Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Which holds better Eggbeater or Shimano SPD?

I currently use Shimano M520 pedals with single release cleats at max tension. I find that after 300mi or so of clip/unclip wear the cleat is worn enough to allow accidental unclip (very often on skidding, sometime on hard accerlation).

An option I am considering are the Crank Bros. Candy C pedal (eggbeater with platform), I picked up the yellow ones on sale at Performance.

I have heard mixed reports from LBS people, some say eggbeaters are immune to clip wear unlike Shimano SPD. Others say that they are looser than Shimano.

I can't try them for 300-500mi to see if they wear to easy, because by then they will be too worn to return.

Any advice? All I want is clipless pedal than allows for a recessed cleat that holds well enough for fixed gear use.

Al

I've had the same experience with SPDs.

I switched over to eggbeaters two years ago, and I have never come unclipped accidentally while using them.

eggbeaters aren't "immune to cleat wear".
But IMHO they hold much better than SPDs. haven't unclipped yet, 1000 mi since switching over.

If you're looking for tension adjustment, then get the Shimanos. The eggbeaters come with one tension and it might be too loose if you're used to Shimanos adjusted tightly. I say, just replace your cleats.

I thought that the Crank Bros wore faster, since they're brass instead of steel. I haven't tried out Shimanos, so I don't know how they hold up...

Q: Which holds better Eggbeater or Shimano SPD?




A: Time

I thought that the Crank Bros wore faster, since they're brass instead of steel. I haven't tried out Shimanos, so I don't know how they hold up...

Brass? Really? That seems like a very soft metal for a cleat.

Brass? Really? That seems like a very soft metal for a cleat.I think the logic is something like "rather wear out the cleat than the pedal."

I think the logic is something like "rather wear out the cleat than the pedal."

That's what the fine print in the guides says, anyway.

I have no problems unclipping with Candies. However, there is a bit of a problem with only being "kind of clipped in" I have noticed. You do have to be sure you are clipped in completely. I don't know how this works, but occasionally I get the cleat kind of wedged in but not clipped in completely.

Oh, and I love them, but I don't really skid that much due to knee problems.

Thanks for the inputs so far. Looks like a mixed message just like I got from different employees at the same LBS.

I do have the Shimanos at max tension and I do replace the cleat every 300mi because after 300mi they start to unclip when I don't want them to, like I said its not just skidding (which I do rarely) but also on hard acceleration, when pulling up it will sometimes pop out, I haven't crashed yet, but come close, which is unnerving when starting out hard at a green light with lots of traffic behind me. I want to put this unclipping issue to rest and not have to change cleats every 250mi or so. Yes time is an option too, but more costly.

Al

I don't know if eggbeaters are immune to cleat wear, but they certainly hold up well.

I really liked the frog speedplays, because they were TOTALLY immune to wear. I've had my eggbeaters for not very long and there is a noticable difference in tension.

My speedplays on the other hand had excellent tension for the life of the pedal (longer than I've had the eggbeaters thus far). The only downsides are: 1) take some getting used to (LOTS of float, almost like riding on ice cubes), but are great once you do and 2) really expensive. I got mine used for $20, but I never replaced a missing screw and the pedal body exploded :[

Anyway, that's my two cents.

Thanks for the inputs so far. Looks like a mixed message just like I got from different employees at the same LBS.


Al


You always get mixed messages on this board. Particularly when it comes to clippless pedals. It always seems like there is an eggbeater vs time crowd in here. The conclusion I came to is that both are good. I do have to make one more point on the eggbeaters, they are the easiest pedals I have ever had to get into and out of. I also like the fact that the float feels almost like gradual resistance until you unclip. So, instead of just floating freely like I do in my SPD SLs and then there is tension where I unclip, the candies seem to tighten linearly as you move your foot. I like this.

If you're looking for tension adjustment, then get the Shimanos. The eggbeaters come with one tension and it might be too loose if you're used to Shimanos adjusted tightly. I say, just replace your cleats.Eggbeaters have 2 tension settings depending on which way you install the cleats. All cleats wear. It's just a factor of the cost of riding.

You always get mixed messages on this board.
Of course, no surprise.

Particularly when it comes to clippless pedals. It always seems like there is an eggbeater vs time crowd in here. The conclusion I came to is that both are good. I do have to make one more point on the eggbeaters, they are the easiest pedals I have ever had to get into and out of. I also like the fact that the float feels almost like gradual resistance until you unclip. So, instead of just floating freely like I do in my SPD SLs and then there is tension where I unclip, the candies seem to tighten linearly as you move your foot. I like this.

This is a bit of a hard one for me cause its about money. I've spent $100 on two sets (two bikes) of Shimano SPD pedals, they work great for me in all aspects except unexpected clip out. So just I spent $100 two sets of Candy C pedals on sale, but won't know if they have wear problems until its too late to return them. Point is the only reason I am wanting to change pedals is the accidental unclip issue, any other benefits to a different pedal are just gravy.

