Clip/pedal compatibility

[Cycle2live2cycle]

Hi folks, I recently purchased a pair of Diadora vortex racer carbon fiber Men's road cycling shoes. Cleat compatibility ( 3 ). Can someone please advise me on the most reasonable priced cleats/ pedals. With a little research I've been looking at the Shimano R550 SPD-SL clipless road pedals .I'd preferably like to get the floating cleats , but I'm a beginner to the cycling shoe experience, I've recently joined the millions that commute to work solely with my cycle and I'm committed to the cause. So any/all input and advice is much appreciated...thank you in advance ...John

 

[Stevec047]

Hi John if you are using the bike mainly for commuting and you have a lot of stop start situations you would be better suited to spd pedals which have a duel side. Flat one side and clip the other as it will allow for those times when you are constantly stopping and having to unclip. I have a set of shimano a530 spd pedals and as long as your shoes will take the spd cleat shimano manufacture a multi release cleat but I have never felt the need to use one as the tension on the lowest setting of the pedals allows for quick unclipping anyway.

Oh and the pedals including the standard cleat can be picked up for £30 from the likes of Evans who will fit them for free. You may still need to fettle with the positing of the cleat for comfort and riding style but that's quite an easy thing to do.

As for Spd-sl options sorry can't help you there.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

The R550 pedals come with yellow 6degree float cleats, as do the r540 105 ultegra etc

 

[pclay]

If you have gone SPD-SL, I assume that there is no (or little) walking involved in your commute?

 

[Apollonius]

Diadora vortex racer carbon fiber Men's road cycling shoes. Cleat compatibility ( 3 )

I guess by this you mean your shoes have the three-point mounting system. In which case ignore everything said about SPD Mountain bike pedals, double sided etc, as none of that is relevant to your shoes. As with most road shoes, they will only take the SL (Standard Look) three bolt cleats and you are right that you need SL pedals to go with them.

Shimano is a good choice. The basic plastic ones are fine but wear quickly and become a bit sloppy. If you can run to Carbon Fibre, then the 105 version, as so often with Shimano is great value. They are only 16gm a pair heavier than the Ultegra which are twice the price. I have no experience of the top Durace version.
Cleat-wise start with the "yellow" version. They have the most float. Once you get used to them you might want a bit less float, or you may be happy. There is no reason not to walk short distances in SL shoes and cleats, they just wear out quicker. I am perfectly happy with this as you tend to get far superior shoes for cycling, which is why they are road shoes.

 

[Cycle2live2cycle]

If you have gone SPD-SL, I assume that there is no (or little) walking involved in your commute?

That is correct sir. Little to none.. I carry a pair of workshoes along in my panniers... Thank you for replying

 

[Cycle2live2cycle]

Hi John if you are using the bike mainly for commuting and you have a lot of stop start situations you would be better suited to spd pedals which have a duel side. Flat one side and clip the other as it will allow for those times when you are constantly stopping and having to unclip. I have a set of shimano a530 spd pedals and as long as your shoes will take the spd cleat shimano manufacture a multi release cleat but I have never felt the need to use one as the tension on the lowest setting of the pedals allows for quick unclipping anyway.

Oh and the pedals including the standard cleat can be picked up for £30 from the likes of Evans who will fit them for free. You may still need to fettle with the positing of the cleat for comfort and riding style but that's quite an easy thing to do.

As for Spd-sl options sorry can't help you there.

Hi Steve, thank you for the prompt response. The advice is immensely helpful to me ! Thank you again and safe travels to you and yours

 

[Cycle2live2cycle]

I guess by this you mean your shoes have the three-point mounting system. In which case ignore everything said about SPD Mountain bike pedals, double sided etc, as none of that is relevant to your shoes. As with most road shoes, they will only take the SL (Standard Look) three bolt cleats and you are right that you need SL pedals to go with them.

Shimano is a good choice. The basic plastic ones are fine but wear quickly and become a bit sloppy. If you can run to Carbon Fibre, then the 105 version, as so often with Shimano is great value. They are only 16gm a pair heavier than the Ultegra which are twice the price. I have no experience of the top Durace version.
Cleat-wise start with the "yellow" version. They have the most float. Once you get used to them you might want a bit less float, or you may be happy. There is no reason not to walk short distances in SL shoes and cleats, they just wear out quicker. I am perfectly happy with this as you tend to get far superior shoes for cycling, which is why they are road shoes.

Hi, and thank you for the prompt response ! You're advice is always welcomed, I have a 20+ mile commute round-trip daily and I need all the advice and help I can muster... Thank you again

 

[Milkfloat]

I second SPD-SL to suit your shoes. To protect the cleats if you do have to walk a bit you could use http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lifeline-essential-cleat-covers/