Pedal confusion

[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?

[murielalex]

After six weeks of waiting, my new bike is ready! I visited it at the bike shop during my lunch hour today, though I won't get it until tomorrow. I'm excited, and it's beautiful! The only thing left to decide is which pedal. I may try out the Speedplays, based on recommendations here, but I actually have no idea which ones I'll end up with. I guess it will be a surprise.