simonaway427

The differences are more apparent than you think

- float vs "locked in"
- dual vs single side entry
- adjustability
- hotspot potential
- shoe selection

DOOM_NX

- float vs "locked in"
Almost all can have no float or some degree of float. SPD-SL, Look and Speedplay can at least.

- dual vs single side entry
this is something I don't really care about. Besides, SPD-SL and Looks are weighted.

- adjustability
This I don't know. What do you mean by that?

- hotspot potential
Only plain old SPDs on MTB shoes can create hotspots as far as I know. SPD-SL/Look/Time/Speedplay on Carbon soles are unlikely to create.

- shoe selection
There's a huge range of shoes. Almost all road shoes support 3 bolt pattern. I gonna use road shoes with carbon sole.

ILUVUK

I still miss the occasional clip in on my 105s, but not very often. When I do, it isn't that big a deal (except during a race..DOH!). I don't think I'd make my pedal choice on the one that is easier to get into...but that's just me.

MikeyBoyAz

I have the 540s (downgrade from 105) they are easy to enter (as everyone else has said) I have used normal shoes on them and it was just fine, they were slightly small. Clipping in is actually easy once you learn the trick: instead of trying to step into them touch your toe to the back side of the hinge while it points up and then slide your foot forward, with this I can clip in blind 100% of the time. I used to use mtb SPDs and I will never go back to them. I have a friend with look keo, they cost twice as much as mine... that was enough for me.

Greg_R

I think he's talking about the amount of mounting play the cleats have (i.e. can you toe in or out your foot's neutral position or are you locked into "straight ahead"). Time has a lot of adjustability, not sure about the others.
I disagree, take a look at what people in the long distance forum are using... a mix of SPD, MTB, & SPD-SL. These guys/gals are riding 100s of miles at a time. I'm a big guy and have ridden with Time ATACs + Specialized BG shoes on centuries with no problems.
Sock, shoe, and pedal selection all work together to make the system. Get some good non-cotton performance socks, shoes that fit your feet & a solid cleat system and you're going to be happy.

DOOM_NX

This last tiny bit is what's bothering me :x

ILUVUK

Don't think so much on it. There is nothing necessarily bad about any of the pedal systems mentioned. I just prefer the SPD-SL. I've used Look knock-offs, but not the real thing. Almost no experience with Speedplay (one 25 mile or so ride), and they weren't my favorite. Chances are you'll be happy with any of those 3 choices.

BikeFoz

You're ultimately going to have to take a plunge and buy something you think you'll like. You'll soon find out there is no amount of research that can replace first hand experience. I think online research is good to weed out the "this or that is complete trash and avoid it." Beyond that the only opinion that matters is yours.

DOOM_NX

I think you're right guys. I'll go with whatever my LBS has in stock and falls in the category we discussed.
I've read so many reviews online and everyone has a favorite pedal for one reason or another but I find those reviews highly subjective.

I guess I'll start at the 105's price range and if I get any knee pain I'll switch to Speedplays.

I hope they call me tomorrow to go get the bike. I can't wait any longer. I'm being obsessed with pedals without having something to ride lol.

Thanks again a lot for your experiences. At least it's nice to know there's no pedal to avoid like the plague.

Stratman351

I'm finding this thread fascinating, as I'm pondering the same question. I used Shimano PD-M424 pedals on my Specialized Sirrus flatbar the past 5 years and loved them: double-sided MTB pedal with a hard rubber/plastic platform surrounding the clip-in mechanism. The were bullet proof as far as getting going and clipping in, because you could use the platform for a second or so while you felt for the lock-in spot. The obvious downside of course is the extra weight and somewhat compromised cornering due to the profile.

On my my new Felt Z5 I wasn't sure how to go; since I like Shimano products an since they came recommended by a few people, I opted for Ultegra SPD-L pedals. Long and short of it is I hate them. I find them relatively clunky to get into, and they have zero float as far as I can tell, which means I find myself riding with my feet in what feels like an unnatural position (though it may be technically sound).

