Clipless pedals: Frogs vs. SPDs

[Yen]

I'm ready to go clipless.

My shoes are SPD compatible with a recessed cleat, my preference because we like to get off and walk or enter a place to eat.

I've read a lot of raves here for Frogs, but when I mentioned that at the LBS all the guys pushed SPDs. No doubt they carry them there and not the frogs.

I want easy in, easy out, easy to maintain, and they must look good on my little black bike. We ride in traffic so I need to be able to easily disengage without much thought and with a lot of ease.

So why do so many of you like Frogs so much?

[KnottedYet]

Because they do all of those things, and have no moving parts to fuss with!
Plus they have 20 degress of float (which can be very nice for some women's knees) and are passive release (very very easy to get out of).

[Zen]

As Gary Cooper would say, "yep".

[salsabike]

I loved SPDs too, but my knees hated them. I spent several years on Frogs, pretty happy. Recently switched to Quattros because I wanted a little less float and a little more platform, but I still think Frogs are dandy too.

[ilima]

I just had a commuter built up and my mechanic was pushing Eggbeaters. I was leery because I ride Speedplay X2s on my roadie, and I love the float and most of all the effortless unclipping.

I've used the mountain and road SPDs, and with both I felt like I was damaging my knee while unclipping. Even on the lowest tension setting.

Anyway, I was down to Frogs and Eggbeaters, and decided I'd listen to my mechanic because I could return the pedals if I didn't like them. The verdict after not many rides is that they are very easy to unclip from and I like that the cleat is super small--I think the Frogs cleat is a bit bigger and sometimes you need to trim your soles to get them to fit/work properly.

[beccaB]

OK, I hope I won't appear stupid, but what is "degree of float"? My pedals are fairly loose so I can get out of the easy enough, but my toes are starting to get numb after 20 miles, and my knees are getting a little tender from a prior running injury.
My pedals are clipless on one side and a regular pedal on the other side.

[ilima]

OK, I hope I won't appear stupid, but what is "degree of float"?

Float means you can move your heel side-to-side (well, more pivoting around the pedal) without coming unclipped. If your pedal doesn't have float, your foot (and, by extension, knee) is locked in place.

Most pedals that have float do not have "free float" and will encourage your foot to go back to the center position. Speedplay pedals have free float, so your foot can move freely and (hopefully) not torque your knee.

[dachshund]

I can clip out of the Speedplay x5's easily enough. I'm guessing that the other Speedplay pedals are similar since they have the same shape. But I have trouble clipping in because there's no "bumper" or physical feedback to tell me my foot it in the right position.

I can clip into the Look Keo's fine, but for some reason the foot motion required to get out isn't working for me. I had this same issue with a set of Shimano pedals.

So what I need is the Speedplay shape with some sort of bumper to get in.
Does this exist in real life?

[sundial]

I like Frogs cuz I can wear sweet mtb shoes. None of that ice skating business for me, please.

[Kathi]

I can clip out of the Speedplay x5's easily enough. I'm guessing that the other Speedplay pedals are similar since they have the same shape. But I have trouble clipping in because there's no "bumper" or physical feedback to tell me my foot it in the right position.

I can clip into the Look Keo's fine, but for some reason the foot motion required to get out isn't working for me. I had this same issue with a set of Shimano pedals.

So what I need is the Speedplay shape with some sort of bumper to get in.
Does this exist in real life?

With Speedplay X pedals you basically line your foot to the pedal and step down. I do it so intuitively that I don't even think about it or feel for the pedal.

If it's to hard to clip in check to see if you have dirt between the spring and the plastic edge. Screws that are too tight can also cause clipping in problems. Finally, be sure to lube with white lightning or other lubes recommended by Speedplay, especially when new.

[Kathi]

I like Frogs cuz I can wear sweet mtb shoes. None of that ice skating business for me, please.

Cleat covers protect the cleats and allow walking without slipping or sliding.

[Zen]

I still prefer MTB shoes

[Fujichants]

I actually like to walk in my road shoes and Look cleats...

[tpb]

I am also new to clipping-in. I currently have some low-end Shimano pedals where both sides can be used for clipping in or riding with regular shoes. I'm having issues with knee pain, so I'm interested in alternatives. What would you recommend if I want to have the choice of using my bike shoes with cleats or regular shoes? The Frogs that I've looked at seem to be strictly for clipping in.

Thanks.
tb

[sundial]

How about a Wellgo platform pedal? I have a set on my mtb and Frogs on my road bike.