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

[Blueberry]

I have the Zeroes, FWIW.

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

[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

Gee, I thought I was writing when I read this 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.