Look, Shimano, or Speedplay?

[bonnypriest]

I'm currently using SPD's, but I'm wanting to make the switch. I was just wondering what you ladies thought & what you prefer to use on your road bikes. Thanks in advance! :D

[arielmoon]

Personally I love my speedplays! Easy to get in and out.

[Owlie]

Probably not what you want to hear, but I use SPDs on my road bike. I like being able to walk in my shoes. :)

Having said that, I looked into Speedplays before I bought my pedals because I have strange knee ligaments.

[7rider]

Speedplays.
Easy in...easy out.
Knee friendly.
No muss...no fuss, just stomp-n-go.

[alpinerabbit]

speedplays (had them for a couple months now) are great, the walking not so (get a pair of coffee shop caps), if they could give me the eas of entry on spd(mountain) shoes, I't go for it.

[ny biker]

I just switched from SPDs to Speedplays to help with some knee issues and am quite happy with them.

[tulip]

Why do you want to switch? What kinds of problems are you having with your SPDs (knee pain, difficulty in getting in and out?) That would tell us more information and help in making suggestions.

I've used SPDs since the early 90s when I switched from my first-generation LOOKs that I had had since 1986. I don't know when the notion came into existence that SPDs are not for road bikes. Somehow, I missed that memo.

[colby]

I have Speedplay Light Actions on my tri bike and recently on a bike trip decided to use Speedplay Frogs on the road bike, which I'll be putting on my road bike for commuting and whatnot (I previously had SPD-SLs and then someone borrowed my bike and put platforms on).

The Frogs have super easy entry (on either side of the pedal), though as a customer of SPD-SL and then the Light Actions I missed the familiar "click" to confirm I was actually properly connected with the cleat/pedal. Getting out of them was even easier than any pedal I've used (other than platforms). The float is not as great as the Light Actions (which are free float) in the inward direction, but that's not normally a problem. Honestly, my biggest problem was getting into them, but that was a familiarity thing - they hadn't yet become second nature. The pedal/cleat is where I expected it to be, it's just a different motion. The cleats are effectively hidden in my Keen SPD-compatible cycling shoes, you can barely hear them hit the ground. I won't be racing in my Frogs, but I really think they are a good all around pedal.

The Light Actions are also dual sided entry and easy to get into and out of with the familiar "snap" of cleat to pedal. The pedal is small and the cleat is large, but it's a big rectangle and I don't find it as obtrusive or as hard to walk in as the SPD-SL style cleat. I really like them. Something about the shape/angle of my hips to knees to feet made them agree with my body MUCH MORE than using SPD-SLs.

My dad has SPDs on his road bike and he seems fine with it. I don't really see that there's a HUGE advantage between 2-hole shoe compatible (SPD, Frogs, etc) pedals/cleats and the full-on road/race-style pedals/cleats, but there probably is some marginal gain. The biggest jump is between platform to cleats at all. ;) That said, I would put Speedplays on my next bike in a heartbeat.

[withm]

I'm currently using SPD's, but I'm wanting to make the switch. I was just wondering what you ladies thought & what you prefer to use on your road bikes. Thanks in advance! :D

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

I have Speedplay Frogs on all 3 of my road bikes. I would put them on any other bike I come to own in coming years.

[CycleTherapy]

Look Keo's :)

[warneral]

I love my speedplay frogs. Will get more when I can justify the expense - they are for MTB shoes and I use diadora carbon MTB shoes

[jobob]

Eggbeaters. :cool:

[bonnypriest]

Why do you want to switch? What kinds of problems are you having with your SPDs (knee pain, difficulty in getting in and out?) That would tell us more information and help in making suggestions.

I've used SPDs since the early 90s when I switched from my first-generation LOOKs that I had had since 1986. I don't know when the notion came into existence that SPDs are not for road bikes. Somehow, I missed that memo.

It's not that I don't think they're for road bikes...and everything is great while riding. No knee problems, no foot pain, but...I STILL have difficulty getting into the stupid things. Sometimes it feels easy, but most of the time it takes me several tries to get the second foot in (sometimes the first foot take a couple tries too). I guess it's not such a big deal, but it's just a little frustrating.

