What's the best Pedal System for Road Cycling? - BikeFitTuesdays

[@KissTheGreat]

MTB SPD for me! First type of proper pedal I’ve tried, but the dual sidedness is best for me given how many lights I come against! Easy to get in and out of without looking, and the shoes are useful!

[@kerbodynamicx472]

What if you just use flat pedals if you are gonna get off often? and clipless pedals for long rides or rides in the rain. Personally I had no problem with flat pedals except in the rain, where the pedal becomes slippery and cause me to fall off when standing up and putting power.

[@draugmithrin]

@@kerbodynamicx472 Pedals with pins like the DMR V8 are grippy.

[@KNURKonesur]

Some people don't want to have multiple bikes and/or multiple pedal solutions and swapping them around between rides. I get the point of double sided SPDs, you get the flexibility of both and can use one bike for more thing without constantly fiddling with it.

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Ditto... MTB SPD. You can actually walk normally in these shoes!

[@polendri4812]

​@@kerbodynamicx472 You can get single-sided SPD pedals (e.g. Shimano PD-EH500), where the other side is flat. Great if you use the same bike both for long rides with cycling shoes and short hops with street shoes, at the cost of needing to fiddle with finding the correct side of the pedal.

[@leedarwell]

As a heavy rider. I find Speedplay great. No problems with durability and loads of adjustability. Allows the foot to move around so reduces any problems with knees etc. High recommended.

[@adammillsindustries.]

What dry lube do you put on the springs? We shouldn’t have to lube a cleat system.

[@altafidelidad2004]

After a motorcycle accident recovery I'm starting in the bicycle world and your videos are the best I've found in KZbin, very professional and well explained. Thank you very much. Greetings from Mexico!!

[@tylerlougheed569]

I ride Time pedals and I think the float sensation is fantastic. I tried look Keo and for me the float felt odd and unnatural - with look/spd the pivot is at your toes so all the really moves is your heel in an arc whereas with Time the float pivot is directly under the ball of your foot. Having ridden Time for 15+ years, I guess that's just what feels normal to me now.

[@Jim-ub9qy]

Thanks Francis! I just love listening to James talk bike stuff. I always learn something and really enjoy his forthright comments. Very knowledgeable guy. This is by far one of my favorite KZbin channels.

[@DominikLoeffler1]

I used the Shimano SPD (M520) on my road commuter bike for more than 10 years and totally loved it! These pedals are so robust and maintenance-free, it's ridiculous. I only just took them apart and cleaned/regreased them to sell as I'm trying some Look Keo Carbons. The stability of the Looks is incredible, but everything else is a major pain: clipping in/out, walking, getting on and off the bike (you can't even leisurely stand on one pedal for coasting without clipping in), getting the right lateral-medial/rotational/fore-aft fit, release tension has only 3 settings, cleats wear quickly, and lastly.... if you walk on a smooth floor like sealed garage concrete, you'll slip!

[@seattlegrrlie]

I really like a mtn bike style with clipless and flat. It allows me in an urban environment to decide if I want to wear a flat mtn bike shoe, a clipless mtn bike shoe, or just a regular normal shoe. While it's not the absolute best for power transfer, the versatility works for my needs

[@olivergroning6421]

I ride SPD (MTB) types on the road bike for more than 20 years and never encountered any 'contact area' problem. There are pedals with an extended contact area, still, you need to choose a shoe with super-stiff sole. So there is the advantage of being able to walk more or less normally. The drawback is the weight of shoe and pedal is usually quite a bit more than compared to a Look pedal system. Also, the choice of suitable shoes (i.e. MTB shoes for road bike purposes) is certainly much more limited.

[@PRH123]

Shimano themselves make some rather nice road type shoes for MTB SPD pedals. I've also ridden the MTB SPD pedals on my road and commuter bikes for years, it's nice being able to use any of my shoes (4 pairs) with any of my 3 bikes. I've also never experienced discomfort from the smaller contact patch, the stiffness of the shoes' soles seems to cover that. I have noticed one odd thing though with pedals I tried that have the MTB SPD cleat and a platform around it. Foot pain would start like 40 km into a ride, and I think it's because the platform is pushing up on the shoe and the cleat is pulling down, which creates a sort of wierd sensation and the discomfort. So I don't use those pedals. Results could vary I suppose depending on the shoes soles, but I ride only Shimano cleats...

