I’m going to buy a P2 in a few weeks. I mentioned to the guy who works there that I have Shimano SPD road shoes and he said that they’re absolutely fine but mentioned that they’re sort of for beginner/intermediates.
Just curious, is there any truth to this? If so, then what do pro triathletes use? Regardless, I need to buy pedals. Should I buy SPD ones so that i can use my current shoes, or buy something different and also get new shoes?
Personally I find that a ridiculous statement. I have tried pretty much all the different pedal types, Keywin, Speedplay, Look, etc. I personally prefer SPD-SL.
It is true that watching the pros at TDF more seem to use Speedplay than any other type of pedal but I don’t think that makes SPD a beginner pedal. It is pretty much whatever works for you. I have problems with my knee and SPD seem to work best.
thats just silly. Use what works for you.
I tend to agree with you two in that “it’s whatever works best for me”, but is there ANY advantage/disadvantage between the different types?
I have heard, don’t have where, that Speedplay pedals were more aero.
I lived on SPDs for decades. But now have switched to egg beaters. People tell me I cant race egg beaters or ride them on road bikes. They are morons. I would bet that most people could never tell what they are riding on unless they looked down.
t
SPDs are probably thought of a “beginner” pedals because many newbees and tourists prefer the more walkable mtn bike/commuter shoes that typically use them.
Most high end bike racing and tri shoes use a three-hole pattern and are not SPD-friendly.
On a performance basis, there’s nothing wrong with them. I remember when Speedplays were tri-geek “lollypop” pedals that no self respecting roadie would be caught dead with…then they sponsored Team CSC and Liquigas and now they are just fine on a high end road bike.
SPDs are probably thought of a “beginner” pedals because many newbees and tourists prefer the more walkable mtn bike/commuter shoes that typically use them.
Also, the bikes at SPIN class all have SPD pedals. But I won’t be spinning for too much longer.
I have heard, don’t have where, that Speedplay pedals were more aero.
http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.slipperypedals
.
The SPDs are definitely not beginner pedals. BUT they are better suited to some types of riding than others.
I love my SPDs for my mountain bike shoes (and Cyclocross) - the small metal cleat does not wear down as fast, I can walk on it comfortably, and it works when muddy.
They will work just fine for triathlons… but if you are looking to do long distance tris consider going to road pedals. The SPDs are a very small platform and I’ve heard of people who bike longer distances (i.e. 4hrs+) developing a “hot spot” or “sore spot” on their foot directly underneath the cleat.
In summary - for sprints to olympic: SPD is great… for Ironman distance I’d consider something with a larger platform.
(disclaimer: my tri bike is a P2 with Look Keo Max pedals)
Spd pedals aren’t for beginners, but you have to look a bit to find good racing shoes that take spd cleats. Walkable or mountainbike shoes are typically heavy and unaero with a lugged sole.
Styrrell
When you say SPD road shoes, are you talking the small metal, 2-bolt cleat (SPD), or the large yellow plastic 3-bolt cleat (SPD-SL)? They are very different. Some shops used to slap inexpensive SPD pedals (like Wellgos) on a bike to sell it “pedals included” That plus spin class are probably how SPD got its “beginner” reputation. I think it’s a fine cleat for MTB and commuting, but never liked it too much for long road rides (granted, my ancient Nike SPD shoes are pretty no-frills).
SPD-SL, on the other hand, are some very good road pedals, even at the entry-level. And I absoultely love my Ultegra SPD-SLs.
Well I have Shimano R076 shoes.
http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/clothing/shoes/shimano/sh-r076/prd_440043_2512crx.aspx
Triple straps reduce pressure pointsTriple hook & loop strapsDual layer mesh provides excellent breatheabilityLightweight glass fiber reinforced-polyamide soleSPD-SL and SPD cleat compatible
I have SPD on my cyclocross bike. I also raced my first 2 years of tris including a half iron, with SPD where I turned in some of my fasted bike splits (the switch from SPD to Look also involved a switch from road to tri bike …hmmmmm).
I think a lot of mountain bike and cyclocross folks would scoff at the notion that they are beginner - - they are definitely easy to use, and the training pedals that are platform on one side and spd on the other might also be lending a hand to the beginner connotation but the fact of the matter is that a top cyclocross racer is not a beginner - - and even if they are, ability wise they aren’t so it is a silly thing to say about the pedals.
2-bolt cleat.
So the shoe is actually compatible with both types of cleats.
I agree with the earlier commenter that metal SPDs can be less than ideal for long-distance riding. I ditched mine right around the time I started doing half-iron races.
My vote would be to go the SPD-SL route. The budget pedals there are the Shimano R540 or the PD-5700 (105). Those pedals usually come with a pair of the yellow cleats. Buy em, have the shop fit them to your shoes, and don’t worry about having to upgrade for several years, at any distance.
The ONLY downside to SPD-SL is that the cleats do wear out–and fast if you walk around a lot in them. I can usually squeeze 2 seasons out of mine if I am careful.
2-bolt cleat.
Wait, are you saying the shoe only has the 2-bolt pattern on the bottom? Cause the marketing literature (and this pic: http://www.bikecity.com.mx/images/20256_1_shimano_sh-r_076_ren.jpg ) show it having both the 2 and 3-bolt configurations. Total of 5 holes on the bottom. That means you can either go with SPD or SPD-SL.
2-bolt cleat.
Wait, are you saying the shoe only has the 2-bolt pattern on the bottom? Cause the marketing literature (and this pic: http://www.bikecity.com.mx/...ano_sh-r_076_ren.jpg ) show it having both the 2 and 3-bolt configurations. Total of 5 holes on the bottom. That means you can either go with SPD or SPD-SL.
Sorry Sorry. My shoes looks exactly like that, so they have both the 2 and 3-bolt configurations. And as of right now, I have the cleat that is using only two bolts. Does this make sense?
Got it.
Yeah, for a P2, I’d just head straight to the SPD-SL pedal/cleat combo.
The wider platform will make your foot as comfortable as it is going to get in those shoes.
I’m going to buy a P2 in a few weeks. I mentioned to the guy who works there that I have Shimano SPD road shoes and he said that they’re absolutely fine but mentioned that they’re sort of for beginner/intermediates.
Just curious, is there any truth to this? If so, then what do pro triathletes use? Regardless, I need to buy pedals. Should I buy SPD ones so that i can use my current shoes, or buy something different and also get new shoes?
You shouldn’t need new shoes just to switch pedals. The shoe cleats come with the pedals, so you just switch out the cleat. I have used SPD and Speedplay. I do find that the Speedplay distribute the force over a larger area and for me that is more comfortable on my feet on longer rides, but if you have no issues I wouldn’t worry about it.