Oh...I just wanna thank everyone for your responses. I hope all your awesome info helps others as well. You girls are amazing!!! I love TE! :D

[sarahkonamojo]

Shimano 105

[chicagogal]

Looks

[emily_in_nc]

eggbeaters. :cool:

+1 :)

[warneral]

speedplay frogs (with MTB shoes - NOT road shoes ... ask me how I know) are super duper easy to get in and out. I fell over about 5 times trying to get into my keo look style with shimano type clips.

[Miranda]

Look Keo's :)

+1
Yea baby, that's wut I'm talkin bout lol :cool:

I actually have Look Keo Elles... they have a lighter release tension.

SPD mtbs were ok until I started riding further distances (over 20mi-ish). Then I found pain in the ball of my foot with the smaller contact surface. Look Keos (or any traditional road bike style pedal, vs mtb, has this) have a wider contact surface, vs mtb pedals. With mtb-ing, you generally also have some unclipping on the trail. Thus, how those shoes are designed with treads for walking when necesary. Steady road biking is more steady pedal contact. Peeps who are bike messengers with alot of on and off to walk are different type of riding on an actual road.

I did not like Speedplays because of how they engaged. I.e. stomp straight down, vs. catch a toe first like spds, and Looks are catch toe in first also... just felt more familiar.

[Bike Chick]

Time Iclic Racers (http://www.bikesonline.com/time-iclic-racer-carboflex-clipless-pedals.htm)

I'm in the minority here but I switched from SPD's to Speedplay and didn't like them. They are difficult to walk in and you have to be very careful where you walk. I could never get the right cleat adjusted well enough to clip in quickly. I was constantly searching to find it then it was difficult to get into when I did.

I have the Time Iclic's on my road and tri bikes and LOVE them. I still have spd's on my commuter.

[Crankin]

Nobody should try to walk in Speedplays without wearing cleat covers. I thought they came with the cleats, but apparently my DH "knew" to buy them when I got mine, several years ago. Without them, you really run the risk of getting even a teeny bit of dirt in the cleats and then the easy in and out of the cleats is totally gone. I also lube them with a very small amount of White Lightning every week. Sometimes my left cleat is a little finicky, as that's the one I always unclip from. But usually, when that happens, it's time to lube. I'm kind of hard on my cleats, too, for some reason.
I got these cool looking foldable slip ons to wear during a lunch stop or when touring, if I want to really walk around. They are made for camping and cycling, and easily fit into DH's Carradice bag. We used them when we went to Spain. But, on a regular ride, where I am just stopping for lunch or coffee, I don't have any problem walking in my Speedplays, as long as the covers are on. Sure, it's awkward, but it won't kill you. I have campus pedals on my hybrid and my knees hurt every time I use the spds, although I started with them on my first road bike. I am thinking of getting Frogs, since I never ride on the flat pedal side of the campus pedals.

[colby]

Nobody should try to walk in Speedplays without wearing cleat covers. I thought they came with the cleats, but apparently my DH "knew" to buy them when I got mine, several years ago. Without them, you really run the risk of getting even a teeny bit of dirt in the cleats and then the easy in and out of the cleats is totally gone. I also lube them with a very small amount of White Lightning every week. Sometimes my left cleat is a little finicky, as that's the one I always unclip from. But usually, when that happens, it's time to lube. I'm kind of hard on my cleats, too, for some reason.
I got these cool looking foldable slip ons to wear during a lunch stop or when touring, if I want to really walk around. They are made for camping and cycling, and easily fit into DH's Carradice bag. We used them when we went to Spain. But, on a regular ride, where I am just stopping for lunch or coffee, I don't have any problem walking in my Speedplays, as long as the covers are on. Sure, it's awkward, but it won't kill you. I have campus pedals on my hybrid and my knees hurt every time I use the spds, although I started with them on my first road bike. I am thinking of getting Frogs, since I never ride on the flat pedal side of the campus pedals.

I have heard this (about the lubricating and the getting stuff in them) but have yet to have this problem with mine - and I've ran through some pretty nasty stuff in them racing triathlons (grass, dirt, sand, mud). I think they are due for a pretty hefty cleaning, though, and if I did plan on walking in them in normal circumstances I think I'd get the covers anyway (I think that'd be true of most pedals, honestly). It might just be that I'm heavy enough to engage the cleat with more force so even though my pedals are dirty I'm able to jam them in there.