[@scottmcrobb6937]

I use Shimano SPD purely because most of my cycling is commuting these days and a lot walking to and from the bike shed. Only have one bike and can't be arsed swapping pedals all the time so it made sense.

[@johndef5075]

Same set-up. I can ride any shoe with any bike.

[@EM-wd2vg]

Just switched from Time to Shimano SPD SL and cannot believe the difference. Used Time pedals for 20+ years but the latest incarnations are in my opinion the worst they have produced. Several pairs replaced under warranty due to the carbon blades snapping, bearing issues and poor cleat durability. Love the SPD's, and pleased I made the switch. Great series of videos BTW...

[@wayno110]

Love my speedplays ... The small contact pad is no issues. It feels solid. 12 years with speedplays. I had dura ace for 2 years, not bad too... But don't like to look down.

[@karl1120]

I recently switched from Dura Ace pedals w/ RC901 shoes to XTR pedals w/ XC901 shoes and love the feel. The contact patch is only small if your shoe is not adequately stiff enough, and at 196cm and 95kg, I need the stiffest everything, it seems. But the shoe interfaces perfectly with the pedal and feels exactly like a road pedal, albeit with an altogether heavier system. Great videos Francis!

[@mikeanders7885]

I've been on speedplays since 2001. Love them. Got a pair of ultegra a couple years ago. Other than a different way of clipping in,I didn't notice much difference in the feel. I still prefer my speedplays.

[@mikeanders7885]

Merry Christmas you guys

[@germanhugger41]

If I could just slap a pair of Shimano Ultegra SPD-SL pedals with the +4mm axles on my bike and ride comfortably, I would have saved myself a ton of money...I need the Speedplay 65mm/12mm longer than standard axles.. And their alloy fore-aft adapter plates, Plus the thicker Steve Hogg bike fit Speedplay fore-aft adapter plate to address a leg length discrepancy...I really wish the major manufacturers of pedals would offer several different spindle lengths, like Speedplay does... Apparently Shimano make a special half inch longer spindles for Mark Cavendish, as he prefers to ride a much wider stance width..

[@graphics_dev5918]

@@germanhugger41 www.bikefit.com/c-13-pedal-spacers-pedal-extenders.aspx

[@wayno110]

Love my speedplays... No issues after 12yrs

[@dfloper]

Speedplays are the best. Shame Wahoo ruined the pedals.

[@isaidgooddaysir2585]

Looking forward to more BFT's! Cheers chaps. I did think of a potential topic. - Now I've heard James in the past say that most people, or at least a lot of people, will run their saddle too high. There's also a lot of 'information' out there about how best to do this... and it all seems to centre around things like the 'LeMond method' etc and they all always still end up talking about the old 'plumb line' chestnut in relation to saddle position, so.. - Perhaps a video on exploding the myths around saddle height - Is the LeMond method valid? The old inseam multiplied by 0.883 business? Straight leg when heel is on the pedal? Etc. Because if none of these things are in fact particularly useful, then every one who Googles/KZbins this topic, to this day, is still getting the wrong info straight off the bat. Or straight off the buttock, as it were.. Anyway, yeah, cheers guys. ☮ Edit: spelling

[@Cade_Media]

In the works, it's quite a big video so we're setting aside a day to film!

[@DominicBurford]

I use my bike for audaxing, sportives and commuting and have used Shimano SPDs for over a decade. Not just for beginners but for experienced riders who love the durability, ease of use and practicality.

[@xiaoliuwu8539]

Just read the comment today. I learnt a new word “audax”. Thanks 🤗

[@SM_525]

As with every other thing cycling related, I went through a phase where I tried tons of pedals. When I started cycling, I was on Shimano SPD-SL. I then proceeded to run through Look, Time, Mavic, Exustar(combination of Look and Shimano), and finally, Speedplay to "save more weight". In the end, I went back to Shimano SPD-SL because they're simply the most stable, well built pedals, in my opinion. Out of all of them, I'd be least likely to use Speedplay again.

