supernova87a

Maybe this is a dumb beginner's question (and please feel free to direct me to some existing thread) -- but I'm curious if you look here at Shimano's lineup:
https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/techn...eup-chart.html

Look at just the SPD column to keep it simple. Why such a difference in pedal shape for the different types of riding? It's not like the smaller mountain/XC pedal is uniformly lighter, etc. I also assume that if the pedal has more of a "platform" / wings it allows more leg power transfer (?), but even then why wouldn't you want that in all types of riding too? (and isn't the power completely going through the cleat connection point, what is the point of the "wings"?)

Can anyone give a good explanation of why such a diversity of pedal shapes? (for the SPD column, forget the SPD-SL for the purpose of this question)

Ironfish653

New rider since 2003, or just new to clipless?

Going with your SPD example, the reason the freeride/Enduro pedals have a platform/wings isn't for power transfer, it's for support and stability on jumps / drops and other high -speed technical (downhill) riding.

Generally, the shoes worn in competitive XC racing are just as stiff as road-racing shoes, and with XC more focused on climbing than jumps, the stability (and weight) of the platform isn't really needed.

The city/touring/road pedals are a whole other thing; they're light because they're single -sided, they've only got a retention mechanism on one side, (fewer of the heavy steel parts like springs and latch plates) and a flat platform on the other side, so that you can ride them with your regular 'street' shoes.

The difference between the models in each 'family' is how light you want them, and how much you want to pay for that

supernova87a

Ah interesting, thanks for the info!

So do you mean that when riders are doing jumps / downhill, their shoe soles touch those platform wings and give more contact for stability, but otherwise most of the time they are not? And for road/XC the shoe sole is very rigid, and doesn't flex pretty much at all and all power is going through the cleat anyway, so no need for platforms?

And yes, i just meant that my question is like as if from a newbie. I have not changed my pedals in a very long time, so I hadn't thought about the reasons for such different shapes.