Ok, I started with SPD on mtn. Lack of float didn’t bother me and loved them. Moved to road and use SPD there too. However, it seems to me that Look are popular with the roadies.
Is the bigger platform worth the extra weight? I’m not a weight weenie and am more interested in better power transfer. I know there are about 20 options now, which do you prefer and why?
I’ve used Speedplay, Spd-SL, Look and Time. My preference, and what I curerntly have on my main bike, are Time RSX Carbon. The Time’s are the best of the current pedals. Large cleat,platform size; The right amount of float; light; adjustable “Q-factor” (an under-rated virtue in my opinion); almost walkable cleat; and a very ‘secure’ powerful feel (I’m not sure how to describe this).
I’ve never used look pedals, but my girlfriend does. I have ultegra’s and love them, for the basic reason is that they have a wide platform, good float, and you can actually walk / run in the cleats. Looks are good pedals, but if you’re on a solid surface in transition it seems to be like being on ice skates. For me anyway, the ability to be able to run in my cycling shoes eliminates the need to learn to put the shoes on while they’re clipped to the bike.
If I were a straight roadie and didn’t need to get off my bike for any real distance I would consider look pedals.
Just my 2 cents…
I’ve been pondering the same question. when I buy a new bike early next year, I am definitely looking into some new pedal system. I have been using various shimano types for a while, and now am using Ultegra SPD-SL. I don’t hate them, but I don’t really love them either. They are weighted really poorly so I never know which way the pedal is facing when I come to a stop or cross the mount line or whatever. I have heard that the new Dura Ace are better than Look, but I don’t believe they are any better, just lighter than Ultegra. Unless someone wants to correct me on that. Who uses Speedplay? I’d like to hear more about those…
They are going to have to pry my DA pedals off my dead carcass. I am not a big fan of the Look pedals because of some of the wear and noise issues I have seen in the past. They are a little big and weight isn’t a big deal, but if you are trying to pedal through a corner, every mm counts.
Hey Josh, if pedaling through a corner, then why not speedplay? They are even lighter and you can really lay down in a corner while pedaling.
Speedplay does make some sweet pedals, but I am one of those few people that all that float makes my knees hurt and the small platform gives me hot spots on my feet. I wish I could ride them.
Rod, on a selfish note, my form finally came around. I have been on the podium three of the last four races.
I have Look keO carbon. I like them. I’m not sure what else to say about peddles. They don’t squeak and that is good.
Has anyone tried the Campy Record Pro-Fit? Just curious to hear some thoughts on them.
Speedplay does make some sweet pedals, but I am one of those few people that all that float makes my knees hurt and the small platform gives me hot spots on my feet. I wish I could ride them.
Really? I use Speedplay Zeros with Sidi T1 shoes and I can’t feel them at all. Even though the pedal is small, the cleat is a huge metal plate that spreads the pressue out. I haven’t had many pedals, but I just love the Speedplays. I don’t have to look down or even think about clipping in, it just snaps right in. The float is adjustable, both inside and outside independantly.
Hey congrats on the finishes! Yeah, as Halfspeed commented, I only use the Speedplay Zeros to eliminate the inward float and I dial in just the right amount of outward float (and a little more on my right I might add). I sure can’t feel the pedal any more than my old Dura Ace SPDs either since the cleat is so big. I sure like not having to look to clip in or rotate the pedal. You might want to try 'em out again (plus there lighter to boot) - not that you need to save much weight.
Had Speedplay, went to SPD and won’t go back.
Speedplay Zeros.
Adjustable float. Easy in/out. Durable. Light.
Good enough for Team CSC, good enough for me.
I don’t think Ivan Basso is having power transfer problems.
I have a pair of looks and a pair of spds, and i like the spds more.
more specifically, i like the looks slightly more while i’m riding/pedaling; but i like the spds a LOT more when i’m getting into them. since a lot of my biking is in traffic, this is a huge issue for me. if you’re more coordinated than me in getting your feet into the pedals, that’s less of an issue.
incidentally, i use mtb shoes with the spds, on my road bike. they’re a little heavy, but not a lot heavy. but i don’t like the way that spds feel with road shoes.