switching from Shimano SPD to ?

[tlnbmd]

I have rode with Shimano SPD for years on the tandem.
I am having problems getting my left foot out on my new single bike.
I can do it but I really have to put a lot of pressure on it.
I am going to take it to my LBS and if they check out ok I may just make a switch.
I am thinking of changing to Speedplay Frogs or Look systems.
I would appreciate any comments.
Thanks
Terry

[Catrin]

I switched from SPD to Speedplay Frogs over a year ago and, frankly, wished I had started with the Frogs when I first started clipping in the year previous to that. There is no tension to adjust, no worrying if they are tight or loose enough. You simply move your ankle to the right position to disengage and they do. Some had told me that it required a lot of ankle movement to clip in or out and that is not the case at all. I've had foot surgery and did have a little concern with ankle flexibility but it has not been a problem at all.

I've never accidentally unclipped, and I've really not had a problem telling if I was clipped in as some have reported with Frogs. The pedal is larger than my old SPD pedals were, and my feet really like that. My knees love the Frogs because of the increased float.

Speedplay is coming out with a new mtb pedal later this year that will have adjustable float, but they won't remove Frogs from the market. I called and asked if they had plans to do that.

I can't speak about LOOK pedals, I am sure one or more of their many fans here will give you their perspective.

BTW, I had the same problem with SPD pedals and even my LBS got frustrated about it. We never did figure out what the problem was, but I've not looked back since I clipped in the Frogs the first time on the shop trainer.

[tlnbmd]

Thanks for your comments
Are you saying the "float" makes these SPDs difficult to disengage?
Why are they putting floats on the Speedplay system? what are the benefits?
I suppose I can call them and inquire.
Terry

[Catrin]

Thanks for your comments
Are you saying the "float" makes these SPDs difficult to disengage?
Why are they putting floats on the Speedplay system? what are the benefits?
I suppose I can call them and inquire.
Terry

No, that is not what I am saying, float refers to how much freedom your feet/knees have once you are attached. Sorry for any confusion, it is a different issue and is one of the differences between SPDs and Speedplay Frogs (and Frogs have more float than SPD).

SPD pedals have tension that can be adjusted to make it easier, or more difficult, to clip in and out. Frogs do not have tension and rely on the position of your foot to clip in and out.

You are doing the right thing by visiting your LBS and discussing what might be going on with them. Perhaps just an adjustment is needed in your left pedal.

[westtexas]

Personally, I hate my speedplays. I started on SPDs and I loved them, no problems, but my orthopod and bike fitter recommended the speedplays because of the increased float - I have knee and IT band issues and speedplays are supposed to be "the" pedals for people with knee stuff. I find them nearly impossible to get in and out of, even despite riding on them for almost 7 months now. Even today I was cursing them out loud while riding with a new group because I loathe them so much.

But my knees do feel better.

I also prefer less float - I feel like my feet are just flying around sometimes with these new pedals.

I have the Zeroes, FWIW.

I would recommend follow through with your plan. If you are otherwise happy with your SPDs and the tension can be adjusted in such a way to make it easier for you to clip out, I'd stay with them. But that's just me :D

[Blueberry]

I have the Zeroes, FWIW.


I've heard of more difficulties clipping in and out with zeros than with other speedplays fwiw.

[makbike]

I switched to SPDSL pedals this year and three pairs of shoes later I finally found a shoe that works well with my Shimano 105s. The Diadora shoes made it nearly impossible to clip in. If I could get my foot clipped in it was also as hard to get my foot out of the clip (yes the tension on my pedals was adjusted to the easiest setting). The Scanttante shoes I purchased worked okay but I still stuggled from time to time to engage and disengage my foot. Finally, the Giro shoes my DH recently purchased for me have been the much needed shoe - they are perfect. Cleats engage/disengage the pedals with ease. I am amazed at the difference the shoe makes.

[tlnbmd]

Which Speedplay Frogs do you recommend?

[Crankin]

There's only one kind of Frogs.
There are many kinds of Speedplay pedals, but all of the other ones (besides Frogs) are road pedals, not recessed mountain bike pedals.

[tlnbmd]

oh, thanks...are they also referred to as lollypops?
I heard that expression when someone was referring to their cleats.

[Catrin]

oh, thanks...are they also referred to as lollypops?
I heard that expression when someone was referring to their cleats.

I don't think I've heard Frogs referred to in that way, but that may not mean much :)

[Becky]

oh, thanks...are they also referred to as lollypops?
I heard that expression when someone was referring to their cleats.

"Lollipop pedals" are the Speedplay road pedals (X, Zero, and Light Action). Not sure about the cleats...

I ride Zeros, and yes, they're a pain to clip in and out of, expecially when they're new. But I like the adjustable float cleat and double-sided pedal, so I deal with it. X-series pedals require far less force to clip in and out, and I've heard the same thing about Light Actions.

[chatnoire]

A ride report on my blog from May has details about my experiences with the Speedplay zeros and then the light action. Here is the link:

http://bikesbooksblues.wordpress.com/2012/05/13/may-13-2012-ride-report-6/#more-13

I'm on Look Kéo Max 2 pedals now, and I like them, except they are sometimes a pain due to their one-sidedness. The path I usually take has a series of road crossings that I need to unclip for, and about half of those leave me looking down to try to id the right side of the pedal for clipping.

[indysteel]

A ride report on my blog from May has details about my experiences with the Speedplay zeros and then the light action. Here is the link:

http://bikesbooksblues.wordpress.com/2012/05/13/may-13-2012-ride-report-6/#more-13

I'm on Look Kéo Max 2 pedals now, and I like them, except they are sometimes a pain due to their one-sidedness. The path I usually take has a series of road crossings that I need to unclip for, and about half of those leave me looking down to try to id the right side of the pedal for clipping.

