn’t cause, but could definitely exacerbate any lateral knee stability issues (ie IT band). The massive amount of float offered didn’t offer any magical cures to all knee problems - it just allowed for relatively sloppy cleat setup. These problems have been clearly addressed with the Zero and Light Action cleat design. These cleats have lateral rigidity magnitudes greater than the X series cleats. I like the adjustable float on the Zero’s. I like to use it the way a dentist uses screws on braces. We turn the screws a tiny bit over a long period of time to get the alignment (pedal stroke) desired. What I don’t like about the Zero’s? There is a lot of force required to enter these pedals. It’s so much that it is actually limiting for smaller riders. The solution? Get the Light Action. Pretty much the same cleat/pedal design, sans float adjustment, but requires far less force to enter. The 2 sided feature of the pedal? Sounds like it would be easier, but in actuality we find that most riders (especially those new to clipless pedals) have a more difficult time with Speedplay than a Look style. The Look style is weighted so it falls in the same position every time. If you come from the back and brush your shoe over the pedal, it is hard to miss clipping in to a Look style.
Pro
Adjustable float on the Zero’sServiceableCool colorways to match the bike
Con
Lots of entry force on the Zero’sHarder to find right pedal position to clip into compared to Look style
Look Keo - The Keo family of pedals covers a huge price/weight range, but the functional aspects are conserved throughout the line. The best thing about Looks? Great lateral rigidity, with enough float to allow for biomechanical deviation a rider may have in his/her pedal stroke. The worst thing? We’ve found that the pedal body itself wears rather quickly. By rather quickly I mean we start to see grooves, caused by the cleat, in the pedal body after ~5000 miles. We see it more often on the higher end Keo Carbons, but this is likely a function of those particular riders tending to ride more miles. It seems to have become less of an issue in the last 8-12 months, so perhaps Look has addressed the issue (although nothing visually has changed about the pedals). Also a bonus is the ease of entry. Not much force is required to enter the pedal, and it falls to the same neutral position for re-entry whenever disconnected from a shoe.
Pro
Good lateral rigidtyEasy to clip into, regardless of experience level
Con
Not readily serviceablePedal lifetime has been an issue
Shimano SPD-SL - Let’s face it - this is a Look re-badged as a Shimano. I take that back. This is a Look that Shimano has taken, and made into a BETTER pedal. These Shimano pedals have all the advantages of the existing Look Keos, but improve on two areas. One, the SPD-SL’s have amazing lateral rigidity. It’s an extremely wide surface that feels very solid under power. Even better than the Keo. Two, the lifetime/durability of the pedals are amazing. Since it’s an aluminum/ti body, we’ve had no problems with excessive wear. The cleats seem to last about as long as the Keo cleats as well. Like the Keos, they have limited serviceability. Same ease of entry/exit as the Keo’s as well.
Pro
Class leading lateral rigidityAlso extreme ease of entry/exitAwesome pedal durability
Con
Limited serviceability
Time RXS - Also very similar to a Look design. We want to like these pedals. We really do. I’m pretty mixed overall, though. First, I’m a bit concerned about durability. I’ve seen a fair share break at the front tip of the pedal, where the cleat slides underneath. They have all been relatively new pedals and under riders that seem not to be hard on equipment. Time has warrantied all these without question - however it is still an inconvenience. Cleat positioning can be a bit difficult (rotationally). The lateral float doesn’t seem to be of benefit, but also doesn’t seem to cause any harm. These pedals offer the least lateral stability of any system we’ve covered. Also, although the entry principle is the same as a Look, the are significantly more difficult for people to get into because of the relatively small bullseye you must aim for the front of the cleat for on the pedal.
Pro
Look hot. Especially the white RXL
Con
Pedal durability is suspectEntry is spottyLimited serviceabilityDifficult cleat setup
So a quick ranking and wrap up.
Lateral Stability
Shimano SPD-SLSpeedplay Zero/Light ActionLook KeoTime RXS
**Ease of Entry **
Shimano SPD-SLLook KeoSpeedplay Light ActionTime RXSSpeedplay Zero
Serviceability
SpeedplayEverything else
Durability/Pedal Lifetime
Shimano SPD-SLSpeedplayLook KeoTime RXS
Sexiest
Time RXS - Screams “I grew up riding Time pedals in the 90’s!” Rider likely sports an awesome euro/aero-mulletSpeedplay - Color coordination with the bike is awesome.Look Keo - Rider is an obvious Francophile. Good for Hinault, good enough for me.
Shimano SPD-SL - The Miguel Indurain of pedals. Not exciting, but functional, and no surprises. Also big and lunky looking
Best Selling at Davis Wheelworks
Look KeoShimano SPD-SLSpeeplayTime_____________________
- Joe S.