[Catrin]

I love my SPD pedals and mtn bike shoes on my LHT. The tension has been adjusted so that it is extremely easy to clip in/out, I don't even really notice my foot moving much for either. I was a little concerned at first that perhaps it was adjust too lightly and that I would unclip while hill climbing but that has not been a problem.

Have you had someone look at your cleat position and tension?

[jobob]

Wow, Crankin, more power to you, but having to have cleat covers to walk around involves way too much effort and advance planning for me.

I use eggbeater pedals on all my road bikes, which I gather are looked down upon by "real" roadies :rolleyes: I find eggbeaters very easy to clip in and out of, and I don't have to worry about adjusting tension or whatnot. They were my first brand of clipless pedals about 5 years ago, and I've had no reason or desire to change from them since.

I wear Sidi mtn bike shoes which allow me to easily walk around. I suppose if I used "real" road shoes, I would generate more power, but I'd rather be able to walk around easily than be able to generate a few watts more power (heh, if that really mattered to me, I'd lose 10 pounds first ).

And, when I'm doing more leisurely rides, or when it's gawdawful hot out, or, when I just feel like it, I'll wear Keen cycling sandals. They are very very comfy, and off the bike they don't look or feel like cycling shoes (OK, I wouldn't walk any vast distance in them, but they were great for schlepping a around a bit at the wineries and the Culinary Institute of America when DH and I were on a cycling tour a few weeks ago).

The "real" roadies must really turn up their noses at the Keen sandals. Like I care. :D

[Crankin]

The covers slip right into my jersey pocket, so it's not a big deal. They just snap on or off. They are always on the shoes when I start, so when I am actually ready to ride, off they come and go in the pocket.
I think I have the problem with my left cleat getting a bit sticky because I am constantly clipping in and out on the same side, and it wears it down. I am also a lightweight, so that also may come into play.
I never had issues with the spds, but when I switched over to the Speedplays my body appreciated the free float and now the limited motion of the spds bother me. I only used them on the road bike for year, so who knows? I might have developed an issue if I had continued.

[colorisnt]

I have looks, but I wouldn't recommend them. They are very difficult to learn (at least they were for me and many others in my cycling club in IN) and they are hard to get/in out of.


If there is nothing wrong with the SPD's don't bother switching. I dont' mind my pedals now at all, but learning sucked.

[pll]

Minor hijack of this thread, which I've been reading with great interest: about the issue of contact surface... would hot spots or pain in the ball of the foot go away with a more rigid shoe? In other words, does the large contact surface matter if you have a very rigid shoe sole?

I'm in the same situation as bonnypriest, considering a change in pedals. I tried Shimano 105 pedals with a pair of Sidi Genius 5 Pro shoes. The shoes are a definite upgrade over my current ones.

[emily_in_nc]

Wow, Crankin, more power to you, but having to have cleat covers to walk around involves way too much effort and advance planning for me.

I use eggbeater pedals on all my road bikes, which I gather are looked down upon by "real" roadies :rolleyes: I find eggbeaters very easy to clip in and out of, and I don't have to worry about adjusting tension or whatnot. They were my first brand of clipless pedals about 5 years ago, and I've had no reason or desire to change from them since.

I wear Sidi mtn bike shoes which allow me to easily walk around. I suppose if I used "real" road shoes, I would generate more power, but I'd rather be able to walk around easily than be able to generate a few watts more power (heh, if that really mattered to me, I'd lose 10 pounds first ).

And, when I'm doing more leisurely rides, or when it's gawdawful hot out, or, when I just feel like it, I'll wear Keen cycling sandals. They are very very comfy, and off the bike they don't look or feel like cycling shoes (OK, I wouldn't walk any vast distance in them, but they were great for schlepping a around a bit at the wineries and the Culinary Institute of America when DH and I were on a cycling tour a few weeks ago).

The "real" roadies must really turn up their noses at the Keen sandals. Like I care. :D

I used to wear Speedplay X-2's (and had cleat covers in my bag for stops), because, like Crankin says, they DO get clogged up in sandy/muddy conditions. I had to walk quite a ways on a muddy C&O towpath during Bike Virginia once b/c I literally could not clip back in. Not good.

