clipless pedals?

[li10up]

Float: How much your foot can rotate while still staying clipped in. More float is gentler on your knees, because if your foot is stuck in one position, your knee will get the pressure if your foot wants to twist. High degree of float is the reason Speedplays are so popular.

I have a question about this. Does a higher degree of float make it harder to unclip?

[jenxxs]

While you're still learning, high degree of float makes it "harder" to unclip, in the sense that moving your heel outward is not a natural motion (yet). More float means that you have to rotate more before the cleat will release.

But once you're used to the unclipping motion, it shouldn't be more difficult.

In general, high float is more popular for road, because rides tend to be longer, your body positioning is relatively stable, and you want to give your knee/foot positioning the flexibility to shift around a bit. Low float is more popular for MTB, because you're often out of your seat and jumping over things, and you want your feet to be more glued to the pedals.

[KnottedYet]

a good LBS will let you play with the components for the different types of clipless pedals, so you can see how each works. I also talked to a few different clipless riders and they showed me how their pedals worked.

Became enamoured of the Speedplay Frogs, and am very happy with them.