The Low-Down on Road Pedals -- gimme yer thoughts

[zoom-zoom]

So I've been riding my road bike for the past 1.5 years with trusty ol' Shimano 2-bolt mtn SPDs. They've worked fairly well, but I do find that even after getting wider, better-fitting shoes that I tend to get some outer foot soreness after 50 miles or so. I suspect that the relatively more flexible soles of mtn shoes (I have Louis Garneau's top-of-the-line heat-moldable mtn. shoe) are allowing the shoe to flex around the cleat and causing my pain (feels muscular...or like peroneal tendon issues).

So I'm starting to consider switching to true road shoes and pedals on my road bike...especially because I'm planning to take on the crazy challenge of biking across the state of MI (~150 miles) in 4 weeks.

Anyhow, I would get the road version of my mtn shoe (essentially the same, with better ventilation and a full carbon sole) and keep the mtn shoes for my cyclocross bike...which would also keep me from having to wear filthy shoes indoors on the trainer--bonus!.

But what pedals to get? DH has Looks and isn't in love with them. I don't need the float of Speedplays, plus they are notorious for having issues with our sand clogging up the mechanism in the cleats (we can't avoid random sandy spots in West MI, even riding on the roads). What are my other options? What has worked for you ladies? What pedal seems easiest to use as a compliment to 2-bolt SPDs on a 2nd bike?

Thanks in advance!

[nscrbug]

Just my opinion here...but I love my Shimano Ultegra SPD-SL's. I started out on 2-bolt SPD's on my first bike...rode 'em for a year until I couldn't take the foot pain anymore. Switched to a road pedal (Time RXS) on my 2nd bike and ended up selling that bike (along with the pedals on it). When I got my current bike, I bought the Ultegra pedals and haven't looked back. Plus a big bonus...no more foot pain, which makes my feet about the ONLY body part that doesn't hurt me when I ride.

Linda

[pll]

I have the Look Keo 2 Max, which I got following a recommendation of DarcyinOregon in this forum and a friend elsewhere. I like them a lot. I switched from SPDs this cycling season and I still have a little trouble clipping the left foot starting from a stop.

[zoom-zoom]

I have the Look Keo 2 Max, which I got following a recommendation of DarcyinOregon in this forum and a friend elsewhere. I like them a lot. I switched from SPDs this cycling season and I still have a little trouble clipping the left foot starting from a stop.

DH has been riding for the better part of a decade and switched in the past year from BeBops to Looks...he STILL has a hard time clipping in, sometimes. Frequently I am already through an intersection when he's still struggling to get clipped. I think that's one of the reasons he's not in love with his Looks.

[Owlie]

Funnily enough, I've actually been thinking something similar--after I ride, my feet ache like I've walked the entire way! Maybe I need a stiffer-soled shoe, since my shoes aren't top-of-the-line by any stretch ($80 Spec shoes!) before I move on. I don't want to give up the ability to walk just yet!

Anyway, DBF has Look Keos, and he's madly in love with them. (But then, at this point I'm pretty sure DBF would marry his bike if he could persuade it to cook and wash up afterward.) DBF's mom has a Shimano road pedal--I think they're the ones that nscrbug has. She's pretty happy with them. I want to say she started with DBF's old SPDs, and knowing her, that probably means the transition was relatively easy.

[Owlie]

Hmm. I have an extra pair of shoes Owlie. What size are you? (Probably not 43, just asking).

Depends on the shoe.

[azfiddle]

I started with some fairly old Shimano (Look style) pedals.

I tried Time pedals on my new bike and I had a lot of trouble getting in to them. Once clipped in they were very comfortable and no problem getting out, but I just could not get the muscle memory right and finally went to Look Elle pedals. Instantly easy entry. Overall they are comfortable though not perfect.

[blue_angel]

I ride Crank Bros eggbeaters, and love them.

[zoom-zoom]

Another question re: cleats. How long do you find they last with moderate walking around? I'm sort of weighing Looks vs. Shimanos, at this point. Ultimately the potential cleat replacement cost would factor into a decision.

[nscrbug]

My Shimano cleats (I have the yellow ones which come with the Ultegra pedals) have been on my Synapse since last May (close to 10k miles) with no real signs of needing replacement yet (other than the normal wear that comes with walking in and out of gas stations when we stop for breaks). I'll see how they hold up by the end of the season and may replace them next spring.

Linda

[zoom-zoom]

My Shimano cleats (I have the yellow ones which come with the Ultegra pedals) have been on my Synapse since last May (close to 10k miles) with no real signs of needing replacement yet (other than the normal wear that comes with walking in and out of gas stations when we stop for breaks). I'll see how they hold up by the end of the season and may replace them next spring.

Linda

That sounds way better than my hubby's experience with the Look cleats...hmmm...

[Owlie]

They are Shimano mens. I usually have to wear womens. The heals on these aren't too loose, unlike others I've tried. You can have them for shipping. Was planning to do that anyway. Had to wait on getting the right cleat of my new shoes correct. Which I finally managed today. The Shimanos are a tad small for me. My new shoes are the equivalent of a 43.5.

Those are probably a tad big, unfortunately. I don't know how the sizing on Shimano is, but I take a 41 in Specialized and probably 42.5 in Sidi--and I know Sidi runs small.

[macski]

It's a shame that Speedplays are ruled out because of the sand - I love mine.

I also had Shimano SPD-SLs on another bike and, like your DH, would still be trying to clip in when others had ridden through an intersection. The problem is having to look at them to turn them over the right way - it just never became second nature to me. I changed that bike over to Speedplays too. They are great - don't even have to look at them. But I understand that egg beaters have this same quality.

Are you sure that Speedplays wouldn't work in your area?

[zoom-zoom]

Are you sure that Speedplays wouldn't work in your area?

I'm leery to try them. Our LBS buddy had no luck with them and I don't even know any riders who use them...if that says anything. Most people I know with road pedals have Shimano or Looks.

[zoom-zoom]

I also had Shimano SPD-SLs on another bike and, like your DH, would still be trying to clip in when others had ridden through an intersection. The problem is having to look at them to turn them over the right way - it just never became second nature to me.

Ahh...is this an issue with Looks, too? I once borrowed a bike that had some weird early Shimano mtn. 2-bolt SPDs on them...I had a heck of a time using them, since they wanted to flip funny.