What difference do pedals make?

[magnatom]

On my new go faster bike, I have installed spd pedals similar to the ones on my old bike. This means I can use the same shoes. no faffing and no need to buy new shoes. However, I hear people suggesting that I should be using road specific pedals and shoes. Hmmm. How much difference would changing to road specific pedals actually make. Is it really worth it for a percent or two increase in efficiency ? (what are the actual improvement figures?)

 

[TheDoctor]

FWIW I found no difference between Look and SPD for cycling. SPD are a gazillion times better for walking to / from cafes and the like.

 

[jpembroke]

I've used SPDs on a road bike - and still use them on my MTB and 'cross bikes - but I much prefer Looks now for road use. They have a far bigger interface, feel stiffer, more secure and more comfortable on long rides. And you are far less likely to have accidental 'unclips' using Look-style pedals (usually and issue in sprints or hauling it up very steep hills). Agreed though, they are a pain in the a*se to walk on, but that's not what they are designed for.

 

[papercorn2000]

I use SPDs on all my winter bikes - trainer, commuter and fixie. Cleats last longer than Looks - don't feel any other difference.

 

[Eat MY Dust]

"What difference do pedals make?"

Try taking them off and see how far you get!!

 

[jpembroke]

Ooh, I've just thought of something. If you suffer from IT band pain, Look pedals allow you to lock your foot in one position or give a small amount of arc whereas SPD seem to let your foot float all over the place. My right foot naturally wants to point slightly inwards. Trouble is, if I let it get away with its evil plan I am crippled with pain from my IT band (outside of right knee) after about 30 miles. I have to lock that sucker down.

 

[magnatom]

Ooh, I've just thought of something. If you suffer from IT band pain, Look pedals allow you to lock your foot in one position or give a small amount of arc whereas SPD seem to let your foot float all over the place. My right foot naturally wants to point slightly inwards. Trouble is, if I let it get away with its evil plan I am crippled with pain from my IT band (outside of right knee) after about 30 miles. I have to lock that sucker down.

Actually, I'm a difficult case. Three knee operations on my right knee (judo took it's toll!). If I get knee pain, it tends to be in the inside of my knee.

EMD, my son did quite well on his wobble bike, so I might give it a go. I might even be able to go faster!

 

[ChrisKH]

Actually, I'm a difficult case. Three knee operations on my right knee (judo took it's toll!). If I get knee pain, it tends to be in the inside of my knee.

EMD, my son did quite well on his wobble bike, so I might give it a go. I might even be able to go faster!

Snap. Three ops on right knee. But funnily it's the left knee which is giving me jip after using SPD's at the weekend. I must get the Frog pedals fixed on my road bike and see if they make any difference.

 

[4F]

Snap. Three ops on right knee. But funnily it's the left knee which is giving me jip after using SPD's at the weekend. I must get the Frog pedals fixed on my road bike and see if they make any difference.

Chris, nah thats just old age creeping up on you

 

[John the Monkey]

On longer rides, the smaller SPD cleat can cause problems for some people (a lot of pressure going through a relatively small area). I wouldn't really worry about it unless you're covering more than 20 miles, say (that's when I start to wish I'd changed my pedals over, in any case )

My experiences (SPD-SL vs SPD) are here, for what it's worth; http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=12063&highlight=road+pedal

 

[fossyant]

To keep costs down, then stick with SPD's. You won't notice much difference if you have a good stiff pair of shoes.

 

[magnatom]

To keep costs down, then stick with SPD's. You won't notice much difference if you have a good stiff pair of shoes.

They aren't too bad, specialized sonoma from a few years ago (lace ups).

I'll stick with the SPDs for now.

Thanks guys.

 

[HLaB]

When I first got a road bike I did similar to you (A510 spd pedals) before eventually upgrading to SPD-SLs. I never had a problem with a hot spot or whatever it is called, perhaps its because the A510's are tiuring pedals with a cage. I've since transferred them to my winter bike and invested in a stiffer soled pair of shoes and I don't think I notice the difference and the walkability issue is a big plus for me, especially at this time of year.

 

[jimboalee]

+1 Fossyant.

A good pair of shoes of the correct WIDTH fitting.