[@thekenthouse6428]

Never got used to Speedplays having put in about 300-400 miles, it vaguely felt like ice skating and couldn't be bothered with them, also went back to tried and true Shimano but want to try the Time X-Pro at some point

[@stevenshaw6766]

Started off using LOOK but, soon converted to Shimano SPDSL after a recommendation and never looked back. I have them on all my 3 road bikes so, no messing around. I prefer the blue cleats as I like a little float but not to the extent that the yellow ones give. Good article and well presented.

[@otm646]

The float is designed to accommodate natural angle variations during your stroke, it's not designed to restrict it. I'm not saying going to 2.5 degree was a bad idea but you need to be very cognizant of why you made that change.

[@paulhaughney7511]

What about power meter pedals as a lot of us are running them now.

[@richcole3931]

Potential topic - Knee alignment/tracking. How to tell if it's out? Can a rider look down and see it? How can cleat adjustment change this?

[@JonathonDoig]

Yay, you all made it back ok 👌 BFJ's BFT filmed, who knows when, released on a Friday 🙄 1. Why is the red SPD-SL, and presumably the black Look cleat, the work of the devil? I ride black look cleats and they work very well for me. I know there is 0° float but, that's what attracted them to me. Looking forward to more BFT's 👌🎥

[@cleggycyclist]

I've been thinking of changing to zero float so interested to hear what James has to say on this

[@fiddleronthebike]

I'm riding with Time Xpressos for many years and love them. What I felt immediately when I changed from Look (pre Keo) to Time was the much more stable stand, may be due to the larger contact patch. No problems neither on the road bike nor on the TT bike - and they are ridiculous light, ~65 g with titanium axle and only a bit more with steel axle!

[@Craig_Beale]

James could definately have his own bikefit James channel now! Can you cover correct saddle height and whether any of the formula ie lemond etc are right?

[@grahamwynde1176]

Great vid and useful to have James’s candour - easy for me to say perhaps as I’m a Shimano SPD SL user. Significantly and personally I’ve a serious chronic knee injury/damage (hit by a car +40 years ago) but with these pedals well set up and knowing a few off bike rehab exercises (when necessary) I’ve had no truly serious problems over the last 10 years or so which doesn’t seem bad for a relatively old, relatively over weight rider like me.

[@kevinthomson6324]

I swapped from road set up to crank brothers egg beaters and a walkable shoe and it was a game changer. So much easier to clip in and night and day difference during cafe stops and even just walking out of the house. No more slips on the steps into the garage on my way out. And i don’t notice any difference out on the road. I even find it safer when stopped at traffic lights thanks to the extra grip from the shoes on the ground when stopped.

[@darrellstyner0001]

I agree. I used SPD for a few years but could never get them set up quite right and started getting pain in my left knee. I switched to Crank Bros. Candy pedals and have never looked back. The Candy pedals have a larger contact patch like SPD, but they're much easier to get in and out of. I'm always the first one across the street on group rides as all the SPD users are falling to the left and trying to get their second foot in the pedal. I just put my foot down and go.

[@daleboisselle8121]

Good morning from sunny Florida! Great video. One comment that might be helpful. I am not a small rider and I use Shimano PD-A600 SPD pedals on my Roubaix and Tarmac. Shoes matter. I wear the Shimano SH-XC5 because of the carbon sole. If you are running pedals with a smaller contact, pay attention to your shoes.

[@glbernini0]

I've been riding Crank Bros Candy Ti for 8 years on my road bike & love them. Can't beat shoes you can walk in!

[@ericrickert3045]

I agree about Shimano. My first pedal system was Shimano 105 that I bought about 14 years ago, and still have them. As long as I keep the cleats adjusted all the way back on my shoes, I am golden.

[@dominic8055]

Good to have BikeFitTuesdays (not on a Tuesday) back! I hope that you will discuss the topic of placement of the gear shifter (hoods). I struggled myself to set them up correctly. Because the position interact a lot with the position and shape of your handlebars. I am a long small ride and ride a 40 cm Compact (Zipp) handlebar I moved my hoods in a bit in to get more comfort in my hand position on long rides. If I place my hoods straight on the length of the handlebars I get a Twinkle in my hands after 3 hours+ rides. I know this could mean many things but replace the hoods inwards seems the only thing that helps. I see lots of people with a strange position of their hoods. Hope you can help them! Keep up the video’s Francis, best bike video’s on the internet!

