Clipless options, talk to me
Discussion
I've been using SPD-SL's with yellow cleats since I got the road bike and the cleats are now very worn and due a replacement; I'm also in the middle of speccing up a better bike for my 40th and am wondering wether to continue with what I know, switch to blue cleats as my pedalling action is fairly linear (two seperate bike fits have noted this) and the extra float is a minor irritation when unclipping or take it as an opportunity to try out another system.
Some random thoughts in no particular order:-
Having a system that clips either side of the pedal might be nice.
Less float is very likely to be OK, will ofc check this again if I decide to change.
Pedals should not cost more than say £80
Minimum maintainance on pedals preferable.
There's nothing I really dislike about the SPD-SL's although the cleats did sem to shed their yellow rubbers rather easily and they are as a result rather treacherous on lino.
Some random thoughts in no particular order:-
Having a system that clips either side of the pedal might be nice.
Less float is very likely to be OK, will ofc check this again if I decide to change.
Pedals should not cost more than say £80
Minimum maintainance on pedals preferable.
There's nothing I really dislike about the SPD-SL's although the cleats did sem to shed their yellow rubbers rather easily and they are as a result rather treacherous on lino.
Edited by Jayfish on Saturday 4th January 08:09
If changing then its time to buy the right pedals for a road bike. SPDs are designed for mountain bikes, they serve two functions one to work when dirty and packed with mud, hence two sided and the second to pedal with. The latter function is compromised by their primary function. They do not hold like a road pedal, provide the same platform/ surface area. In short, an SPD on a road bike is like putting 4x4 tyres on a Ferrari.
I have had Looks since they first came out mid eighties, had the PP65s and rode TT, crits and track with them. I ride Look keo sprints on track now and Keo carbons on the road. They have plenty of float, even when pre loaded, have great ground clearance when cornering and look sooooo much better than spuds.
Plus you get to buy proper shoes which also work better, solid stiff sole and lots more support, a shoe which is designed to cycle and only cycle in, unlike spuds with MTB shoes. Ok you'll walk like a duck on Look cleats but get the girl at the cafe to bring the espresso over to you instead of walking anywhere. Good luck but leave those spuds where they belong man!
I have had Looks since they first came out mid eighties, had the PP65s and rode TT, crits and track with them. I ride Look keo sprints on track now and Keo carbons on the road. They have plenty of float, even when pre loaded, have great ground clearance when cornering and look sooooo much better than spuds.
Plus you get to buy proper shoes which also work better, solid stiff sole and lots more support, a shoe which is designed to cycle and only cycle in, unlike spuds with MTB shoes. Ok you'll walk like a duck on Look cleats but get the girl at the cafe to bring the espresso over to you instead of walking anywhere. Good luck but leave those spuds where they belong man!
ro55a said:
If changing then its time to buy the right pedals for a road bike. SPDs are designed for mountain bikes, they serve two functions one to work when dirty and packed with mud, hence two sided and the second to pedal with. The latter function is compromised by their primary function. They do not hold like a road pedal, provide the same platform/ surface area. In short, an SPD on a road bike is like putting 4x4 tyres on a Ferrari.
I have had Looks since they first came out mid eighties, had the PP65s and rode TT, crits and track with them. I ride Look keo sprints on track now and Keo carbons on the road. They have plenty of float, even when pre loaded, have great ground clearance when cornering and look sooooo much better than spuds.
Plus you get to buy proper shoes which also work better, solid stiff sole and lots more support, a shoes designed to cycle and only cycle in, unlike spuds with MTB shoes. Ok you'll walk like a duck on Look cleats but get the girl at the cafe to bring the espresso over to you instead of walking anywhere. Good luck but leave those spuds where they belong man!
Do you have any idea what the SPD-SL system is like?I have had Looks since they first came out mid eighties, had the PP65s and rode TT, crits and track with them. I ride Look keo sprints on track now and Keo carbons on the road. They have plenty of float, even when pre loaded, have great ground clearance when cornering and look sooooo much better than spuds.
Plus you get to buy proper shoes which also work better, solid stiff sole and lots more support, a shoes designed to cycle and only cycle in, unlike spuds with MTB shoes. Ok you'll walk like a duck on Look cleats but get the girl at the cafe to bring the espresso over to you instead of walking anywhere. Good luck but leave those spuds where they belong man!
Speedplay pedals can be clipped in from both sides, but you'll need Speedplay specific soles on the shoes, and the £80 budget is in danger as well.
Try the blue cleats and see how you get on, there's no point in changing your whole set-up until you've given them a go, or even the reds if you have another bike fit?
Try the blue cleats and see how you get on, there's no point in changing your whole set-up until you've given them a go, or even the reds if you have another bike fit?
gazza285 said:
Speedplay pedals can be clipped in from both sides, but you'll need Speedplay specific soles on the shoes, and the £80 budget is in danger as well.
Try the blue cleats and see how you get on, there's no point in changing your whole set-up until you've given them a go, or even the reds if you have another bike fit?
You can also use an adapter with 3 bolt shoes.Try the blue cleats and see how you get on, there's no point in changing your whole set-up until you've given them a go, or even the reds if you have another bike fit?
I agree that the OP should try the blue cleats and go from there.
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