I use Keos, too. I do like them for the most part, but there some days where I just struggle to get clipped in. . I consider it operator error on my part, but it's aggravation nevertheless.

[withm]

I like Frogs myself.

Actually there are 3 models - all identical except that you can get them in Chro-molly $, stainless steel $$, or titanium $$$$. Slight difference in weight major difference in price.

[Catrin]

I like Frogs myself.

Actually there are 3 models - all identical except that you can get them in Chro-molly $, stainless steel $$, or titanium $$$$. Slight difference in weight major difference in price.

I forget about the pricier Frogs - thanks for the reminder :) I love my Frogs though I remember being very hesitant about pulling the trigger on them. So easy to get in and out of!

[Sky King]

Personally, I hate my speedplays. I started on SPDs and I loved them, no problems, but my orthopod and bike fitter recommended the speedplays because of the increased float - I have knee and IT band issues and speedplays are supposed to be "the" pedals for people with knee stuff. I find them nearly impossible to get in and out of, even despite riding on them for almost 7 months now. Even today I was cursing them out loud while riding with a new group because I loathe them so much.

But my knees do feel better.

I also prefer less float - I feel like my feet are just flying around sometimes with these new pedals.

I have the Zeroes, FWIW.

I would recommend follow through with your plan. If you are otherwise happy with your SPDs and the tension can be adjusted in such a way to make it easier for you to clip out, I'd stay with them. But that's just me :D

Gee, I thought I was writing when I read this :D I gave my speedplays to my hubby even though they were suggested to me for all the above reasons. I also wanted a bigger platform to offset foot fatigue, especially when touring. I am on Shimano A530's and very happy, I have my clip- in side set pretty loose so I can actually wiggle my foot around a bit. And if I am having a crabby knee day, i clip out, flip the pedal over and ride on the platform.

[tlnbmd]

I wonder if the LBS would let me try these different cleats on a test ride?
I did spend $$$ on a bike there! The frogs look like just a ball on a stick!
I like the comments that there are easy to click in and out.
I know several women on Look systems and they like them but they are very experienced riders.
I got it down to these two cleat/pedals, I will be riding 20-40 miles on the road and wearing MTB shoes.
(I gotta tell you I am getting very good at falling at a standstill now without getting hurt or damaging my bike! I just kind of roll over...everything in slow motion and lifting my bike high up...what a dork.
My 9 year old son told me to stop falling or I would get hurt...sheesh.)
I take my bike in to LBS today or tomorrow to have the cleat/pedal checked out.
THe right is fine, the left sticks I have to really dig in to release.
Sounds like a common problem with Shimano SPDs, read several other comments about the same issue.
?cleat recall

[Crankin]

For what it's worth, I've had Speedplay X on my road bike for 7 years. I love them. I like the total float, no tension setting. I switched from SPDs and I had no issues.
Fast forward to this year when I built a custom road bike more for tours and long rides where I need very low gears. I wanted recessed cleats for this bike and got the Frogs. I had a real adjustment period as I kept unclipping accidentally. I also had trouble knowing if I was really all the way clipped in. After DH told me to keep my heels in, it got better and now I can hear the click sound when clipping in. It's just very passive compared to the Xs or other pedals.

[withm]

I guess I am the complete reverse - I've been riding with Frogs for about 7 years, love them.

I started doing spin class back in Oct, and have gone 2x week from Oct through the end of May, using SPDs. And after 8 months I STILL can't clip out on those things. If I ever got on a real bike with those pedals I'd have fallen every time.

They look to be identical, but I'm starting to wonder if the cleats on my spin shoes are reversed L/R because I can unclip not by turning my heel outward, but can if I turn my heels inward.

[Becky]

They look to be identical, but I'm starting to wonder if the cleats on my spin shoes are reversed L/R because I can unclip not by turning my heel outward, but can if I turn my heels inward.

I wonder if your cleats are turned out slightly on your shoes? That would make it harder to unclip to the outside, but easier to unclip to the inside. AFAIK, there's no L or R to SPDs the way that there is with Speedplays.

[withm]

I wonder if your cleats are turned out slightly on your shoes? That would make it harder to unclip to the outside, but easier to unclip to the inside. AFAIK, there's no L or R to SPDs the way that there is with Speedplays.

That's an idea, I'll take a look and see if they look askew at all. But I won't be back at spin class till Sept so won't be able to try anything out till then.

[MGM]

Speedplay Light Action. Very easy to get in and out of, double sided, comfortable amount of float. :)

Or Frogs, if you think you want a recessed cleat (and mountain bike shoe).

[zoom-zoom]

I switched to SPDSL pedals this year and three pairs of shoes later I finally found a shoe that works well with my Shimano 105s. The Diadora shoes made it nearly impossible to clip in. If I could get my foot clipped in it was also as hard to get my foot out of the clip (yes the tension on my pedals was adjusted to the easiest setting). The Scanttante shoes I purchased worked okay but I still stuggled from time to time to engage and disengage my foot. Finally, the Giro shoes my DH recently purchased for me have been the much needed shoe - they are perfect. Cleats engage/disengage the pedals with ease. I am amazed at the difference the shoe makes.

I suspect the issues I had with those pedals were in part a shoe issue, as well. I think the soles of my LG shoes were curved enough to cause the cleats to sort of warp when screwed on tightly, which made them not integrate well with the pedals. I had too many falls when I couldn't disengage and gave up. The Look Keo cleats don't seem to have this issue with the same shoes.