road pedal? Advice

[Bazza412]

Can anyone offer me some advise on what the best system is and offer some models that are compatible

 

[vickster]

Assuming you mean a clipless system

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/clipless-pedals-faq.74358/

Personally I like the SPD two bolt system with a recessed cleat. The shoes fit my weird shaped feet better and you can walk safely on them when stopping for cake, shopping, sightseeing etc

Otherwise you can use any style of pedal on a road bike

 

[e-rider]

the 3-bolt system is best for 'proper' road cycling, although the 2-bolt system might be better for commuting, touring, getting from A-B...........

 

[*Dusty*]

I use the 2 bolt system and Shimano trainer style shoes. Very comfy even over a forty miler, heavy though if you're into gram shaving.

If you're planning to race or want to go quickly, buy the "full on" 3 bolt system and shoes as the soles are usually stiffer and slightly more efficient, anything else really you're probably better off with the 2 bolt.

 

[youngoldbloke]

^ this. If you are going to do any walking at all, 2 bolt system with recessed cleats. I use both systems, changing pedals/shoes as required. Not only is it tricky to walk with Look style (3 bolt) cleats, but they wear down very quickly if you do. (And cleat covers are a PITA to use).

 

[Globalti]

If you don't plan on stopping much during your rides the 3 bolt systems are much better. Of them, Shimano SPD-SL is superior to Look, I've just discovered. Better quality, durability and support.

 

[outlash]

the 3-bolt system is best for 'proper' road cycling, although the 2-bolt system might be better for commuting, touring, getting from A-B...........

Just as well you put 'proper' in quote marks there, otherwise you'd be talking rubbish there wouldn't you....

 

[User33236]

the 3-bolt system is best for 'proper' road cycling, although the 2-bolt system might be better for commuting, touring, getting from A-B...........

Some say the four bolt system is even better

 

[vickster]

What's 'proper' road cycling? Does say 50 or 100 miles cycling on roads on a road bike not qualify if using SPDs or flat pedals or clips not count?

 

[vickster]

If you don't plan on stopping much during your rides the 3 bolt systems are much better.

Why?

 

[Globalti]

Mostly because the platform is bigger and stiffer than with an SPD and the whole setup considerably lighter. However the cleats are not good if you want to get off the bike and walk, drink coffee, remove a squirrel from your spokes, fight a motorist, find a tree, etc.

 

[adscrim]

Surely the shoe is going to determine how stiff the 'platform' is, and with high end MTB shoes basically being the high end road shoe with different grip additions, there's not much between them.

For looks I prefer road shoes on a road bike.
For convenience MTB/Touring shoes win.
For performance, when comparing apples with apples, I doubt there is much between them.

 

[Apollonius]

What is this? An outbreak of sense and reasonableness on the subject of cleats! Where's the fun in that?

 

[Racing roadkill]

3 bolt SPD-SL cleats aren't difficult to walk in, if you get some of these. And they really are a doddle to use.
My knackered left ankle however, means I've had to switch to these

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/500-dual-platform-leisure-bike-pedals-id_8298318.html

On my Road bikes, with multi release 2 bolt cleats, on account that they allow me to step out of the pedals, with no twisting. They work just as well as the SPD-SL type pedals, on the road bike.

 

[e-rider]

What's 'proper' road cycling? Does say 50 or 100 miles cycling on roads on a road bike not qualify if using SPDs or flat pedals or clips not count?

road racing, crits, time trials, fast training rides, fast club rides........... you will see zero people using 2-bolts systems for such riding