Long Torso, Short Legs.

[winddance]

So tonight I talked to a friend who is a bike shop manager and a triathlete who recommended totally different ones. First said Looks, triathlete said the shimanos and not the speed plays. So confusing.
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My tri coach recommends speedplays. But I already used them before we started working together. Ask 50 people and you'll get 50 answers.

There is no consensus, so just find what works for you. For example, my father used to use SPDs but struggles with plantar fasciaitis, and got hot spots from the SPDs. I have a myriad of foot issues but had never had problems with my Speedplays, but WAS having trouble with the spin bikes at the gym (SPD.) I shared this observation with him, and he bought himself some Speedplay light action pedals. Now he can ride his bike comfortably again. It turned out to be a "big cleat/small pedal" (Speedplay) vs. "small cleat/bigger pedal" (SPD) issue for him that was concentrating the pressure on a small part of his foot. The Speedplay cleat seems to spread the pressure more evenly and thus doesn't give him problems.

So, just think about YOU, your body, and what would work best. Ask a lot of questions. You can always change your mind later.

[MGM]

My tri coach recommends speedplays. But I already used them before we started working together. Ask 50 people and you'll get 50 answers.

There is no consensus, so just find what works for you...

So, just think about YOU, your body, and what would work best. Ask a lot of questions. You can always change your mind later.

Yup, best advice you can go by. You have to find what works for you, just like when you chose your bike (but the SPDs are much heavier. Just sayin'... ;-) ).

[Catrin]

...You have to find what works for you, just like when you chose your bike ..

+1,000 I've had this proved so many times since I started my cycling adventures over 2 years ago. There really isn't a consensus except that - what works best for you. There isn't a perfect pedal or a perfect cassette. Many would find my preferred riding position to be painful for more than a few miles but it is all-day long comfortable to me - so much of this is subjective.

SPD pedals are heavier though, and the smaller footprint can cause hot foot problems. Will your bike shop allow you to test different pedal/cleats on a trainer?