I've since changed to Eggbeaters AND Keen Commuter sandals, and I am having more fun than ever. My "serious roadie" days are behind me since I broke my pelvis in 2005. I just can't ride nearly as far or as intensely without aching these days, so now I'm just doing utility and fun rides, shorter and slower than in years past, but really having more fun than ever. And if anyone doesn't like my Bike Friday, Eggbeaters, or Keen sandals, I couldn't care less! :D

[Bike Chick]

Wow, Crankin, more power to you, but having to have cleat covers to walk around involves way too much effort and advance planning for me.

That's how I felt and one of the reasons I switched. Right after I got my Speedplays I made the mistake of stepping in a corn field to use the restroom on a ride. There was so much dirt in my cleat, I couldn't clip in. I cleaned it out with a stick. I cleaned it well enough to clip in but not well enough to clip back out:eek: They are also very slick on pavement and floors. I wasn't one to always remember to take my cleat covers along. The Iclics have eliminated that problem and I'm really pleased with them.

[Bike Chick]

Minor hijack of this thread, which I've been reading with great interest: about the issue of contact surface... would hot spots or pain in the ball of the foot go away with a more rigid shoe? In other words, does the large contact surface matter if you have a very rigid shoe sole?

I'm in the same situation as bonnypriest, considering a change in pedals. I tried Shimano 105 pedals with a pair of Sidi Genius 5 Pro shoes. The shoes are a definite upgrade over my current ones.

Sorry if I add to the hijack. Hot spots and foot pain was the reason I changed from spd pedals and my shoes in the first place. I went to Specialized carbon road shoes and Speedplay pedals and now am riding Time Iclic pedals. I don't have any more hot spot issues and it's a relief.

[alpinerabbit]

Minor hijack of this thread, which I've been reading with great interest: about the issue of contact surface... would hot spots or pain in the ball of the foot go away with a more rigid shoe? In other words, does the large contact surface matter if you have a very rigid shoe sole?

I'm in the same situation as bonnypriest, considering a change in pedals. I tried Shimano 105 pedals with a pair of Sidi Genius 5 Pro shoes. The shoes are a definite upgrade over my current ones.

If you have previously ridden shoes with non-rigid soles, absolutely cycing shoes help. But if you still get it, you might have dropped arches and orthotics with a metatarsal lift would do more than a different pedal.

[Crankin]

Well, again, I don't see the big deal about cleat covers. Since they are always on my shoes, they are just part of the routine. As soon as I get off of my bike, they go back on, so losing them is not an issue. But, once in awhile one has fallen off while walking (usually my fault, I didn't snap it in all of the way), so we just keep a supply of them. Once in awhile, the group I ride with (which I love, because they are so not into competition), has a ride where we have to walk through stuff that is not fun. Like walking over the steel bridge sidewalk over the Piscataqua River between Maine and NH. It takes me a minute to put the covers on and yes, if I have to walk far, it can't be fast. But, I also think part of it is me; I wouldn't plan a ride that had any of this stuff. Sometimes the group rides over small patches of packed dirt and with skinny tires, I don't like that either. It doesn't seem to phase anyone else. I think I am the only person in the group who has road pedals, so I don't say anything.

[colorisnt]

If you have previously ridden shoes with non-rigid soles, absolutely cycing shoes help. But if you still get it, you might have dropped arches and orthotics with a metatarsal lift would do more than a different pedal.

Never thought to wear mine in my road shoes. I have a pair of ultrathin ones I got with my running ones which would def fit.

[pll]

@colorisnt: I had some numbness with my mountain bike shoes + SPD pedals when I started riding longer distances. I bought some over the counter orthotics (from Specialized) and end of problem.

[jobob]

Well, again, I don't see the big deal about cleat covers.

There isn't; I know a bunch of people who use Speedplays and like them a lot and have no trouble at all with cleat covers.

I'm just too klutzy and absentminded. :o

And I'm getting to where I like to do leisurely rides, stop for coffee and snacks, that kind of thing. My cycling goals and motivations might be very different from yours.

In which case, what works for me likely wouldn't work for you, and rightly so.