I'm thinking about switching to Speedplay Zero based on what I'm reading in this thread. I'm wondering if that means I've got to opt for new shoes to accomodate the Speedplay cleats?

DOOM_NX

No, you don't have to buy new shoes. You can use speedplay cleats in place of the current SPD-SL cleats.

But your answer is really a downer

John_V 

Thanks to the people that answered my question. I hadn't heard about "hot spot" issues before and that it's most likely to happen with MTB pedals. So far I have over 4,500 miles since last July with several 50+ mile rides and haven't experienced this. Let's hope it stays that way.

DOOM_NX

So, I went with Look Keo 2 Max, white. There weren't any 105's, Speedplays or Times at stock.

But hey, they look good

Stratman351

A week ago I'd barely heard of Speedplays; now you guys have me obsessing over whether to get the Zeros or the X's, lol.

llamont

I just purchased a pair of Crank Brothers Candy 3 pedals for my road bike and I really like them. Before buying them, I did some research here on BF as well as picking the brain of my LBS owner. I'm not a racer so these pedals really work for me! Good luck with your decision and safe riding

JimTjr

Not to Hijack, but reading this with interest, as I will be purchasing a bike, and it looks like most used bikes do not come with locking pedals. I don't understand one term used in this thread, "Float" and it being adjustable? Is there a thread where all the ergonomics of road cycling is discussed in this forum? Or a site where I could become more educated? I have the thread where I posted "First time post" also one titled "Need advice on this bike" which I would love to see more replies on one of them,, (the advice one)
I hope to learn allot on this forum! And become a valuable member to help later on!

JimTjr

hehe, they do look good on that bike, what is it? Specialized? Which model? I have been watching and considering a Specialized Secteur Sport,,,,

DOOM_NX

Hello, JimTjr!

Welcome to bikeforums.net! I'm a newbie, too! These guys here are excellent at providing advice. I'm really pleased with the community. I bet you're gonna love it too!

There's nothing to hijack here! Feel free to use this thread as you may please. I made a choice finally, but even if I hadn't, there's nothing wrong for other members to stay on topic and ask for extra info.

Regarding your question, float is the amount of space that you are able to move your shoe laterally while clipped in. Zero float means your shoe is clipped in at a fixed position and it won't move around during the pedal stroke. Some degrees of float means that according to your unique characteristics, your foot will have some play from side to side. This often relieves any pain experienced at the knees due to zero float.

Keep lurking and google some terms, you'll find a huge amount of info on the subject. But you won't find the answer to the question: which pedal is best?

It is Specialized Secteur Elite Int. X3.

Triple crankset, Shimano Tiagra groupset. You may only have the Apex version over there. But you can't go wrong with either.

BrainInAJar

I don't know that I'd scoff so much, but I found myself clipping pedals far too often around tight corners with eggbeaters, and I don't trust them in a sprint either

SVThis

I think you made a good choice. I have the exact pedals on a white Scott CR1. I switched to Speed Play Light Actions and then switched back to the Looks. The Light Actions have pretty much unlimited float which I didn't particularily like. The Looks have more support with the wide platform and don't seem to rock side to side. I didn't think clipping in to the Speed Plays was any easier, if nothing else harder. Everbody has an opinion, that's why there are choices. I also use cleat covers which makes walking much easier and extends the life of the cleat.

halfspeed

If you're going to make the switch, go with Zeros.

DOOM_NX

Hi! It's good to hear you like my choice.

I find the process of clipping in and out easy, too. It's more of a mental and coordination thing than physical. They unclip instantly.

I don't have cleat covers. When do you use them SVThis?

Stratman351

I was pretty much leaning that way anyway, but what's the rationale?

halfspeed

More adjustability. With Zeros you can dial in exactly as much or as little float as you need.

ankit

Following this thread since I am in a similar situation. What shoes did you end up going with?