What kind of pedals do you use?

[kiwi girl]

I guess this shows how new I am...but's what wrong with just saying SPD? The only dumb question is the one that isn't asked, right?

Hi li10up - I'll try and answer your question without offending anybody

the reason for his comment was that if he just thought 'spd' he would have thought they were the sort of pedals 'usually' put on mountain bikes. Lots of people like them on road bikes - some people find them easier to get into and out of, and because the cleats recess into the sole the shoes are easier to walk on.

However some people feel that the larger platform 'road style' pedals give better power transfer and so are more efficient. This they argue makes better for road riding when you are less likely to be unclipping often or walking in your shoes.Traditionally also the shoes that road cleats went on were stiffer than mountain bike shoes which also assists power transfer (although you can get stiff soled shoes that take 'spd' cleats). Some riders also say they feel 'more connected' to the bike with larger platform pedals.

I think all of that is true - to a point - I find the difference in pedal efficiency only just noticable.

Where it becomes contentious is that some 'purists' translate that into being a bit snobby towards riders who find SPDs more convenient/comfortable etc