[@50sma17]

Brilliant video! I've bought the Shimano SPD for my new road bike and a pair of Specialised shoes. I'm a new rider and I need to say the combo fits like a glove! I'm riding on all kinds of surfaces across UK. No complaints so far apart from the fact that they were a bit hard to clip on in the beginning. I've adjusted them(+/-) and sprayed a bit of GT85. Perfect now!

[@gethinap]

Quite pleased with James' Shimano M540 SPD recommendation. I personally bought mine because you only need a spanner to service them and not a specific tool.

[@wheelwizard8563]

Welcome back Not to mention the constant maintenance of the bearings of Speedplay pumping grease through them after the slightest drop of water gets near them. And you were on the money about the wear of the cleat retaining circlip of them too

[@BananaChipzzz]

Wheel Wizard exactly. Also, get any dirt in the cleat and you'll have a nightmare clipping-in.

[@onilovni1234]

I used Shimano pedals for 10 years and went through numerous bike fitters and options to cure knee pain (custom insoles, arch support, shoe wedges...) Last year, I changed for Speedplay and I believe the stability is almost as good as Shimano with the new iteration by Wahoo. As for the ease of adjustment, nothing can beat the precision Speedplay offers since you can change the fore/aft position independently from the left/right unlike other cleats. They cured my knee pain and I'm not going back to Shimano ever.

[@JoSantino147]

Sounds like my SPD were the absolute perfect choice for me as a rider. So satisfying to know! Thank you guys!!

[@stevedong5117]

Check out the latest ES600 pedal, they are designed specifically for road riders with SPDs. They are as light as road pedals and provides an extra surface for support, also it has super low profile for aero dynamics (not very helpful though).

[@christian_traxler]

@@stevedong5117 I use them too and I'll stick to them. Great pedals!

[@joshlock925]

Perfect video for right now actually. My bike was stolen along with my shimano m530 pedals. With a new gravel bike on the horizon I was considering moving to the m520 of 40's so this has given me some good food for thought in regards to contact etc. Cheers chaps. Good to see you back at it francis loved the Vietnam series

[@shanen.6210]

I've been riding spd pedals for years. Never had a problem. Used to ride look pedals but rather have the comfort than bigger contact patch with the pedal. The shoe should give you most of your stability anyways

[@picknicker1990]

The original clipless pedal system (apart from the Cinelli M71 or some other early attempts) would be Look Delta, which is still available nowadays.

[@TheRobinparsons]

Bigger rider here - have to say I love the speed plays and wouldn’t change them at all on my roadbike. Did LEJOG on them and had no issues on that, or the 15k miles I’ve done on it since. But I can understand why some don’t like them. I got them because they’re super easy to clip in and clip out, but in fairness the cleats can wear out quickly - I agree with you there. The Aeros are a lot better given the covers they have and since using those I find myself going through cleats a lot less often...

[@serslanddesign]

Mint! This was well done. I have seen lots of riders and their peddles, the best (bike fitted) ones have a peddle type they use and don't deviate from it.

[@CatManDoSocial]

I've been using Speedplay pedals since 1998 and have loved them and never had any issues with them. However, watching all of these videos with James saying how much he dislikes them and how much he likes the Shimano platform, I decided to purchase a pair of Ultegra pedals. I can definitely say that the MUCH larger platform of the Shimano system is very noticeable. I still think the Speedplays are good (for me anyway) but I do agree that the larger Shimano platform is much better, especially when out of the saddle, and I'll be sticking with them. More excellent advice from James.

[@JFabric500]

Double sided pedals so I can wear my tennis shoes for commuting and then clip in when going for a longer ride.

[@p49N]

One topic that might fly is hip pain. I rode in a fairly aggressive high-forward position for 20 years to max out power, then (due to chronic knee pain) was fitted 7mm lower and all the way back on seatpost with 30 mm setback, as in plum centre over spindal , minus 10 mm. I use 175 cranks (I'm 184 cm 95 kg), but within 1 - 2 years developed osteo mineral accumulation in the hips, riding is always painful now. Seems when we move back it loads the hips differently. So my practitioner who also does fits have have suggested reducing the hip range required by moving the saddle forward 10mm and up 5mm to see if that helps.. Hips: long term considerations. Thanks again for the great content.

[@huntmule]

After a lifetime of using Look and Shimano, I'm on my 4th year on Speedplay. By far the best. I will never go back.

