Buying my first road bike

[emily_in_nc]

When I had ITB Syndrome a couple of years ago, I remember reading that in some cases unlimited float pedals like Speedplay could contribute to that for some folks. In other folks, the lack of float is a problem for knees. I've switched to Zeros recently and found (well, at least before my accident, I found) that I gained some speed and control thanks to the much smaller amount of float I could set, especially out of the saddle climbing. All that Speedplay X-Series float allowed my feet to wiggle around way too much, especially when tired or climbing, and I guess I lost some power that way. Also hit my heels on the crankarms from time to time. But we're all very different - some people's knees just gotta have the large amount of float. Mine don't. I think the main point is to remember that more float isn't either good or bad; it all depends on the rider.

Emily

[KSH]

Sounds like there is a good debate going on about having float or not on your pedals.

I know for me... having my cleats positioned incorrectly from the start... contributed to my knee issues. I just switched to the SpeedPlays... because I didn't want my knees in the hands of some bike shop guy anymore.

Sure, they are *trained*... but I wonder how many are really knowledgeable... and someone who THINKS they are right... when they aren't... will cause you PAIN in the end!

Which was my situation.

So, I will see how the SpeedPlays work out. I know that I managed to ride 65 miles this past weekend.... and I didn't get acute knee pain at mile 20 like I had been. Then again, I also kept it at 10 MPH and just kept spinning the whole time.

If they don't work for me... I still have my old equipment around.

I will say that I miss being able to walk in my biking shoes, and having COMFORTABLE shoes. I HATE the new shoes I had to get for the SpeedPlay cleats to fit on the bottom. The arch supports hurt... and the front of the shoe dug into my bone and hurt me.

[AutumnBreez]

Welcome to TE forum, glad you could make it
Cycling, I used to ride my heart out as a kid, and began riding again this year when my husband bought me my first road bike end of February 2005.
5'8" med/large build-I am now 153lbs.(173lbs in 2004) and losing more as I go...burn baby burn
I have a Bianchi SL-3 and love it!
Tri-gel Butterfly saddle by Terry
Shimano Ultegra SPD-SL pedals and Shimano SH-R215 shoes
and the float is there but only set at 3 degrees presently.
I really like my pedals and don't have knee problems with this set up, I am prone to knee pain, but so far so good.
Riding road bike per ride 33/33/34 (=100miles weekly) or 33/33/17/17 (=100miles weekly)

Again as said before by someone else, it is an individual issue as fitting into that perfect saddle. Everyone is different and difficult to base others preferences to what you may find perfect and comfy.
Though it is nice to find out the ratio of those who like a product and references no doubt, but comfort is so variable.

See you here at the forums later..... -AutumnBreez