The Low-Down on Road Pedals -- gimme yer thoughts

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I ended up going with Shimano 105s and the road version of my mtn. pedal. I can't wait to see how this combo works.

I decided on the Shimano SPD-SLs in large part because my hubby said that is the pedal he would like to try once his LOOK Keos wear out. So I figured I could at least play guinea pig, first. And I couldn't really find negative reviews...and I scored them on Amazon for <$64, including shipping.

[Owlie]

Awesome!
I'll certainly keep these suggestions in mind if I decide to make the switch.

In the meantime: Zoom-zoom, I know your Dominators didn't fit you, but could you comment on the sole stiffness? (My feet are pretty narrow overall--B, but barely--and with a narrower heel, so Sidis should fit me reasonably well.) I'm not quite ready to give up on SPDs just yet, since I'm not getting those angry spots on my feet. They just ache.

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They were pretty stiff and light. A nice shoe...though the heels were always a little loose on me. It's why I never even tried the men's Dominators or Megas. I knew if the women's were big through the heels that the men's version would be worse. My LGs are MUCH snugger through the heel, but still roomy enough through the toes. I'll bet women's LGs would be a good fit if you have narrow heels.

I totally get that foot ache. That's what led me to decide that it was time to switch to real road pedals. I started to feel on long/hard rides like my shoe was flexing over the lateral sides of my pedals, creating a bit of a hot spot and irritated peroneal tendons. Hopefully the stiffer shoes and larger pedal platform will solve that.

[Owlie]

They were pretty stiff and light. A nice shoe...though the heels were always a little loose on me. It's why I never even tried the men's Dominators or Megas. I knew if the women's were big through the heels that the men's version would be worse. My LGs are MUCH snugger through the heel, but still roomy enough through the toes. I'll bet women's LGs would be a good fit if you have narrow heels.

I totally get that foot ache. That's what led me to decide that it was time to switch to real road pedals. I started to feel on long/hard rides like my shoe was flexing over the lateral sides of my pedals, creating a bit of a hot spot and irritated peroneal tendons. Hopefully the stiffer shoes and larger pedal platform will solve that.

Okay, thanks. Not in the budget right now, unfortunately, but at least I can go find somewhere to try them on and hang out on STP or Nashbar or somewhere!
I don't feel like it's anything to do with the cleat, necessarily (though I may be happier with a larger pedal platform eventually). No hot spots or anything. I just feel like I've walked the whole way.

[nscrbug]

I ended up going with Shimano 105s and the road version of my mtn. pedal. I can't wait to see how this combo works.

I decided on the Shimano SPD-SLs in large part because my hubby said that is the pedal he would like to try once his LOOK Keos wear out. So I figured I could at least play guinea pig, first. And I couldn't really find negative reviews...and I scored them on Amazon for <$64, including shipping.

Nice choice! I think you'll be happy with the 105's. I have a set of 105's on my Trek 2100 (backup bike)...and Ultegras on my C'dale Synapse.

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Nice choice! I think you'll be happy with the 105's. I have a set of 105's on my Trek 2100 (backup bike)...and Ultegras on my C'dale Synapse.

Oops, I just noticed that I wrote "road version of my mtn. pedal"...I meant shoe. That's what I get for posting after my bedtime.

Glad to hear you like your pedals. I'm eager to try them!