That's all. :cool:

[ny biker]

I just bought Speedplay cleat covers at the LBS today. Also bought lube for the cleats and had them show me where to apply it.

I expect I won't always bring the cleat covers with me when I ride -- sometimes I know I won't have to do much walking. But I can think of a few organized rides with reststops n parks that require walking on dirt (or mud) so the covers should come in handy then.

[DarcyInOregon]

SPD mtbs were ok until I started riding further distances (over 20mi-ish). Then I found pain in the ball of my foot with the smaller contact surface. Look Keos (or any traditional road bike style pedal, vs mtb, has this) have a wider contact surface, vs mtb pedals.


The same thing happened to me, the pain in the ball of the foot, but for me it was after mile 40, endurable only up to about mile 70. I kept the SPD pedals for too long, tinkering with the stiff sole shoe and moving the cleats further south on the shoe, then finally gave it up and moved to the Look Keo Max. And I am in love with my new pedals. Zero pain. No hot spots. And I have increased speed and power. I wear a Specialized road shoe with the carbon sole and the Look cleats.

Here is the Look pedal:

http://www.lookcycle.com/en/all/route/pedales/keo-2-max.html

[Crankin]

JoBob, I think our cycling motivations are very much the same :). I never have been competitive and you have done *much* more than me in many areas.
Especially at this time of year. I feel like I am past the "peak" of the season and just being out there is good. So, most of my rides involve coffee stops, purposely slow riding, and short (10-12 mile) rides at 5 AM.
When I am out doing errands by bike or just going out to eat, I am riding my hybrid and using SPDs.

[pll]

The same thing happened to me, the pain in the ball of the foot, but for me it was after mile 40, endurable only up to about mile 70. I kept the SPD pedals for too long, tinkering with the stiff sole shoe and moving the cleats further south on the shoe, then finally gave it up and moved to the Look Keo Max. And I am in love with my new pedals. Zero pain. No hot spots. And I have increased speed and power. I wear a Specialized road shoe with the carbon sole and the Look cleats.

Here is the Look pedal:

http://www.lookcycle.com/en/all/route/pedales/keo-2-max.html

Great information! Exactly the type I had been looking for in threads on pedals... someone who had tinkered with shoe stiffness before changing pedals. Sold! <next pedals: Look Keo>

[DarcyInOregon]

Great information! Exactly the type I had been looking for in threads on pedals... someone who had tinkered with shoe stiffness before changing pedals. Sold! <next pedals: Look Keo>

I even found a video review of the Look pedal on You Tube before I purchased the pedals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIknQ2-0qLc

On the right side of the page are more Look pedal reviews. The reviews I watched gave the pedals high praise.

They are the same pedal Contador used in the Tour de France.

I have the pedals adjusted for a loose tension as I am not a sprint racer, just a fitness cyclist.

[nscrbug]

I currently ride with Shimano Ultegra pedals, after first having ridden SPD's for 1 season and then switching to Time RXS Carbon pedals for my 2nd season. I gave up on the SPD's because I was getting constant foot/toe pain on every ride. At the same time that I dumped the SPD's, I also switched to a dedicated road shoe - Northwave Velvet SBS women's road shoes...which have a wider toe box. After a season of riding with the Time pedals, I decided to switch to something when I bought a new bike at the start of this season. The Time pedals were getting progressively harder and harder to unclip out of, so I researched a bunch of different pedals. Initially, I tried the Speedplay Zeros...had my shop put them on my bike and then they had me practice with my bike on a trainer in the shop. I had a really hard time engaging the pedals...unclipping was fine, but clipping in was a nightmare. I'm not a small person, and it took all of my weight pressing down and I still couldn't get those darn pedals to clip in. I gave up and told my shop to remove them and put my old pedals on while I searched for something else. I ended up with the Shimano Ultegra's because I wanted the biggest contact platform that I could find. Plus, I wanted a pedal that could handle a small amount of walking, without getting beat to heck. So far, I've been very happy with the Ultegra's.

Linda

[JuneHawk]

I looked a lot of pedals (choosing a husband was easier) and finally went with Time iClic pedals. My reason was the float. It has a float of +-5°. The cleats, however, are huge.