I had a choice between Candy C (with the yellow platform) for $50 each or just the eggbeater itself for $60. Is the model with the platform a better choice?

Al

It's just a factor of the cost of riding.
That brings up a real option for me I've considerd, to replace the cleats every 250-300 miles. That would be about 20 cleats a year at $10 a set for generic SPD ones, or about $200, instead of new pedals where I'd still probably have to replace cleats, if not as often.

Al

I had a choice between Candy C (with the yellow platform) for $50 each or just the eggbeater itself for $60. Is the model with the platform a better choice?

Al

I like the platform. It gives you more freedom if you happen to not clip in instantly. Which, regardless of how used to the system you are, happens from time to time.

I also got the yellow candies on the discount. It is resulted in a god awful yellow and black color scheme on my bike (I also got yellow tires on the cheap)

Eggbeaters have 2 tension settings depending on which way you install the cleats. All cleats wear. It's just a factor of the cost of riding.


You're confusing tension with release angle.

eggs only have 1 tension setting. but 2 different release angles (15 + 20 degrees I think) depending on how you install the cleats.

i've got over 1000 miles on a set of eggbeater cleats and they're fine. i have another new pair (of cleats) but have had no reason to put em on yet.

Does anyone have 800mi+ on one pair of Eggbeater cleats and have zero unclip issues including skids and hard acceleration?

Or a different question: After how many urban miles (meaning fairly frequent unclipping) do you eggbeater users replace cleats?

Al

Does anyone have 800mi+ on one pair of Eggbeater cleats and have zero unclip issues including skids and hard acceleration?

Or a different question: After how many urban miles (meaning fairly frequent unclipping) do you eggbeater users replace cleats?

Al

me!
~1000 miles commuting since February. I have yet to unclip unexpectedly Though i don't skid much, I skip a bit going down steep hills.
If i remember correctly, crank Bros suggests replacing cleats every 3000 mi? but of course, YMMV.

i haven't experienced wear to the point of needing replacement, but visually it looks as if the cleats are wearing very, very quickly

Having rode SPD's for two years and then switched around from SPD's to Time's (didn't like them - felt *too* clipped in with little to no float which felt bad for the knees) to regular eggbeaters (first time round I couldn't get used to them) then back to SPD's then back to eggbeaters and as of this weekend, to Eggbeater Candy's.

I love the Eggbeaters but found a few things a bit lacking - I found pedal transfer power was reduced somewhat - I found this particularly noticeable on the track. The Candy's seemed to be the best of what I wanted: the eggbeater technology with the platform. They are perfect - easier to clip out and clip in with than regulars and much more of a solid platform feeling. I do feel that the float is a little more reduced, which frankly works great since I wanted a little less float than the regular eggbeaters. I managed to score a great pair via ebay (from bikesdirect.com) for $62 for the SL's and in black no less (photos to come in the photos thread).

I have been itching to try Speedplay frogs for various reasons but their prohibitive cost and their larger cleat. I've heard mixed things about the cleats themselves, which makes trying them out even more undesirable.

I love my eggbeaters. I've had my pedals for a year and am still on my original cleats, though granted I'm not currently riding much at all. Still, while the cleats are wearing, they are still functioning fine. The only accidental releases I've ever had have been when doing skids and absent-mindedly rotating my heels out in the process. Next time I need pedals I think I'm going to try the Candies, though, just to see how I like 'em.

The only accidental releases I've ever had have been when doing skids and absent-mindedly rotating my heels out in the process.
I'd guess this would be a benefit of having a 15/20deg float (eggbeater/candy) instead of 4deg (Shimano)

Al

do you guys walk around on the eggbeater cleats? I want to get some shoes and don't know jack about clipless, but the guy at the store was telling me i can't walk on road cleats. I have been riding toe clips both on my fix ever since i started because i ride my bike everywhere, including parties, school, shows etc. and didn't want to have to wear clipless shoes to said places but i'm willing to give it a try now, first on my road bike, then on my track bike.

do you guys walk around on the eggbeater cleats? I want to get some shoes and don't know jack about clipless, but the guy at the store was telling me i can't walk on road cleats. I have been riding toe clips both on my fix ever since i started because i ride my bike everywhere, including parties, school, shows etc. and didn't want to have to wear clipless shoes to said places but i'm willing to give it a try now, first on my road bike, then on my track bike.

You can walk in either SPDs or Eggbeater cleats with little or no problems. The cleat is recessed inside of the sole of the shoe, unlike road pedals where it's sitting on the outside of the shoe.

the important note is that you need to buy Mtn type shoes that allow the cleat to be recessed. SPD or eggbeater or time ect will still be awkward and non-recessed if you mount them on road shoes.

