look keo pedals vs. speedplays

[kgorrell]

The information I've read from other posts has been somewhat helpful on this topic but I was wondering if anyone could provide more feedback on the subject.

The only pedals I've ever had are look keo classics (which I've had now for over 2 years). It is time for new pedals and I've had several people recommend speedplays. I'm a little hesitant because the keos have worked for me this long and despite some minor complaints (trouble clipping in quickly at times), overall I have been happy with them. I'm not sure if I want to spend the money on something I've never tried (although it could be better) and then end up hating them.

For people that have tried both, can you see advantages/disadvantages over one or the other?

Also, do you think the keo sprints are much different than the keo classics?

Thanks.

[ilima]

I ride Speedplay X2s, and while I'm happy with them and would recommend them, I say stick with the Keos if they're working for you and you're happy with them.

I like that my Speedplays are double sided, which makes clipping in a no-brainer. Also, they are super easy to unclip from.

A friend switched pedals (to Time I think) upon a recommendation and ended up with some major IT band problems.

[Becky]

Ditto what Illima said.

As for the classics vs. the sprints: the only difference is that the release tension range is higher on the sprints (9-13, I think, instead of 8-12). Sorta like DIN settings on ski bindings.

[kgorrell]

ilima, thanks for the information. I have had IT problems from running and although I'm pretty much pain-free on the bike, I have had some IT pain lately. I think it could be because I need new pedals and I feels like there is a lot of play in between my cleat and pedal. I have the red cleats which allow for a little more float and have helped relieve some of the pressure I had on my knees.

Becky, (in layman's terms) does that mean that it is easier to clip out of the classics as opposed to the sprints? (sorry, but i'm still learning bike terminology)

thanks

[Becky]

Becky, (in layman's terms) does that mean that it is easier to clip out of the classics as opposed to the sprints? (sorry, but i'm still learning bike terminology)

thanks

Yep, exactly. The lowest tension on the Classics (e.g., the easiest setting) will be lower than the lowest tension on the Sprints. But, it's my understanding that it's not significantly different. However, I've never ridden either pedal, so take my opinion with a grain (or more!) of salt.

[OakLeaf]

I'm confused about one thing: why is it time for new pedals?

If your Keos have lasted you only two seasons, that in itself might be a reason to switch! I don't ride all that terribly much so I've been happy with mine so far (4200 miles)... but if they're going to wear out quickly, I'd still like to know!

[kgorrell]

OakLeaf, I ride about 200 miles/week so figure I've put close to 20,000 miles on my pedals by now. I live in Florida so I have the benefit of riding outside year round. If you don't ride that often, then you should still have a ways to go before it's time to get new ones.

[aicabsolut]

Yep, exactly. The lowest tension on the Classics (e.g., the easiest setting) will be lower than the lowest tension on the Sprints. But, it's my understanding that it's not significantly different. However, I've never ridden either pedal, so take my opinion with a grain (or more!) of salt.

No, that's not right.
The highest (tightest) tension on the Sprints is greater than on the classics. The lowest (easiest) is the same. In my experience, the tension doesn't change my ability to clip out much at all. It first affects my ability to clip in. That's annoying. I also found that there's more of a difference depending on which cleats I use (standard or the new "grip" ones). The grip cleats seem easier to unclip no matter what I do with the tension. The old style cleats will actually seem to get in there tighter. Still, unclipping remains nearly the same, but it is very easy for me to get them too tight where I can't clip IN, even when I try jumping on the thing. The Sprint pedals may be marginally lighter weight, but I can't really remember. It's not a significant difference until you get to the carbon ones.

[Becky]

Hmmmm....it appears that the literature in their product boxes (where I got my tension info) disagrees with the specs on their website. If you believe the website, the release tension is exactly the same. *shrugs* Beats me- I'll stick with my Speedplays.

[Miranda]

Hmmm, those specs on the LookCycle web site for products has changed with the new 2009 updates.

I have been geeking out pedals for a while. The "grey" colored classic Keo used to say 8-12 tention. The sprint 9-15. That was for 2008. The pedal now for classic is black. The specs are now the same as posted... both 9-15.

The "Elle" suppose to be designed for women still says 8-12 (it's black/white/pink for 2009). For 2008 it was blue/white/black and 8-12. The powder blue pedal Elle was "I think" 9-12 and specified as a "sprint"... maybe 2007?? Dunno that geek info for sure. They change the Elle pedal to match the color of the bike that year. ***side bar diversion... drewl and lust over the 2009 elle, sigh, need to brain wash DH that Miranda must have carbon.. OK, all better now***

Ankle strength is an issue for me. I agree with what has been posted that the higher the tension, the harder to get in the pedal. IMHO... I did not like the SpeedPlays I tried at the lbs. I thought *for sure* I was going to love them as my friend said. I didn't like how they engaged (step down, vs toe in). So glad we popped them on the trainer first in the store before I bought. I sheepishly left with no sale. Didn't make the lbs so happy. But, they were not "omg, $200 greatness" to me. Can you get the shop to let you try like that?

The least labor intensive way to try them is if the lbs is willing is to do this (call first, or stop in to prep when it's least busy helps)... take your bike, or any floor bike remotely close to your size, bring your shoes... have the tech put one cleat on... someone stand and hold the bike, you clip a foot in and out. If they have a trainer on the floor, or you have one from home to bring, you can pedal out one of each type inside. You fall in love with it, mount the other pedal, and off you go. If you really need new Look cleats to improve your current pedal performance, or pedal itself, fine... have the shop do that.

I have been doing a lot of blabbing about pedals on here. I don't know if there is a way to search my user name + pedals to narrow the search... or look for threads in the gear section specifically to weed out some foot issue pedal post I had. FWIW

[kgorrell]

Thanks for all the input. I ended up going with speedplays. So far so good...