[bluejellybean]

Any other opinions on the new Speedplay Zero? I'm looking into them for my new 2011 Specialized Ruby which will be here ANY day (WOOO HOOO, I'm excited!) My first Ruby had shimano but my LBS suggested these...any experience getting in and out...and how easy are they to walk on? I need to order them tomorrow so they arrive in time for my bike and it's a small shop so they don't have any in stock to try out....
http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.zero

Looking forward to hearing what you think!

[lawnchick22]

speed play:)

[Becky]

Any other opinions on the new Speedplay Zero? I'm looking into them for my new 2011 Specialized Ruby which will be here ANY day (WOOO HOOO, I'm excited!) My first Ruby had shimano but my LBS suggested these...any experience getting in and out...and how easy are they to walk on? I need to order them tomorrow so they arrive in time for my bike and it's a small shop so they don't have any in stock to try out....
http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.zero

Looking forward to hearing what you think!

I really like my Zeros, but be aware, they take a fair amount of force to clip in and clip out when the cleats are brand-new. More than my X-series pedals did.... That said, I really do like them, their adjustibility, and the fact that they're double-sided. IMO, cleat covers are a must, but make walking as tolerable as any other road pedal I've tried.

[eofelis]

I love my SPD pedals and mtn bike shoes on my LHT. The tension has been adjusted so that it is extremely easy to clip in/out, I don't even really notice my foot moving much for either. I was a little concerned at first that perhaps it was adjust too lightly and that I would unclip while hill climbing but that has not been a problem.

Have you had someone look at your cleat position and tension?

I have SPDs on all of my bikes and I keep the tension cranked way out. I use mtn bike shoes, I have 4 different pairs for all uses in all seasons. They have plenty of float for me.
My SO uses Speedplays on his road bikes and has Frogs on another bike or two. He has knee issues.

[macski]

Any other opinions on the new Speedplay Zero? I'm looking into them for my new 2011 Specialized Ruby which will be here ANY day (WOOO HOOO, I'm excited!) My first Ruby had shimano but my LBS suggested these...any experience getting in and out...and how easy are they to walk on? I need to order them tomorrow so they arrive in time for my bike and it's a small shop so they don't have any in stock to try out....
http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.zero

Looking forward to hearing what you think!

I have Speedplay light action pedals and I love them (slightly easier to get in and out of than the zeros). My other half has the zeros and he loves them.

Do you race? If so get the zeros. If not, you might want to consider the light action ones - at my recent bike fit the guy said he thinks they are the best pedals on the market for women who aren't involved in racing. Very easy to clip and out of.

[Jiffer]

Love my Speedplays. I can't compare to anything else, cause I've never used anything else. But they are so easy to get in and out of and my foot is not locked into one position. Dh loves them way more than whatever he used when he first started riding (I have no clue what that was and it was before I started riding). When my friend got her first road bike, we encouraged her to get Speedplays. She not only loves them, but found out they are really the only pedal she should use because one of her feet turns slightly in when she rides. Any other pedal would cause her issues, per a bike fit guy / professional coach.

[bluejellybean]

Well, we ordered the Zeros, I hopped on the bike and for the life of me, COULD NOT get into them. All my effort to force the shoe wouldn't do it. Not sure what that's all about. I can understand it being hard at first and getting easier as the shoe goes in and out a few times, but that was crazy. So, now I'm back to debating whether to just go with the ultegra, what I'm used to (105's were on my 2007 ruby)......i just wanna get out and RIDE! I haven't tried the new one out yet and we just got dumped with more snow overnight. :(

[emily_in_nc]

Did you get the "light action" Zeros? Those are supposed to be much easier to get into and out of. I splurged and bought the original Zeros (in titanium), before light actions were introduced, and I was absolutely miserable. Even as loose as I could get everything without the cleats falling off, I had a terrible time clipping in. I would often have to ride a mile or two with my second foot unclipped -- not easy! My DH did not at all. It seemed to have to do with body weight (I'm petite and lightweight) as I just couldn't get enough torque to clip into those things w/the second foot. I ended up selling them on ebay, but I was disappointed, as once I got clipped in, I really liked them and the adjustable float.