[@Toysrme]

Shimano pd-m540 on my road bike. Love’em!

[@sandycheeks6748]

SPD with combi pedals... it's the most versatile for your all around bike. you can use it with shoes with recessed cleats and with normal shoes. I got those on my road bike and on my city bike... it offers all the the stability I need and fits/works everytime with any shoe. On the trails I would however recommend a dual sided SPD to be able to engage the pedals more easily.

[@dfloper]

The original Speedplay is the best bike pedal system ever invented. I had problems with my knees caused by using shimano SPD pedals for 10 years and more. Eventually is stopped cycling for 1 year. My doctor pointed out that my knees during cycling have a natural motion that is restricted by the SPD pedals. I changed my pedals on the MTB to flat and noticed that my knee pain was gone. Eventually i tried Speedplay and it solved all my problems. They are fantastic. The small contact point mentioned is a non issue. You just have to use decent shoes with a stiff sole.

[@67daltonknox]

I agree with other commentators that MTB shoes and pedals work well because you can walk in them. I use crankbrothers eggbeaters which are light and reliable.

[@paulcollins4932]

Started with Shimano, been using speedplay for the last 6 years, admittedly they need to be maintained regularly. But they have a natural feel to them and engage easily provided you look after the cleats on your shoes

[@incars1000]

The practicality of being able to walk to the coffee shop like a normal person puts the SPD MTB top for me. Been trail biking for years on them before I started road biking around 7 years ago. Now I'm getting into TTs and quite happy to still be rocking the same pedals even when sprinting. Never had any issues with the contact area or play when properly adjusted, I think that's a bit of a myth (and a style thing) or only applicable to people putting out silly watts.

[@germanhugger41]

Yes agreed Speedplay are a higher maintenance pedal system.. If you run the appropriate length pedal spindle, you shouldn't have any issues with abnormal cleat wear..

[@waisinglee1509]

Glad to see you guys back! Yay for Bike Fit Tuesdays! I am actually going to move over to a flat pedal system but I am not a roadie per se.

[@dcolum23]

I am so close to pulling the trigger on Speedplays, but I hesitated… and this video definitely helped me reconsider it seriously.

[@Cade_Media]

The new ones since wahoo took ownership might be completely different, haven't had a chance to try them yet

[@lovenottheworld5723]

Instability on the pedal can be good if your bio mechanics is a bit funny. Just like most people do well with a bit of float, some people do well with a bit of foot rocking on the pedal. It lets the pressure out so to speak. That's what I think.

[@avramrosner7685]

Thanks! Will change out of my Speedplay hot spot devices today !

[@walcottav]

Thanks again gents. Interesting, James confirmed much of my own pedal journeys through the decades, though I have no experience with Time. 1) Original Look system adopter, absolutely brilliant from day one 2) tried Shimano SPD-SL because they were fitted on a new bike - cleats too massive for my foot (women's US size 8.5), release was too difficult, back to Look 3) adopted SPD's for commuting with flat shoe capable on one side, single SPD on the other - really flexible usage I've never had to change until now 4) tried Speedplay after injury issues - absolute nonsense, back to Look 5) have finally had to replace the SPD commuter pedals (20+ years strong w/ good maintenance) to SPD xc/enduro-style for double-sided entry and solid platform. I really prefer a stiff-soled shoe & pedal connection. Guess its the roadie background and love of power transfer and works well (for me) whether commuting, errand running, touring, general multi-surface riding.

[@lekobiashvili945]

Hi! I agree with you about mountain SPD pedals being less stable due to narrower platform, but you didn't mention the road/touring single sided version of the SPD. After years of using multiple SPD-SL & KEO models I was tired of being unable walk with my bike shoes. Then I decided to try some Shimano touring models. I now have the ES600 and A600 models and I can say they are pretty much indistinguishable from the classic SPD according to stability. I just measured the usable platform width of some pedals I have here, and it is 64mm for PD-9000, 51mm for PD-R540, 62mm for PD-A600 and 61mm for PD-ES600.

[@MrIammattsanders]

Watching this I'd like to know more about SPD pedals and shoes for them. I ride mostly for commute/shopping/pleasure rides on cycle routes.

