Road Pedals!

[Scott Mc.]

Raging debate here. Thoughts/comments/experiences/opinions (what!?).

Looking at a road bike and need to make a selection on pedals and am curious.....

Talk amongst yourselves!

[TechniKal]

I just went with standard double sided spd pedals (Shimano 515's). The bike came with Time road pedals, but I didn't want to deal with the hassle of having two different pairs of bike shoes (I tried the Time ATAC mtb pedals, and just couldn't get used to the side-to-side float). I also like being able to walk around off the bike, which you can't easily do with road shoes and cleats.

The longest ride I've done so far is about 70 miles, and I haven't had any problems with "hot spots". I think if you've got good, stiff shoes, hot spots should be a non-issue.

[dan]

Ol' Road Dude here bit the bullet and bought some good quality Look 357 road specific pedals at Bike World for about $120.00. Some of the road pedals out their are ultra pricey (over $200.00) and I don't understand why. I believe Weeg runs the same pedals on his bike. So now I have Specialized Comp road shoes to go with the pedals. The initial feel of the combo is sweet; however, the bulky nonmetallic cleats on the super-stiff soled shoes make you walk like a duck. It's gonna happen, but now I just need to start logging some miles on the stuff.

[Jim_K]

I'm in the Look camp myself. I use the 396s'. I understand the best (also the priciest) are the Campagnolo Records. But that's just what I heard. Let me know when you get the bike- we'll hook up and do a ride...
:cool:

[dan]

Originally posted by Jim_K
I'm in the Look camp myself. I use the 396s'. I understand the best (also the priciest) are the Campagnolo Records. But that's just what I heard. Let me know when you get the bike- we'll hook up and do a ride...
:cool:

Jim, are you doing any riding Sunday? If so, call me at 647-0620. Maybe we can cover some asphalt!

[Jeff]

I'm with Kyle, less shoes =good. I'm also shimano I think there 515 and answer speeder shoes. Easier walking in case of a break down. My longest is 100 miles one day and a hundrek kilometers the next day. no hotspots or discomfort whatsoever. But in case you plan on racing that bad boy . The stiffer soles and slingshot rand on road shoes has a better power transfer ratio. I don't like the onesided road pedals because they can be harder to clip at a light. Good luck.

[Jim_K]

Originally posted by dan


Jim, are you doing any riding Sunday? If so, call me at 647-0620. Maybe we can cover some asphalt!


It's a possibility if it is in the afternoon. What about you Jeff?
Wanna do a Sunday ride?


Jeff has a point about the one-sided pedals, but when you get used to them it's not too much a problem. All a matter of preference...
As far as shoes go, you can't beat Sidi's.

[Weegster]

Originally posted by dan
Look 357 road specific pedals

the bulky nonmetallic cleats on the super-stiff soled shoes make you walk like a duck.

Yup...I ride LOOK 357's, and SIDI "Energy" Shoes" :D

For the road, LOOK Pedals ROCK...Why? The large surface area of LOOK offers less "Hot Spot" potential (A big problem with some when riding LONG distances, and needing POWER) than SPD or other small-cleated shoes for road application.

The comment about the stiff soles is right on...I chose the SIDI "Energys" due to the fact that sole stiffness is ADJUSTABLE...SCHWEEEEEET! You can train "soft" and race "stiff".
Road shoes need to be stiff as any flex = loss of power and efficiency.

Hopefully I helped?

Weeg (Old-TIme Road Hammer)

[Scott Mc.]

You guys are awesome. Was focused on the LOOK as well. And interestingly enough was probably gonna break down and buy the SIDIs as well. Hoping to use a pricepoint rate at bikeworld.

Sounds like my guess was right. Only thing holding me back are Kyle's and Jeff's comments...could suck to walk a few miles in those damn LOOK/SIDI shoes...clearly meant for riding NOT walking.

Don't worry JimK, you and me will be a ridin' once I break over and buy the damn thing. I am pretty cheap...but ready to go.

[TXRAiDR]

My two cents if I'm not too late. I had used Icon De La Sol (SPD Compatible) when I first got into riding. They were great, but then the shoes I were using got sole flex. That turned them into a nightmare. I went with Looks, (296 or something like that) and ride them on both road bikes. No complaints. They offer a sturdy platform and connect great with my shoes (Nike for training, Shimano for racing). I've got the adjustable float cleat and pedal combination and would recomend those if you like to have different floats.

[Weegster]

Scott...Invest the $10 in a set of "KOOL KOVERS" for your cleats...PLUS, Road shoes were not meant to be walked in a whole lot. I always get right out of them after a ride:D

[Scott Mc.]

Good point....found 'em on Performance's web page for $8.99. How is that for deflation!

[Todd]

Speedplay are the lightest and offer the most float. I've used them for over a year with no problems.

[Weegster]

Originally posted by Todd
Speedplay are the lightest and offer the most float. I've used them for over a year with no problems.

Keep in mind...SPEEDPLAY says there is a "180 Pound Rider Weight Limit":(

[George]

Whew, I'm in luck....

Oh wait, that's NOT 180 lbs PER PEDAL?!? DAMNIT!! :D :D :mad:

[Stich]

I use the TIME Chanllenge Pro's with DMT (competition) road shoes. I have found that the switch fromt the SIDI mtn shoes and Shimano pedals 515's was a confortable and relished change. More platform less pain on the long rides, and the cleats are spread far enought to make walking not so much of a challenge. I still would not like to be stuck in them for a long walk back. Like Weeg said I get out of them quick after the ride.

Late,
JW

[Weegster]

Yes, and if walking is a MUST, I always keep the Kool Kovers in the Jersey Pockets...They are worth the $8-10.:D

[Stich]

Weeg,

Do they make Cool Covers for Time Pedal cleats? I saw them on the web and they fit the Look's but did not see them configured for Time. That would be nice to have. The cleat config on the Time's is kind of funky.

Late,
JW

[Scott Mc.]

Great feedback guys! Bought some Sidi Genius 3's / LOOK pedals and KOOL KOVERS.

Now I just need a bike!

Thanks.

[Weegster]

Stich,

I recall seeing them for TIME on www.performancebike.com

Hope this helps Bro.:p