BROOKLINEBIKER

Hi everybody,
I'm seeking advice on finding some clip-in pedals for my Long Haul Trucker that will be easy on my banged up knees. I'm currently using Speedplay Frogs pedals with 2 bolt cleats mounted on Specialized bike shoes. I've been happy with them over the years. Both the pedals and cleats are worn out and I'd like to replace them. I have in hand a pair of new in the box Frogs but lack cleats. Speedplay no longer makes Frog pedals or cleats. I've looked on eBay for replacement cleats and even used cleats are being sold at premium prices. Is there a reasonably priced source of Frogs pedals that I've overlooked? Would it be more cost-effective for me just to change to a new model of pedals? If yes, can you recommend a knee-friendly model?

Bob the Mech

The word on the street is that the Speedplay Frog pedals have been discontinued. Speedplay Zero Chromoly Pedals have float of 0 - 15°. My Shimano M520s only offer 6°. Speedplay SYZR MTB Pedals offer 10° of float. Crank Brothers Eggbeater 1 clipless pedal have two types cleats that offer 15° or 20° of movement before they release (though reviews of the Crank Brothers pedals aren't glowing with praise).

Iride01 

If you got banged up knees, make sure you don't mash your way along in high gear ratios. I do think spd will give you more forgiveness in fit than road cleats which lock a foot into one position.

I have always liked my one-sided Shimano PD-A520's as they have a slight platform around them that might keep a foot from rolling too much. Don't know for certain though since they are all I've used for over 10 years. Nothing recent to compare too.

Carbonfiberboy 

IME the pedal type doesn't make the slightest difference as long as you don't use zero-float cleats, which are quite rare anyway. Almost all pedal systems have many degrees of float. As long as your foot, when you pedal, does not hit the float stops, you can't tell the difference between pedal systems, at least not on the basis of float. In fact some riders with knee issues find zero float systems are best for them because that keeps them from getting knee misalignment.

BROOKLINEBIKER

Hi everybody,
Thanks for your responses.
I have a follow-up question. Would cleats for Speedplay Zero pedals work on Frog pedals?

pattrick

I have a new pair of cleats I had bought in 2020 I believe, they are still in the plastic. If you live in the U.S. I will gladly send them to you. You can e-mail me your address to pgw220@hotmail.com.

frogman

I also have bad knees. I have tried all of the popular systems and found that the Speedplays are the only ones that do not bother my knees. I use SpeedPlay zero's on all my road bikes and no knee issues anymore. If you cannot get the Forgs then I would try the Speedplay road bike versions like the Zero's. Not as good as far as staying clean, but the trade off is more effort keeping them from getting krudded up vs knee problems.

BROOKLINEBIKER

How do you keep your Frog pedals clean?

frogman

Nothing unique or earth shattering, After a ride I clean them "before" the crud gets dried up..................

ptempel

I agree with @Carbonfiberboy in that many pedal systems should work for you. If I were you, I would go get a good bike fit. I say that since the fit can (and should) address leg movement. The fitter should be able to try cleat wedges if legs track irregularly. They could also use a cleat spacer if one leg is shorter than the other. Saddle height can also affect your knees so the bike fitter should be able to catch that as well. Actually, if you're going for the fit, then you can ask if you should buy the pedals first or let them recommend something for you.