[@draugmithrin]

Shimano PD-A520 Touring SPD Pedals for me, good support and it's inevitable that most of us need to walk with cycling shoes on, cafe stops, getting something from shops etc. The amount of people I see sporting dangerous wrecked plastic road cleats amazes me .I used rubber covers for my SPD-L's, even then the cleats needed replacing often, whereas spd cleats usually last as long as the shoe.

[@draugmithrin]

Update: Thought I'd try SPD-L's again, got some 550's and really like them. The tension out of the box was tight but feels nice and locked in for sprinting and high cadence, have been setting pb's since using them. Got my 540's on turbo bike and also had gains. Have stocked up on cleats, be careful not to buy fakes (buy only from trusted retailers) as they don't last as long as the genuine ones in my experience. Got some new road shoes too with plenty of rubber on heels.

[@MsBrianevan]

Check crankbrotters peddels for MTB 4 sids for ingating and very lite

[@sandgroper1970]

I started out with Look Keo 2, and rode with those for several years. Then I swapped to Speedplay, absolutely love them, especially the double sided entry. I am a heavier rider but I probably don't put out massive amounts of power. Never have had any problems with them.

[@detmer87]

Fully agree. Another annoyance of Speedplay is that they start creaking after 5000km.

[@JanHendrikHeuschkel]

Bought the E1 Ultegra based on a video and had knee pain within 3km. Fit before you buy!

[@Barrygee]

I use Shimano ES600 SPD pedals with MTB shoes on a gravel bike on the road and I use continental GP5000 tubeless road tyres with tubes in them...I’m sure many cork sniffers sneer at me but the setup suits me just fine and that’s the most important thing...if it works for you then that’s what you should use.

[@fritzwalter1112]

im just a beginner and have only one bike for everything. therefore i use mtb spd pedals, where one side is just flat, so i can use it properly with normal shoes, the other side works with bike shoes. works great so far.

[@austinpowers1044]

Yes!!!! Love it!!!! Bike Fit James is the man!!!! If you are ever in the states I would love to get a bike fit!!!!

[@thecrowfliescrooked]

I've used zero since they came out. Great for triathlon too.

[@MrSmoothasf]

Cool Video. One thing I disagree with is the quality of the m520 vs m540. The bearings may be better but they usually need to be changed after 2 years (still faaaaar better than most) the m520s seem to last literally forever, I've never had a pair die or rebuilt any of them.

[@richardharker2775]

One of the unspoken secrets of the Shimano systems is bearings. They use different grades down the line. You can buy the lower cost item whether it it is wheels bottom brackets pedals etc and swap out the bearing for high quality ones either Shimano or after market NTN, SKF etc and have the smoothest running components that will have a much better service life.

[@AlphasonikK]

Totally agree, have been riding M520 on my road bike for the last 8 years and around 28k KM, still spin like new. I've cleaned my bike every 400 dry KM or after every wet ride, so I don't think I overly baby the thing.

[@r.k.hegeler9794]

I found when setting up cleats/pedals for someone, or myself, ad tiny bit of oil on all connecting parts of the cleat and pedal. This gives a very good sense of the float area and gets the feel if you hit one end easily while pedaling or if you are right in the middle. On Crit races, I always added oil on the center contact patch to have a more direct connection to the pedals,

[@jeffpedals]

Race face Chester's on my road bike & mtb...& I don't care if people think it's strange. I've been down the clipless pedal road b4 & found I could never remain comfortable for 2 long on any of the styles. I'm comfortable now so that's what's important 2 me.

[@RealGriz]

I have ridden Speedplays for 20 plus years. I am a heavy rider and put out power. I have had no issues. I guess I am lucky, or that my LBS sets my cleats up well.

[@Kenneth7ster]

Speedplays are totally the way to go. Much more aerodynamic and lighter sytem. I have walkabales so I can walk around.

[@Knud451]

Would also be interesting with a video on how you objectively set up your cleats, based on all the measurement you can see on your equipment.

[@Cade_Media]

We'll do a video on this... First problem, markers printed on the bottom of shoes are often printed badly and in the wrong place!

