magohn

Hello all,

Im in the market to switch out my Shimano SPD pedals fo Speedplay. Speedplay is "double sided" so I wont have to fish for the right side of the pedal everytime I try to clip in. I not sure on the weight limit of the entry level steel version so i was wondering if any clydes are using them? Im 280lbs but never stand out of the seat and let all my weight rest on pedals - though I may want the option as I get lighter.

https://speedplay.com/

Thanks all.

snowman40

I have a pair of Light Action, I like them. I may switch as I feel they have a bit to much float as my heels clip the chainstays and tend to get rotational knee pain which I don't like.

The Light Actions don't take much to get out of them. I've stood up to go up a hill and unclipped...that was fun.

My major problem with them is I don't always get clipped in but that is probably just me trying to rush it and get out of the intersection.

magohn

Thanks snowman - the "light action" are the entry-level ones at around $120? Those are the ones Im looking at because my SPD pedals are a pain trying to "flick" them to the position that I can click into. At 280lbs I dont see the point in spending another $50 to save a few grams in weight.

As I say I never stand on climbs so Im more concerned with the pedal snapping due to me being a heavier rider. However, I cant find any evidence that that would be the case.

sstorkel

Shimano SPD pedals are also double-sided (and much cheaper than SpeedPlay). Perhaps you're thinking of SPD-SL road pedals? Have to admit, I've never tried SpeedPlay pedals. Couldn't get over the enormous size of their cleats...

TrojanHorse

Which shimano pedals are double sided? Not the 105 SPDs I got my wife, that's for sure.

I have used X-2 pedals for 10 years and got light actions about 2 year ago at 240 lbs. No issues with weight, just steer clear of the top end speedplays - they have a 180 limit.

I find speedplays incredibly easy to clip in to and get out of as well. I have knee issues, so Speedplay solves that for me but they're great pedals (IMO)

snowman40

I haven't snapped mine yet (I think I have the stainless steel ones) and I'm anywhere between 250 and 270 depending on how many miles I can get in and my sweet tooth.

Rhodabike

I had double sided SPDs and found them actually harder to get into than the single sided.

bigfred 

I don't seem to have any problem finding the correct alignment with either single sided road pedals or double sided mtb pedals. But, I've been riding clipless for over twenty years. Mrs. Fred on the other hand has been riding clipless for less than 6 years and reports that she finds normal single sided road pedals (look, shimano spd-sl) to be easier to find. According to her, because, they always hang down in the same orientation. Opposed to mtb pedals (spd, egg beater, etc) where she has to first orient to a pedal that may be rotated to any orientation.

As I said, its not something I've noticed. But, I clip in for the most part without thinking about it. She seems to notice a difference. Not that any of this has anything to do with speedplays. The last time I tried speedplays was over 15 years ago.

CraigB

I'm planning to switch to Zeroes for the road bike this season. I've been with Look and compatibles for over 25 years.

rsacilotto

I've had X-2 (stainless) on two bikes for over 6 years - I'm usually between 230 and 250. The cleats can be a pain in the neck sometimes, but I'm happy with the performance.

magohn

Thanks guys - great feedback. It sounds as if speedplays will work for me , the basic ones. Another quick question: My shoes have SPD-SL cleats (non-recessed), Im assuming the cleats that come with speedplays just bolt right on with no hassle?

Thanks again.

sstorkel

You wife has SPD-SL road pedals. SPD pedals were originally for mountain bikes and they're all double-sided.

Biggziff

+1

They're expensive and look ridiculous. I tried a set and hated the float and how easy they unclipped. SPD for me from now on. If you're looking to spend some money on toys I'd look elsewhere. Little to no value here.

bigfred 

You can tighten any of the SPD-SL pedals to the point that they are anything, but, easy to get out of. SPD pedals on the other hand, always seem to allow easier unclipping. The ability for the toe to rotate, more or less guarantees that.

If you want good retention, I suggest you look for some older Shimano SPD-R pedals. They were discontinued, more or less, because people found them so hard to get out of. If I tighten more DA models down tight, it takes all the leverage my size 51's can muster to get out of them.

snowman40

They should come with an adapter. The cleats are 4 bolt pattern and most shoes are 3 bolt pattern. You may have to fiddle with your saddle height after installing them.

Shimagnolo

There is *one* single-sided SPD; The A520.

Seve

Shimano PD-A600 SPD
and
Shimano A530 SPD

Are single sided SPD options as well.

magohn

Thanks again all - I think I will pick up a pair of the "light action" speedplays this week. My wife has a pair of the pedals and she loves them. Ive witnessed first-hand her ease of clicking into the pedals from a standing start when Im still struggling to "flick" my pedal into the correct positon. My main concern was my weight - but it appears weight is only a factor on the higher end versions where the pedal is made of less friendly weight-bearing material.

jc650

Same size as you, no problem with speedplays and I ride HARD!

Neil_B

Hmm. My last attempt at clipless was Speedplays. Even after a call to their headquarters we never found a way to angle the cleat enough for my right leg. I might need to revist them when I'm riding again.

fietsbob

Not compatible with Shimano sandals..there are alternate wider axles,
but not thru cheap Mail-order-web sources for those who are interested...
these were the Frog ATB pedals..

youcoming

My SS ones cost the same as ultegra pedals, have easier float adjustment which is great for my knees, easier to get in and out of, easier to walk in, these all seem to be benefits to me. Maybe not good for you but I sure love mine. Oh and as for looks they look awesome but maybe different looks ugly for you.

Biggziff

Hey...it's springtime and I'll never fault someone for trying to find reasons to justify spending money on something that really doesn't provide any value. I do it all the time!

vic303

Speedplay Frogs! Love 'em and have used them for years on my MTB and old DF, and now on my Bacchetta. Wouldn't ride any other pedals. I need and love the float (2 knee surgeries), and the zero-tension unclipping. As for clipping the stays, or crank arms, you simply need to adjust the cleat position on the shoe.

Pamestique 

I've used both the road pedals and the MTB (Frogs). Have to say won't go back to them. Both pedals are easy in and out but the size of the cleat on the road pedal is a nightmare. It's hard to walk around in, get just alittle dirt on the cleat and it won't engage in the pedal, the cleats wear down quickly so make sure you also purchase the Cafe covers. Plus the pedal/cleat caused permanent nerve damage to the ball of my foot. Worse hot spots ever! the X1 or X2 I think have no weight limit; stay away from the O's as they do.

But that was my experince and many people love them. Just not for me anymore. And yes SPD's also come two sided. In fact, there are lots of different SPD pedals. I personal like Time and use the system on my road and mountain bikes.