Pedals

[Deborajen]

Just discovered the TE forums a few days ago and have been browsing through posts. Been looking for information and suggestions on pedals and shoes and have found quite a bit, but I still have a few questions.

The Specialized Sequoya I've been riding since May of 2004 has its original pedals with toeclips (I took the straps off after one or two rides because I was sure I'd get my foot tangled in one sooner or later). Now I'm looking at clipless pedals, mainly the Speedplay Zero and the Speedplay Frogs. I've never had knee problems but I do like to move my foot around a little bit on the current pedals so I'm not sure I'd get along with zero float. However, I want to be able to pull more on the upward stroke than I can with the current pedals. Do the pedals with float compromise this? The Speedplay Frogs would otherwise be the easy winner because they sound like the easiest to get in and out of - something I'd need since I'm really klutzy in the feet.

Also, is the only reason for going with titanium for the lower weight? Is it worth the extra cost for touring (like I do) or is it mainly for racing?

Any suggestions and info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Deb

[SadieKate]

Float does not compromise your ability to pull up. All of the clipless pedals will be just fine in this regard. As I'm sure you've read in other threads, you need to be sure the sole of whatever shoe you pick is stiff enough to prevent hot spots. With a few exceptions clipless pedals are smaller than your old platforms so your foot will collapse across it unless the sole is stiff.

Titanium spindles - light weight, spiffy and very expensive. If you're willing to spend that kind of money, go for the best bearings.

[KSH]

I purchased the cheapest SpeedPlay pedals... where the float cannot be adjusted... and I love them!

Some have said they clip out on hills... but I have no clue how they do that. I don't have any issues on hills or flats with these pedals and it's nice being able to move my foot a little while being clipped in.

I also found these pedals are so easy to clip out of!

I love them! I just wish someone would have *sold* them to me when I bought pedals the first time around.

OH... and I had pedals with no float... and now I have these... I have not found that my ability to pull up on the pedals has been compromised.

[pkq]

I use the Speedplay X/2's w/o issue on the steep grades in Pittsburgh.

The next pedal I want to try is Coombe .

[CorsairMac]

I use the Speedplay X/2's w/o issue on the steep grades in Pittsburgh.

The next pedal I want to try is Coombe .

wow - do I ever like the look of those!!! I didn't really see anywhere on the website tho: compatible with SPD shoes??.....I noticed they were using Coomb shoes with their cleats but I didn't see where they were selling the shoes??


as a "foot"note (ain't I the clever one? ) I use Shimano SPDs and have no problems with them. I was told by my LBS that some ppl can develop knee issues (like his wife did) by using clipless pedals with too much float. You might want to talk to your LBS - see if they'll put the pedals you wanna try on your bike and put you on a trainer. Let you try them out there at the shop before you make a final decision.

[caligurl]

the speedplay x/5's are actually the easiest to get out of... they even say on their site that they release sooner... i have them on my bike and love them! i was using looks for a VERY short time prior to getting my X's (i actually have the x/3's but they have been replaced with the 5's)

i was going to get the frogs for my MTB since i loved my speedplays so much.. but i was told by numerous different people that they weren't such a good choice.. they like to come undone when you don't want them too....

[pkq]

CorsairMac, they have a 2, 3, and 4-bolt pattern. I would think the two bolt would fit my SPD shoes. You can call and ask them. I've heard they are very helpful over the phone.

The guy I know riding them had the Sidi recessed cleat shoe, which was real slick. I loved the looks of them and he loved the performance.

[Deborajen]

Thanks for all the feedback.--

I went on a 40-mile ride today. I'm on vacation to do some riding, etc. and we're having unbelievably mild weather - what luck! I'm both eager and apprehensive when it comes to trying clipless pedals. It's a new habit to learn but it sounds worth it.

Thanks again for the info. The bike shops around here seem to have good answers for male customers, but those recommendations don't always work for me. These boards are really helpful.

Deb