Shimano Dura Ace 7900 SPD-SL Pedals

[smokeysmoo]

Is anyone using these new DA pedals yet?
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+...himano+Dura+Ace+7900+SPD-SL+Pedals_PD7900.htm
I've sold my Speedplay's so I can have one pedal system across both bikes. The new pedals will be going on the CAAD, and for those that don't know me and my CAAD, I do like a bit of bling
That said I can't decide if it's worth the extra for the DA over the Ultegra version here;
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+...Ultegra+6700+Carbon+SPD-SL+Pedals_PD6700C.htm
Any thoughts/advice/opinions welcome

 

[2PedalsTez]

I've got the Ultegra's fitted on my bike (although mine are the 'grey' ones and not the new look ones).
As for difference, I'm pretty certain a mortal like me wouldn't notice or benefit from the difference, but if I could afford them, I'd have them on my bike in an instant! (Bling factor )
I imagine there is a tiny difference in weight and the bearings will differ.

Does look sexy though

 

[accountantpete]

I have used the old type DA/Ultegra's and if I concentrated really really hard I could swear that the DA's were a bit smoother. The lighter weight is definitely not something that hits you.

However, the DA's were a lot harder wearing as regards developing play after two or three seasons.

 

[dellzeqq]

honestly - no. The SL system isn't the greatest - it's not as firm as the old R system, and the plastic cleats have to be treated with kid gloves. I'd always say that DA is worth the step up from Ultegra (except that the DA headset isn't all that) but the basic design of SL pedals doesn't seem worth the premium price. (And I've got the DA SLs)

 

[G-Zero]

I was faced with the DA vs. Ultegra decision earlier in the week when I picked the new road bike up.

It's DA spec, but the LBS didn't have the DA pedals in stock, so rather than delaying getting out on the bike, I opted for the Ultegra PD6700-C. I would have happily paid the extra for the DA if they'd been in stock; and they remain an option for a future upgrade, with the Ultegras going to my wife, when she gets her road bike.

The Ultegras were a fair bit cheaper and are supposed to be harder wearing than the lighter weight DA 7900s, however that advice seems to be at odds with accountantpete's experience of them ( ^^Above^^)

This is my first road bike, so time will tell.

 

[accountantpete]

The Ultegras were a fair bit cheaper and are supposed to be harder wearing than the lighter weight DA 7900s, however that advice seems to be at odds with accountantpete's experience of them ( ^^Above^^)

This is my first road bike, so time will tell.

My comments were about the old style DA's - I haven't used the 7900's so lets hope they have upgraded the Ultegra.

 

[G-Zero]

My comments were about the old style DA's - I haven't used the 7900's so lets hope they have upgraded the Ultegra.

Fingers crossed

 

[CopperCyclist]

honestly - no. The SL system isn't the greatest - it's not as firm as the old R system, and the plastic cleats have to be treated with kid gloves. I'd always say that DA is worth the step up from Ultegra (except that the DA headset isn't all that) but the basic design of SL pedals doesn't seem worth the premium price. (And I've got the DA SLs)

Really? That's interesting, I love my SLs. However, I've never ridden anything except SPD and SPD-SL so maybe it's a lack of variety on my part that has me missing out. I've always found them give a much better contact patch than the basic SPDs (which you'd expect ofc) and would have recommended them. I'm still on my first set of cleats too, with about 3000 miles on them.

Interestingly my LBS only stock and recommend Look Keo, but as I started and have the Ultegra pedals already on the CX, it's not really financially viable for me to start getting any other sort of pedal on new bikes - whilst I am getting on with them ofc.

 

[smokeysmoo]

I've never had any issues with SPD-SL myself TBH. I have a set of basic ones on the commuter, and I've been using Speedplay Zero on the CAAD. Trouble is I want to have the same cleats on both my shoes and my boots, and I can't warrant putting SP Zeros on the commuter!
I've now sold the SP pedals to a mate of mine, so come pay day I need to be making a decision because as it stands I can't ride the CAAD

 

[dellzeqq]

Really? That's interesting, I love my SLs. However, I've never ridden anything except SPD and SPD-SL so maybe it's a lack of variety on my part that has me missing out. I've always found them give a much better contact patch than the basic SPDs (which you'd expect ofc) and would have recommended them. I'm still on my first set of cleats too, with about 3000 miles on them.

Interestingly my LBS only stock and recommend Look Keo, but as I started and have the Ultegra pedals already on the CX, it's not really financially viable for me to start getting any other sort of pedal on new bikes - whilst I am getting on with them ofc.

agreed SLs are a big step up from standard SPDs - but, as I say, the old SPD-R system was way better than either. The so-called 'no-float' SLs have a good deal of wobble in them, whereas the 'no-float' Rs were absolutely bolted on to the pedal - you simply couldn't tell where your foot ended and the crank began.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Well the decision was made at weekend, and the CAAD is now wearing her lovely new DA 7900 pedals, and I must say they compliment things very nicely

I've literally just fit them and have no chance to ride tonight as I'm off to badminton in 15 mins, but I'll check the tension when I get back later and then with the weather being what it is this week I think I'll be having a CAAD shaped commute tomorrow

I know exactly what to expect as I have basic SPD-SL pedals on the Ribble already. Thanks for the replies, but I think I already know which way I'd go before I started the thread