road pedal? Advice

[User33236]

Ive never come out of an SPD (unwanted that is) and that's on the loosest setting. Then again I'm evidently not a proper road cyclist despite riding on roads

I've came out of SPD's powering away from traffic lights in the past on my commute. Been using the Time Atac system over the last year without doing so.

 

[vickster]

I guess I don't really power as much as that (I don't use multi release cleats either) but I take umbrage at not being a 'proper' road cyclist as I don't race or ride for a club despite pretty much solely riding roadbikes on roads complete BS frankly

 

[User33236]

I guess I don't really power as much as that (I don't use multi release cleats either) but I take umbrage at not being a 'proper' road cyclist as I don't race or ride for a club despite pretty much solely riding roadbikes on roads complete BS frankly

<off topic>I do agree with what you say and pedal choice it purely down to the individual too. You ride on the road you're a road cyclist, simples. I don't race either (low bone density and racing is an accident waiting to happen!) and ride in the lower levels with a club on their rides, simply for company on rides. (I am, however, tempted this year with TT as I simply want to complete against myself.) </off topic>

OP I can't see any replies from you to this thread so guess you are a bit lost? What bike do you have? What type of rides do you typically do?

 

[vickster]

His avatar looks like some sort of Boardman roadbike

 

[Venod]

you will see zero people using 2-bolts systems for such riding

Are you new to this cycling lark, or is it an eyesight thing.

 

[boydj]

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

I've done tt's and still do reasonably fast club rides on a 2-bolt system (Speedplay Frogs) - and know plenty others that do the same (mostly spd's), so your info does not chime with reality.

 

[Bazza412]

Thanks I went for the spd system

 

[Saluki]

I have Speedplays on my roadie. The cleats/mech have little hats to cover them so you can walk about. Not as easily as my SPDs and reserved cleats on the CX though.
I do like my Speedplays though, you just look like a costume duck walking though.

 

[Markymark]

Have had spd-sl on my road bike for nearly 2 years. 90% of my riding is in my commuter with flats.

Don't like the feeling of being clipped in. Don't like the pause if clipping in when negotiating some very busy junctions when leaving London. I ride my commuter in all weather conditions and never once have my feet slipped.

Will be putting flats back on my road bike next week for a month to see if I prefer.

 

[cyberknight]

I've done tt's and still do reasonably fast club rides on a 2-bolt system (Speedplay Frogs) - and know plenty others that do the same (mostly spd's), so your info does not chime with reality.

Me too, i use 2 bolt spds with a600 pedals and a number of riders including ride leaders use the same pedal system, Graeme Obree even prefers them .

 

[Salty seadog]

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...........

Could you please expand on that.......Genuinly interested in your thinking as I'm about to go clipless?

 

[Salty seadog]

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.

 

[AndyRM]

Could you please expand on that.......Genuinly interested in your thinking as I'm about to go clipless?

Not his thinking, but mine...

Like many things to do with cycling it comes down to preference. I use 2 and 3 bolt cleats for "proper" road cycling (whatever that is - vaguely competitive stuff outside the pro circuit I guess?) with similar results, largely dependant on how my body feels, not a pair of cleats!

 

[jonny jeez]

MTB pedals like this

are good for frequent stopping (commutes etc) as they are easy to get in and out of...and are super robust. Also, with an MTB or cross platform shoe, you can walk "normally" in the cleats...However without exception (for me) they have always developed an annoying creak on rides longer than about 30 miles or so ( I should be fair and add that I rode 1000 miles in them in one tour and they only creaksed a little...after frequent lubing). They also (again for me) can cause a numbness in the centre of my foot that spreads painfully to my little toes...after a long ride (80 miles plus). this may be due to shoe choice though as my shoes have a flexible sole

SPDSL pedals like this

Are less prone to causing numb feet as they seem to spread the contact area (plus tend to appeal to a rigid sole shoe) and seem to be creakless for a hundred miles or more.

My problem is I now have different shoes, cleats and pedals for all my bikes...its very confusing.

 

[jonny jeez]

Have had spd-sl on my road bike for nearly 2 years. 90% of my riding is in my commuter with flats.

Don't like the feeling of being clipped in. Don't like the pause if clipping in when negotiating some very busy junctions when leaving London. I ride my commuter in all weather conditions and never once have my feet slipped.

Will be putting flats back on my road bike next week for a month to see if I prefer.

I tried that on Chitty (my ancient MTB) when on a three day ride of the south coast and found it really hard going. I am amazed at how much I rely on the "Clippage". I ended up stopping in Andover to buy additional pedals, shoes and clips.