switching from Shimano SPD to ?

[tlnbmd]

I have rode with Shimano SPD for years on the tandem.
I am having problems getting my left foot out on my new single bike.
I can do it but I really have to put a lot of pressure on it.
I am going to take it to my LBS and if they check out ok I may just make a switch.
I am thinking of changing to Speedplay Frogs or Look systems.
I would appreciate any comments.
Thanks
Terry

[Catrin]

I switched from SPD to Speedplay Frogs over a year ago and, frankly, wished I had started with the Frogs when I first started clipping in the year previous to that. There is no tension to adjust, no worrying if they are tight or loose enough. You simply move your ankle to the right position to disengage and they do. Some had told me that it required a lot of ankle movement to clip in or out and that is not the case at all. I've had foot surgery and did have a little concern with ankle flexibility but it has not been a problem at all.

I've never accidentally unclipped, and I've really not had a problem telling if I was clipped in as some have reported with Frogs. The pedal is larger than my old SPD pedals were, and my feet really like that. My knees love the Frogs because of the increased float.

Speedplay is coming out with a new mtb pedal later this year that will have adjustable float, but they won't remove Frogs from the market. I called and asked if they had plans to do that.

I can't speak about LOOK pedals, I am sure one or more of their many fans here will give you their perspective.

BTW, I had the same problem with SPD pedals and even my LBS got frustrated about it. We never did figure out what the problem was, but I've not looked back since I clipped in the Frogs the first time on the shop trainer.

[tlnbmd]

Thanks for your comments
Are you saying the "float" makes these SPDs difficult to disengage?
Why are they putting floats on the Speedplay system? what are the benefits?
I suppose I can call them and inquire.
Terry

[Catrin]

Thanks for your comments
Are you saying the "float" makes these SPDs difficult to disengage?
Why are they putting floats on the Speedplay system? what are the benefits?
I suppose I can call them and inquire.
Terry

No, that is not what I am saying, float refers to how much freedom your feet/knees have once you are attached. Sorry for any confusion, it is a different issue and is one of the differences between SPDs and Speedplay Frogs (and Frogs have more float than SPD).

SPD pedals have tension that can be adjusted to make it easier, or more difficult, to clip in and out. Frogs do not have tension and rely on the position of your foot to clip in and out.

You are doing the right thing by visiting your LBS and discussing what might be going on with them. Perhaps just an adjustment is needed in your left pedal.

[westtexas]

Personally, I hate my speedplays. I started on SPDs and I loved them, no problems, but my orthopod and bike fitter recommended the speedplays because of the increased float - I have knee and IT band issues and speedplays are supposed to be "the" pedals for people with knee stuff. I find them nearly impossible to get in and out of, even despite riding on them for almost 7 months now. Even today I was cursing them out loud while riding with a new group because I loathe them so much.

But my knees do feel better.

I also prefer less float - I feel like my feet are just flying around sometimes with these new pedals.

I have the Zeroes, FWIW.

I would recommend follow through with your plan. If you are otherwise happy with your SPDs and the tension can be adjusted in such a way to make it easier for you to clip out, I'd stay with them. But that's just me

[Blueberry]

I have the Zeroes, FWIW.

I've heard of more difficulties clipping in and out with zeros than with other speedplays fwiw.

[makbike]

I switched to SPDSL pedals this year and three pairs of shoes later I finally found a shoe that works well with my Shimano 105s. The Diadora shoes made it nearly impossible to clip in. If I could get my foot clipped in it was also as hard to get my foot out of the clip (yes the tension on my pedals was adjusted to the easiest setting). The Scanttante shoes I purchased worked okay but I still stuggled from time to time to engage and disengage my foot. Finally, the Giro shoes my DH recently purchased for me have been the much needed shoe - they are perfect. Cleats engage/disengage the pedals with ease. I am amazed at the difference the shoe makes.

[tlnbmd]

Which Speedplay Frogs do you recommend?

[Crankin]

There's only one kind of Frogs.
There are many kinds of Speedplay pedals, but all of the other ones (besides Frogs) are road pedals, not recessed mountain bike pedals.

[tlnbmd]

oh, thanks...are they also referred to as lollypops?
I heard that expression when someone was referring to their cleats.

[Catrin]

oh, thanks...are they also referred to as lollypops?
I heard that expression when someone was referring to their cleats.

I don't think I've heard Frogs referred to in that way, but that may not mean much

[Becky]

oh, thanks...are they also referred to as lollypops?
I heard that expression when someone was referring to their cleats.

"Lollipop pedals" are the Speedplay road pedals (X, Zero, and Light Action). Not sure about the cleats...

I ride Zeros, and yes, they're a pain to clip in and out of, expecially when they're new. But I like the adjustable float cleat and double-sided pedal, so I deal with it. X-series pedals require far less force to clip in and out, and I've heard the same thing about Light Actions.

[chatnoire]

A ride report on my blog from May has details about my experiences with the Speedplay zeros and then the light action. Here is the link:

http://bikesbooksblues.wordpress.com...ort-6/#more-13

I'm on Look Kéo Max 2 pedals now, and I like them, except they are sometimes a pain due to their one-sidedness. The path I usually take has a series of road crossings that I need to unclip for, and about half of those leave me looking down to try to id the right side of the pedal for clipping.

[indysteel]

A ride report on my blog from May has details about my experiences with the Speedplay zeros and then the light action. Here is the link:

http://bikesbooksblues.wordpress.com...ort-6/#more-13

I'm on Look Kéo Max 2 pedals now, and I like them, except they are sometimes a pain due to their one-sidedness. The path I usually take has a series of road crossings that I need to unclip for, and about half of those leave me looking down to try to id the right side of the pedal for clipping.

I use Keos, too. I do like them for the most part, but there some days where I just struggle to get clipped in. . I consider it operator error on my part, but it's aggravation nevertheless.

[withm]

I like Frogs myself.

Actually there are 3 models - all identical except that you can get them in Chro-molly $, stainless steel $$, or titanium $$$$. Slight difference in weight major difference in price.