[@pikaporeon]

Was a look guy for most of my road days 20 years ago. My commuter bike has a set thats SPD on one side and flat on the other; getting a new bike and going to try out SPDSL and see how it is

[@alexanderwendelbo1447]

Nice thoughts on the speedplay! Thanks! Looking forward to seeing the series grow

[@johnnydoe66]

I once had Time iclic pedals, loved them except for one fact; I kept breaking the cleats. I actually had a friend who used them until he broke off the front of the pedal while clipping in mid-ride. My friends and I use Look Keo Max 2's exclusively now with no issues and the cleats last at least a year or 4-5k miles which ever comes first. I always recommend Shimano Mountain SPD pedals to new riders who are scared of riding clipless because of their ease of entry and exit because of their adjustability in spring tension.

[@johndef5075]

That would be f-ed up! Especially far from home. Agree about mtb for new riders.

[@elieli3299]

having used LOOK SPD-SL alike road cleat, Shimano SPD & Crankbrothers , currently on my 3 bikes, I would personally prefer a carbon XC shoes that’s using SPD alike cleat. When I got my Scott Foil in 2021, I started it with SPD for first 500km and subsequently changed to LOOK pedal with a pair of carbon sole GIRO road shoes. After cycling on this bike for 10000km, I changed the LOOK road pedal to a pair of SPD pedals, using Shimano 3 hole converter (SMSH-41) SPD cleat adaptor on the same pair of GIRO road shoes 2 days ago. I absolutely do not experience/feel that there is any loss of power delivery to pedal stroke, instability, or tighter clip in or whatever. I guess the loss of power to pedal for some users may be due to different type of shoe sole used for SPD & SPD-SL as road shoes are mostly carbon and XC shoes are rubber. I know it as I have XC carbon shoes and rubber shoes In fact I was happy that I can walk normally now when I use the other pair of XC shoes. I’m happy now and will be giving away the LOOK Road pedal and cleats soon

[@johnjursic3582]

Thanks for the great info! Your excellent insight has definitely made my pedal and shoe selection a breeze. I already have the Dura Ace SPD-SL. Topping it off with Lake shoes has been a fantastic pairing. Thanks guys!

[@jiyon167]

I’ve tried all road pedals, even Keywin. But I always gravitate back to Shimano SPD-R. Just feel stiffer, I like the feel of the stiffer float. I can try to explain the float on Time iClic. The float feels like it try’s centralise your foot when the spring is at the least amount of tension, it feels very smooth. Speedplay are just not worth the hassle, with SPD-R you just fit and forget. Yes I am an absolute pedal geek. I even wrote assignment an on them as part of my Design & Innovation degree.

[@Channel_Yo]

Love my Time pedals. Will get them again when I upgrade my bike.

[@michaelanderson6764]

Another extremely well-done and helpful video guys. Thank you!

[@IdolOracle]

My bike fitter also suggested I should get rid of my Look's when they wear out and go for Shimano. Seems to be a popular thought

[@Cade_Media]

They are very similar systems but the Shimano is a bit better in our opinion (cleats last longer).

[@zubietap]

As a look pedal user I feel alright with the system. The only change I would think about would be shimano, which is the most alike, too. First video I watch from your channel and I liked it, I may consider subscription.

[@graemeveevers7053]

From the content you've provided previously, I've already made the switch to Lake shoes based on all the advice from you and James, and even booked myself onto a bike fitting course to learn the trade and hopefully combine it with my sport therapy work. Looking forward to the new content, any of which is useful so no specific request from me, yet!

[@stephenbetley9596]

Rode Time for years, since Big Mig's time. Finally moved to keo's this year. Still getting used to them. Float on time is a center pivot vs rear for the keo's. Still the best float mechanism out there imo considering contact size as well. When Shimano 'eventually' come out with an spd-sl pedal power meter I might convert again.

[@zoid88]

SPD for me. One pair of shoes for both my road and mountain bike, I can actually walk around meaning rides out can involve a lot more than just riding. I've for the M530 trail pedals, slightly larger area but i've never had any issues even with the smaller SPD pedals.

