Clip, Clipless and wide platform. Where to turn and why> Thanks
Speedplay Zeros, why because Tom Demerly said so.
Speedplay Zeros are great, but if you’ve never used a clipless pedal before, you might want to try Looks, or Shimano’s 105, Ultegra or Dura Ace pedals. They are designed to hang nose up, so the task of getting your cleats and pedals to line up is easier. Touchthe nose of your shoe to the tip of the pedal, slide gently forward, the leading edge hooks up, step down at the bottom of the pedal stroke, youre hooked up.
I’ve never used anything but Speedplays, but it seems to me that Speedplays would be even easier than what you’re suggesting? It doesn’t matter what side you clip into the speedplay pedal. Just align your shoe with your pedal and step down.
I currently ride Speedplays, but honestly find the old Look/Time style much easier to clip into - especially in a hurry. Most of the proponents for the multi-sided pedals (rightly) claim that there’s no need to “kick & clip” - you just step on the mofo & go. But if your cleat isn’t lined up with the pedal when you step down, it won’t engage. What’s more, your foot may blow off the pedal entirely, causing bad things to happen (nad damage, a crash, or at very least a HR spike). With the old style, once you “toed in” and had the cleat hooked, there was no way you could miss that clip.
I’m likely in the majority claiming that the Looks are easier to clip, but that’s been my experience.
After much research, Coombe Pro’s looked pretty good and I just installed a pair. Not bad to get into, super easy to get out (unlike the new Ultegra’s I installed the week before), but you would probably never release by accident.
They are among the lightest, lowest height, best cornering, and most durable. Easy to walk in. The drawback is it might take a while between when you order them and they arrive (about 3 months for me).
Most people never heard of them, take a look:
My first (& still my only) pair of clipless pedals were the Speedplay Zeros. I’m happy with them. Just stomp down on them and they clip in real easy. It may take some getting use to know exactly where to stomp your foot down, but one u get used to the general location - no problem…! Even if u miss, just move your feet a little and it clips in. Double sided too…!
Paul