Regular Speedplay X-series and Frogs are very easy to clip into but have a lot more float, which I didn't like quite as much...I needed some, but not quite that much; I felt like I lost some power as sometimes (esp. when I was tired), my feet would turn out a bit and my heels would hit the crankarms.

I now ride Eggbeaters Candies and am very happy with them. They have enough float (6 percent, if I'm recalling correctly), but not too much. They've gotten easier to clip into over time too, so that I never have an issue now that they're broken in. They were a little harder to get into when I first got them, but nothing like Zeros!

Good luck in your quest!

[dianne_1234]

Cleats often take up the shape of the shoe sole.

Look and Shimano cleats can be hard to clip in and float, but usually there's enough springiness it often goes unnoticed.

Smaller and metal cleats are less susceptible to shoe curvature. "Mountain" SPDs, Frogs and Crank Brothers are in this category.

Speedplays are especially sensitive to shoe curvature, as the cleat "sandwich" binds the spring if it's not very, very flat.

This is a common problem on shoes with more sole curvature, either by design or by scaling (smaller sizes sometimes have more curvature).

To improve flatness, choose the right tapered shims from Speedplay's extra parts that come with the pedals. They also have an online list or chart thingy that recomends shims by shoe model.
http://speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=shoeguide.searchstart

Either way, the bottom of the cleat base (the black part) needs to be very flat in order to avoid binding the spring. I've even heard of "grinding" that part on a belt or disc sander, after it's on the shoe and before bolting on the rest of the cleat sandwich.

Hope this helps,

[bluejellybean]

No, they weren't the light actions...I'm a lightweight too...I have a feeling that has a lot to do with it because a guy slipped his toe into my shoe and had no problem clipping in (he also has them and is used to them by now). I think it's also one of those things you have to get the feel of, to get the right motion and I just haven't gotten that yet. It's frustrating because they have good reviews and I really like how light they are (and the fact that they look super cool, and blue to match!)...
Still leaning towards 'what i know' ... the ultegras... oh, the decisions!!


Did you get the "light action" Zeros? Those are supposed to be much easier to get into and out of. I splurged and bought the original Zeros (in titanium), before light actions were introduced, and I was absolutely miserable. Even as loose as I could get everything without the cleats falling off, I had a terrible time clipping in. I would often have to ride a mile or two with my second foot unclipped -- not easy! My DH did not at all. It seemed to have to do with body weight (I'm petite and lightweight) as I just couldn't get enough torque to clip into those things w/the second foot. I ended up selling them on ebay, but I was disappointed, as once I got clipped in, I really liked them and the adjustable float.

Regular Speedplay X-series and Frogs are very easy to clip into but have a lot more float, which I didn't like quite as much...I needed some, but not quite that much; I felt like I lost some power as sometimes (esp. when I was tired), my feet would turn out a bit and my heels would hit the crankarms.

I now ride Eggbeaters Candies and am very happy with them. They have enough float (6 percent, if I'm recalling correctly), but not too much. They've gotten easier to clip into over time too, so that I never have an issue now that they're broken in. They were a little harder to get into when I first got them, but nothing like Zeros!

Good luck in your quest!

[bonnypriest]

Well, we ordered the Zeros, I hopped on the bike and for the life of me, COULD NOT get into them. All my effort to force the shoe wouldn't do it. Not sure what that's all about. I can understand it being hard at first and getting easier as the shoe goes in and out a few times, but that was crazy. So, now I'm back to debating whether to just go with the ultegra, what I'm used to (105's were on my 2007 ruby)......i just wanna get out and RIDE! I haven't tried the new one out yet and we just got dumped with more snow overnight. :(

jellybean...for what it's worth...I love my Ultegra pedals. I had spd's for the last year & couldn't decide on what to buy (Zeros, Shimano, Look). Anyway, I ended up with Shimano & couldn't be happier.

[Karma007]

I have SPDs. I DO have knee problems, and while I've considered swithcing them out, the idea of trying something new is unnerving. It's also nice that all the bike have the same set up, so I can wear any shoe, on any bike, and get around just fine.

