Pedal confusion

[hulagirl]

That being said, you don't HAVE to clip in.

Meet my solution:

Speedplay Drillium

I run these on my non-racing bike (currently a sexy new Surly Cross-Check). I use Blue Bird for city errands, heading off to lunch/breakfast or the beach, grocery shopping, and training. Because of the wide use I didn't want to lock into 1 specific shoe. So I use the Drillium's because they GRIP everything. The little spikes are actually threaded screw end that hold almost any shoe really well. They are wide and supportive and not at all heavy.

I can safely do an out of saddle sprint in flip-flops, tennis shoes, or sandals without fear of sliding off the pedals. Wet or dry. Highly recommend them.

[Koronin]

I've got Forte Campus Pedals on my road bike. Platform on one side, clipless on the other side. I just can't fully get comfortable clipping in with my right foot, so I stick with these for the road bike and my mountain bike has platform pedals on it.
Here's a link to the Fortes I have:
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes...1586500_400937

[Catrin]

Meet my solution:

Speedplay Drillium

I run these on my non-racing bike (currently a sexy new Surly Cross-Check). I use Blue Bird for city errands, heading off to lunch/breakfast or the beach, grocery shopping, and training. Because of the wide use I didn't want to lock into 1 specific shoe. So I use the Drillium's because they GRIP everything. The little spikes are actually threaded screw end that hold almost any shoe really well. They are wide and supportive and not at all heavy.

I can safely do an out of saddle sprint in flip-flops, tennis shoes, or sandals without fear of sliding off the pedals. Wet or dry. Highly recommend them.

Very nice! If I didn't already have/love my Sunringle Zuzu pedals on my mountain bike I would consider these. If I eventually do get a dedicated commuter bike I will keep these pedals in mind.

[rivergal]

Was in the same situation as you a few years ago, returning to road bikes after many years. First had toe cages, which were quickly out of the running. I have knee issues, so did lots of research into which clipless pedals were good for that. Ended up going with Power Grips, which were a great compromise for me. Have them on my road and mountain bike, and also got them for my sister's bike when she took up road biking again.

You might want to give them a try.

[soprano]

Note that if you stick with SPDs, all of your pedals can be used with the same shoes.

Also, with pedals, I think that unless you have a reason to change systems (like foot or knee pain) it's good to stick with what is familiar, so that clicking out in an emergency is easy and automatic. (This is the good ol' "If it ain't broke, don't fix it").

[Owlie]

Meet my solution:

Speedplay Drillium

I run these on my non-racing bike (currently a sexy new Surly Cross-Check). I use Blue Bird for city errands, heading off to lunch/breakfast or the beach, grocery shopping, and training. Because of the wide use I didn't want to lock into 1 specific shoe. So I use the Drillium's because they GRIP everything. The little spikes are actually threaded screw end that hold almost any shoe really well. They are wide and supportive and not at all heavy.

I can safely do an out of saddle sprint in flip-flops, tennis shoes, or sandals without fear of sliding off the pedals. Wet or dry. Highly recommend them.

Ooh, I like those. If I buy a commuter/errand bike, I might look into them...

[murielalex]

What I don't understand is why Look-style pedals are recommended or why the Speedplays are chosen over SPDs, etc.

[Owlie]

What I don't understand is why Look-style pedals are recommended or why the Speedplays are chosen over SPDs, etc.

A lot of what pedal you like is determined by things that vary from person to person, especially knee and foot issues. "Float" in clipless terms means that your foot can move around (within the pedal, not your shoe) while still remaining clipped in. Different amounts of float are good for different people, so I might like SPDs, but the next person thinks they're hard on their knees and so prefers Speedplays (which generally have more float). Another consideration is just ease of clipping in and out. Once I got it down, I found SPDs to be easy to use. Other people have different experiences. Speedplay Light Action are supposed to be easy to get in and out of...some people find them too easy!

Another reason why "roadies" don't like SPDs (generally) is because of the small contact area--long periods pedaling means that that small area is going to put pressure on your foot and it's probably going to hurt. That's why Look-type pedals are preferred--it distributes that pressure over a wider area.

[murielalex]

Ah...now I understand! That makes sense. Thanks!

[radacrider]

Had SPDs for a while, but now run Time ATAC MTB pedals and cleats. They give me more float and lateral movement (side-to-side). I am a daily commuter and for commuting I use a pair of Keen all leather (heavy), but keep my feet dry. They are not as stiff as my Specialized carbon shoes. If I am out on a fun (non-commute) ride, I use the carbon soled shoes, because the spread the pressure out beyond the cleat point.

In the past, my road bike had the Shimano pedal, similar to Look cleat and expensive Sidi road shoes - pressure distribution and all. Tough to walk around though and cleats would get totally chewed up. I've used my Time pedals and Specialized shoes on the roadie recently and they work fairly well.

[surgtech1956]

When I got back into cycling I went with the toe clips - not for very long. I read review after review and decided on Shimano PD-A520. They seem to work well for me, I was a little unsure after break my ankle - my ankle likes being clipped in because I never got my range of motion back. I don't know what I want on my mountain bike, any suggestions?