How many degrees (of float)?

[diego]

Hello there,

I am getting back into cycling, and am going through all the (re)learning process...

So one thing I came across while browsing a couple of websites and spending a couple of afternoons at the bike shop is: what's the general rule of thumb (if any) in choosing the right cleats?

To be a bit more specific, I am going to ride a road bike on longh(ish) distances, and will be using look clipless pedals.

I understand that there are three kinds of cleats out there, with three different settings: 0, 4.5 and 9 degrees.

Which one would you choose/advise and why?

Thanks!
Diego

 

[kyuss]

I use Look deltas so i'm stuck with either no float or 9 degrees. I'm sure I'd be perfectly happy with 4.5 degrees if it was an option on deltas.

At least a bit of float is a good thing IMO. I didn't get on with the 0 degree black cleats at all. Had to put the tension right up to stop unclipping by mistake and they gave me painful knees and hips over longer distances. I guess my pedalling action and cleat position wasn't as perfect as it could have been.

Look Keos come as standard with the grey cleats anyway (4.5 degrees) so maybe just ride them and see how you get on.

 

[Aperitif]

Hello diego, I use Deltas too. I have only ever used red - commuting and distance stuff etc. - so kyuss has it spot on. Keo is 'compatible' with old delta pedals I believe (?) but not the other way around...

 

[Absinthe Minded]

Hi Diego,

Yeah, get some cleats with some float - try the 4.5's first and see how you get on. If I use 0's I get unbearable pain in my left knee as my left foot sits most naturally when the heel is 'turned in' toward the frame. 4.5's allow my foot to sit this way.

If you experience any pain on 4.5's, go for a bit more float.

I've never seen the point of 0's although maybe they're more efficient - I don't know!

AM.

 

[yello]

9 degrees here too, because I use Look Delta cleats. I have no problems with it but there is more movement than I need. I'd probably try 4.5 out of interest, if I had the option, but I personally wouldn't start out on 0 degrees.

 

[diego]

Thanks guys!
I will give a go the 4,5° then, and we'll see how it goes...

Still have the red ones, so if the grey ones hurt I will quickly swap for the others.

Cheers,
Diego

 

[yenrod]

You need these:

http://time.nextedia.com/fiche-produit-xen.2.0.idp.65.html

 

[Randochap]

Or you could switch to Speedplay and get all the float you can buy.

 

[MadoneRider1991]

4.5 is all u need, i used a 9 once and it wasnt that gd :-(

 

[Randochap]

4.5 is all u need, i used a 9 once and it wasnt that gd :-(

I'll be the judge of how many degrees float I need, if you don't mind.

And what I prefer is the Speedplay X, c/w unrestricted free float. The important word here is "unrestricted" because many other pedal systems use recentering float in which a spring-loaded action forces your feet into an unnatural riding position. Non-recentering, allows the feet to find the most comfortable position, lessening the chance of overuse injuries.

There are other advantages to Speedplay as well, including:

• Super light weight
• Large, stable contact area
• Double-sided
• Closest foot-spindle distance
• No protrusion beyond foot -- eliminates pedal strike

No, I don't have any relationship w/ Speedplay, beyond becoming a loyal customer 4 seasons ago. Switching eased knee issues and gave me more out of the saddle climbing power, due to the pedal freeing up foot/leg movement and restoring natural position.

Other Speedplay pedals are available w/ settable float, if that's your preference. Then you can still enjoy all the other advantages.