[WindingRoad]

I am currently riding on SPDs because the hills here are insane and sometimes I have to stop on them. I almost slipped putting my foot down with my LOOK pedals so I switched them out. However, for long rides, I prefer the LOOKs because they don't give me hot spots and I just feel like I have more power with them? Prolly in my head but I like them aside of the slipping thing. I did start out on them so maybe it's just what I got used to? I'd say if you don't have killer hills that you have to stop on a lot, try some LOOKs.:)

[sundial]

I started with Speedplay lollipop pedals then graduated to the Frogs and now I'm using Tioga spyder pedals. I like platform pedals because I can wear different shoes for the changing seasons and the pedals allow me to change the position of my foot and rest different muscle groups.

[Pedal Wench]

It should be stressed that there are different models of Speedplays. The X-series are notorious for being sensitive to dirt in the cleats. The LightAction and Zeroes do not have this issue, because of the different shape of the clamps. And, if they do get dirty, a quick squirt of a water bottle will rinse out whatever's in there. Also, they do have a break-in period, but Speedplay will send you c-clamps that are already a bit 'stretched'. And remember not to over-tighten the coverplate, as that will make it way too hard to clip into.

Edit: I thought Speedplays were some of the worst to walk in, until I had to borrow my BF's Look Keo's and cleats. Almost wiped out in the Biscayne National Park restroom, where I've never had a problem in my Speedplays. Who knew!

[sundial]

Almost wiped out in the Biscayne National Park restroom, where I've never had a problem in my Speedplays.

Did you go skating? :eek:

[nscrbug]

Well, we ordered the Zeros, I hopped on the bike and for the life of me, COULD NOT get into them. All my effort to force the shoe wouldn't do it. Not sure what that's all about. I can understand it being hard at first and getting easier as the shoe goes in and out a few times, but that was crazy. So, now I'm back to debating whether to just go with the ultegra, what I'm used to (105's were on my 2007 ruby)......i just wanna get out and RIDE! I haven't tried the new one out yet and we just got dumped with more snow overnight. :(

If it's any consolation...I originally tried the Zeroes on my (then new) Cannondale. During my bike fit, we had my bike on a trainer at the bike shop. A perfect place for me to get some practice on my new pedals. My previous bike had TIME road pedals on it...similar to a standard road pedal like LOOK or Ultegra...so that is what I was used to. I tried for a solid 2 hours to figure out those Zero pedals, and for the life of me I could NOT clip into them either! AND...at 155lbs, I am NO lightweight either!!! Even after my fitter adjusted the tension on them, I still could not easily clip in. I was so frustrated at that point, that I said "forget this"...and had them take the Zeroes off. I ordered Ultegra pedals and could not be happier with my choice. No learning curve and have never had trouble clipping into (or out of) them. Get the Ultegras...you'll be glad you did.

Also...FWIW...there are no such pedals as the "Light Action Zeroes" (as someone above posted)...there is either the "Light Action"...OR...the "Zeroes". Two different versions.

[bluejellybean]

Thanks! I think we're on the same wavelength...going with what I know! It'll feel good and familiar...


If it's any consolation...I originally tried the Zeroes on my (then new) Cannondale. During my bike fit, we had my bike on a trainer at the bike shop. A perfect place for me to get some practice on my new pedals. My previous bike had TIME road pedals on it...similar to a standard road pedal like LOOK or Ultegra...so that is what I was used to. I tried for a solid 2 hours to figure out those Zero pedals, and for the life of me I could NOT clip into them either! AND...at 155lbs, I am NO lightweight either!!! Even after my fitter adjusted the tension on them, I still could not easily clip in. I was so frustrated at that point, that I said "forget this"...and had them take the Zeroes off. I ordered Ultegra pedals and could not be happier with my choice. No learning curve and have never had trouble clipping into (or out of) them. Get the Ultegras...you'll be glad you did.

Also...FWIW...there are no such pedals as the "Light Action Zeroes" (as someone above posted)...there is either the "Light Action"...OR...the "Zeroes". Two different versions.

[chicago]

speedplays... because I think they look cool:

edit... oh and mine are lightactions...

[crazycanuck]

Just wondering if anyone else out there does track & what pedals you use on the track bike?

I bought a second hand track bike (it fits :)) and now need to put some pedals on it. Up til now, i've used cages that are on some of the rental bikes @ the velodrome. I thought it would make my life easier when getting used to track but i'm not convinced.

Any suggestions?

Ta
C