[@john-tomlinson]

I had one of the first pairs of Looks - won them in a bike race in the 80s, but they scared me. I'd become very particular about the shoe/pedals so I gave them away without trying them. A few years later I moved off clips/straps to Looks with some float and that was OK. Then I switched to road SPDs by Shimano. These were road pedals with a small cleat similar to SPD for mountain pedals. They were made at the Ultegra and Dura-Ace levels, and I used both for many years. Worked well and were very light. Although the cleats were much smaller than Looks, they felt just as stable, perhaps because the fundamental quality was higher. The Dura-Ace pedal was a work of art and the cleats were metal. At a certain point they stopped being made as Shimano switched to SPD-R. I tried those for a few months and hated them - the float was not smooth. The pedals looks great but just would not work for me. So I went back to road SPD and stockpiled several pairs of pedals and many pairs of cleats. I continued on those for a decade. Eventually road shoes stopped being made for that system so I switched to SPD-SL. Great also and I haven't looked back. My knees are a little fidgety, so I appreciate float. A few times I've considered Speedplays due to the raves about the massive float, but that large amount of movement seems over the top to me. I see another commenter A Mc call Speedplay "absolute nonsense" and that is my impression. So never got on them. I set my cleats so my feet are generally in the center of the range of limited float (using yellow Shimano cleats) and that seems right. I suspect I could get the blue (lesser float) to work too, but would not try zero float - a little movement is good.

[@domestique3954]

To be able to walk on bike shoes i recently got. the Look S track ti for one of my Road bikes-they are superb-much better than the xtr with twice as much Space to stand on.Also very easy to fit.👍🏼

[@maveriks463]

The one that's most comfortable for your physiology...... But imho speedplay.👍 Time great too.

[@felixkrogull478]

Still rocking bike fit tuesdays in 2024💪

[@andybrown8293]

MTB spd for me, been using them for years. Never had issues and cheaper than any other type.

[@dantemalla3753]

There is one cloaked area on the ideal RB pedal system. A MTB retention system on a RB platform. I'm enjoying my Shimano PD A520 matched with a China made carbon soled shoes. You guys should seriously look at this option.

[@chocolate101203]

Loving the content! I use crankbrother candy mtb pedals on both my road and fixed gear bikes. Love them! One of the issues brought up in the previous video was not being able to use external wedges on mtb shoes. I was actually able to find some for mine and they work great.

[@TheBassallyear100]

I use speedplay but with Northwave shoes and their speedplay inserts. Pedal body sits virtually right on the carbon sole which significantly reduced the pedal rock described by James that I experienced with my prior Giro shoes using the 3-hole speedplay adapters. I've also used shimano and time in the past. Pretty content with what I have right now but they are needy of regular maintenance.

[@Chrisb286]

Pedals explained in 11 minutes, love it. Welcome back Bike Fit Tuesday, we have missed you.

[@yewnammak750]

Agree with all the evaluations except spd mtb pedals. I have used it since 2003 after converting from look type pedals. I have never found any instability issues on it. Perhaps you may wanna try a blind fold test between look/shimano road spd with this spd mtb to bust the myth. Cheers

[@chiman5732]

Use SPD purely because I dont need to swap shoes from road to MTB. Too many people get hung up about what matches what bike and brand when for me it's the enjoyment of getting out and cycling regardless of what brand you are using. I ride a TCR using MTB pedals! Wait for it.........

[@JSC131]

Thouroghly enjoyable thankyou James for explaining pedals keep um coming Francis brilliant.

[@romube]

Great stuff, keep on going! I am missing the PD-ES600 stile Pedals in the line up. I am using these and like them very much.

[@vongdong10]

I started on SPD, wasn't a fan of the way of clipping in and it just didn't feel that secure. Swapped to SPD SL and it was such a huge difference. The wider platform felt much more secure and it was easier to clip in and out, a little bit of a pain to clip back in from a stop though. Currently trying out speedplay. A little hard to clip in but I'm sure it will be easier over time. Love the dual sided clip in and love the float.

[@AndrewBlucher]

Good call on SPD being good for commuters, very quick to get started after traffic lights. Also a good first cleat. Very forgiving. I had a chuckle about Look pedals on a bike running Campagnolo - exactly my case 😄

[@aidanoliphant]

I would really appreciate you and James doing a video on power meters for road cycling! Crank power vs pedal power and your real world experience and not just the marketing bs!

[@Cade_Media]

Really not our expertise - check out GPlama (Shane Miller) for proper power meter reviews. But if you want my very short opinion: avoid stages, Garmin vectors, rotor power. Look at Infocrank (if you want the best data possible) or SRM (aesthetics and functionality), Quarq (a bit cheaper, still accurate).