atrain62

Hi All. I just recently purchased my first road bike (Felt F95) and was planning to purchase some clipless pedals as my first upgrade. I plan on using this bike for commuting and long rides. Can anyone recommend me some good pedals? I have been doing some research and it appears that look, shimano, and speedplay are all pretty good. Looking to keep it below $100. (not including shoes)

Thanks in advance!

joe_5700

https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

I have PD-R540's as well as 105's and they work great.

Daytrip

I've got Shimano 105 pedals and love 'em. You can pick up a pair at ProBikeKit for around $50, shipping included. The cleats are included as well.

Honu

People generally prefer one type or the other, but it doesn't really matter for most people.

For the true "beginner," I have a weird pedal specially designed for uncoordinated people. It has a platform on one side and a regular pedal on the other, so I can clip in or not, depending on conditions. (Okay, it's designed for people who wear bike shoes sometimes and street shoes sometimes, but it works well for uncoordinated people too!) It's called the Campus pedal by Performance. Dorky, heavy, and perfect for me.

roadiejorge 

They're all good, the variable is whether you want a pedal with more than one point of contact to clip in which is typically what people mean by "easier".

1) Look Keo's are what I use and I have no complaints in the years that I've used them, and learning to clip in and clip out is pretty easy to get used to even if using them for commutes. They have one point of contact which takes getting used to when you have to clip in quickly, but it's easy to master and I commute with them regularly. The Keo's are narrower than Shimano pedals with the exception of the Keo Max 2 so you have options if you want a wider pedal platform.

2) Shimano makes a good road pedal as well it's just slightly heavier because the pedal is alloy vs the plastic low end Keo uses. The metal pedals are more durable so that might be something to consider, though Look sorted that issue with the Keo Max 2 by placing a metal plate on top of the pedal platform to minimize wear.

3) Speedplay's are a good option if you're looking for a pedal with a lot of float, and they have two points of contact which make clipping in a little easier but keep in mind that the pedal mechanism is on your cleat so you'll want to protect that if you're walking around a lot.

As for sticking to a budget I recommend shopping online since you can get some great deals that are well below what you'd pay at an LBS however if you want to have a competent shop position your cleats correctly then pay the extra if you don't want to sort it out yourself.

Some people use MTB pedals and shoes since they prefer the convenience of multiple points of contact and shoes they can walk in but if you're going to train on your bike, road shoes and pedals are best. Besides, walking on road shoes isn't a problem at all if you're going to walk a few feet to your home/office etc. Good luck!

cricket1116

Went through this not too long ago. Went with 105's for price & large platform, weight was not a concern for me. I've been very happy with them but can't offer comparisons from personal experience as they have been my only ones.

cod.peace

For MTB style shoes, Bebop pedals are fantastic. Easy in, easy out, lightweight, and a hair under $100 for the chromoly version. You can use 'em on road style shoes if you want.

telebianchi

How much do you need to walk during your commute? If you're in the city and may be on & off the bike a number of times, or need to walk the bike some distance into your workplace, then I would suggest mountain-bike type pedals/shoes. I like crank bros. Candies for this, but there are lots of other options.

If you are good with the road shoe not being comfortable for a walking much, then see all the good suggestions above.

tardman91

I have the Shimano R540s and I'm very happy with them. They're my first clipless pedals.

ctcycler

+1 if walking a lot go with the MTB shoe, much easier as the cleat is recessed and doesn't hit the pavement.

Monkey Face

I agree with ctcycler.

You don't say if your shoes will be road or mtb type. I use mtb shoes on a road bike because they are easier to walk in and I just found a pair that were comfortable. (My road shoes are deadly on the cobbles outside my house.)

The other advantage of mtb - relevant to your question - is that, being double-sided, the pedals (Shimano SPD or other makes) are easier to get into and maybe slightly easier to get out of too. The (single-sided) road pedals mentioned sometimes have to be flipped a little to get into, as they naturally hang vertically... not as easy for a beginner.

Get confident with mtb's first then maybe go for road pedals/shoes next year.

prescient

I just started cycling and have speedplays, and for whatever it's worth I really like them. I like the float and they are super easy to get into and out of.

atrain62

great. thanks for all the feedback! i think i've decided on a pair of 105's. shoes are to be determined.

SamShelton

I just bought my first bike this spring, put 105's on it, they work great and no complaints. No comparisons though, but im sure you wouldnt be disappointed.

tangkenboo2

lots of good info. i'm on the same page as atrain62. thanks for the info.

russd32

Do it Do it! I don't have the ability to move my right ankle side to side (missing parts from an accident) so pedals/shoes are always a challenge. I've tried a few sets and Crank Bros are best for me. They float a lot and I can get in/out easily.

carbonROD

i went ahead and grabbed a set of ultegra 6700. i'm very satisfied with them but of course the choice is yours. enjoy the floor 'cause i'm sure you'll become re-acquainted with it at least once during your 'learning period'.