Just Tried Out the Clipless Pedals...

[rij73]

I've got the Speedplay Light Action. I'm doing well on them now, but it was a rough first couple of weeks. 3 tumbles and a few close calls. I think it's to be expected with any system. One thing I don't like about my pedals is the huge metal cleat plate. I'm scratching up the slate patio! But, I am doing well with the riding and clipping in and out now.

[Crankin]

Python, I think you will find any spd/flat pedal combo to flip over and never be on the right side for clipping in. I have these on my mtb and commuter and it is very annoying. But in both these instances, I need to have the flat pedal side. I have Speedplay Zeros on my road bike and wouldn't trade them for the world.

And, you can buy cleat covers for Speedplays. You should not be walking around on them without a cover. You can damage the cleats and if you get the least little bit of dirt in them, you won't be able to clip in.
Robyn

[Python]

I've been looking at the Speedplay Light Action as they look good - glad to hear a good report about them. In comparison to the likes of SPDs, are they easier to clip in and out of?

Also, (dumb technical question here) there is a little square with a red bit in it at the back of my pedals. Anyone know what that is for?

[kiwi girl]

when you say square is it more like a small Allen screw. From the description I think that's what you mean. You can use it to adjust the tension of the clips - and the red is the indicator of how much tension you have

[rij73]

My Speedplay LA's are the only clipless pedals I've used, so I can't compare them for you. All I know is that clipping out of them is easier than clipping in, but if you don't overtighten the cleat plate and use a dry lube on the moving part of the cleat (just like the instructions suggest!) it is much easier. Don't cut corners on this. I learned that the hard way...

[bikerHen]

When riding, I always keep one foot clipped in to help with my startup. With a bigger platform I find that most of the time I can pedal across an intersection or whatever, without actually clipping in. Then I clip in at my leisure.

I went from double sided pedals to single sided pedals in January. There was a definite learning period! Now they are just fine. Hang in there, it does get better. bikerHen

[SouthernBelle]

The new pedal should get 'floppier' after a bit. They will get easier.

[Python]

when you say square is it more like a small Allen screw. From the description I think that's what you mean. You can use it to adjust the tension of the clips - and the red is the indicator of how much tension you have

I know where the Allen screw is as I've tried adjusting them to their loosest setting. I did think the little square at the back was some kind of indicator. I adjusted the settings both ways, first to their maximum setting (no movement on the little indicator at the back - showing half red) then to their minimum setting (little indicator didn't move).

I'll have another go at them tomorrow but I don't think I'll like this particular type.

[PinkBike]

python, i started with spd pedals on my road bikes, then went to shimano road pedals, then transferred to speedplay on alllllllllllllll the bikes!
i have a pair of pink light action i was going to put on ebay if you're interested. (i went to zeroes on all our bikes).
easy in, easy out, dual sided what could be better?
lemme know

[teigyr]

I use Looks for now. I also have some Speedplay Frogs I need to put on my bike.

I started with SPDs. I was ok with them but once I used the Looks, I didn't like the SPDs anymore. The spin bikes I use in class have SPD pedals so I do have cycling shoes with SPD cleats.

I don't have the kind of pedals you're talking about but sometimes it takes a while to find out what you like. I do like the idea of a wider pedal base, it makes pedaling SO much easier when you're starting out. There are times that I don't clip in at all if I know I'm coming up to another stop in less than a few minutes.

Good luck