I know, I might be stating the obvious.

ive got like 600 miles on my new eggbeaters including some fast paced distance rides and some commuting. I use the pedals both on my roadie and my fixie. Ive never had a problem unclipping and i put alot of stress on em sprinting and skidding.

but i havent had em for very long

I got my eggbeaters this winter and have >1000 miles on them commuting and riding. I have the cheaper, two-strap Sidi mtb shoes so the cleat is recessed, but the cleats are still starting to look chewed up from the walking around I do in them. Since there isn't much of a lip for them to engage in the pedal I wonder how many more miles I'll have on them before they start slipping out of the pedal. Maybe another 1000-2000? Will be interesting to see. Never had a problem coming out of the pedals up and down big hills, but I'm not a skidder.

And if you're just tossing a coin as what to get, remember that Shimano has enough friggin' money. Go with the little guy!

And if you're just tossing a coin as what to get, remember that Shimano has enough friggin' money. Go with the little guy!
Shimano already got my money. The Crank Bros. Candy's would be to replace the Shimanos, which would probably end up sitting on a shelf in my garage.

Al

I found some Shimano pedals and Shimano road shoes with brand new cleats (in package) at Free Ride, so my whole pedal/shoe setup was free this time. I tried walking in my cleats, but found it extremely difficult to go at a normal pace, so I wouldn't recommend it unless you have to. I've resorted to bringing an extra pair of shoes to switch to if I'm going to be walking around a lot once I unclip. I don't know how long my rides are, but I've estimated that I ride 15 miles daily, so I'll count the weeks until I have an accidental unclip.

I found some Shimano pedals and Shimano road shoes with brand new cleats (in package) at Free Ride, so my whole pedal/shoe setup was free this time. I tried walking in my cleats, but found it extremely difficult to go at a normal pace, so I wouldn't recommend it unless you have to. I've resorted to bringing an extra pair of shoes to switch to if I'm going to be walking around a lot once I unclip. I don't know how long my rides are, but I've estimated that I ride 15 miles daily, so I'll count the weeks until I have an accidental unclip.
The Shimano clipless I was refering to are the 'mountain' style pedals (i.e. M520) and cleats (SH-51) which are recessed in mountain, casual and touring style shoes/sandals. I don't know if the road design pedals/cleats have the unclip issue.

Al

do you guys walk around on the eggbeater cleats? I want to get some shoes and don't know jack about clipless, but the guy at the store was telling me i can't walk on road cleats. I have been riding toe clips both on my fix ever since i started because i ride my bike everywhere, including parties, school, shows etc. and didn't want to have to wear clipless shoes to said places but i'm willing to give it a try now, first on my road bike, then on my track bike.

i resisted going clipless for similar reasons. i put some eggbeaters on my roadie to just to see. the idea was to keep straps on the fixed beater for steppin' out purposes. turned out i liked the eggbeaters so much, i put them on the beater too and can't imagine going back.

shimano's casual clipless shoes are kinda fresh - the current black and gray ones particularly. it takes a bit to get used to the stiff soles - and you do hit the cleat just a little when walking - but i wear them around town all the time no problem. funny thing is the latest racing-flats shoe style popular with civis nowadays, to me, look like road cycling shoes.

What is the difference between the regular eggbeaters and the Candy. I know the candy has somewhat of a platform but is this just to help clipping in or does it make some other differences?

Slightly OT. For eggbeater fans - you might want to consider Look eggbeater clones - they run smoother and last longer than Crank Bros as they have two ball bearings as opposed to one in original Crank Bros ones. They are not perfect though - the end plug designed also to satbilize the outer bearing is a plastic one hence wears out quickly. I have replaced mine with an alu one.

The platform doesn't really help you clip in, but it does support your foot a little better, especially if the soles in your shoes aren't extremely stiff.

Another thing I will mention, even though the cleats are recessed and easy to walk on, you will not make friends if you walk across someone's shiny wood floor wearing your bike shoes, whether they have SPD or eggbeater cleats.

I'm getting the sidi dominators. I suppose those are stiff enough for the regular eggbeaters? Anyone swear by the Candy and see a marked difference??

I've got the Dominators - see my post above:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=1255560&postcount=23

thanks.

I'm really scared to throw them on my fixie. Imagine skidding, turning your ankle a little and unclipping down a hill, falling down on top tube, crashing and.... sorry

If you don't walk in your cycling shoes, try some road pedals, like Look or Time. They are SOLID-once that big cleat is in there it is not coming out unless you want it to. No way I could pull out of my time pedals by accident. You could flip my bike upside down and shake it and I'd still be clipped in. As a bonus I find skipping and skidding is way easier with them than my SPDs. Still, for most of my city riding I just go with the shimanos for the walking convienience-you really can't walk in road shoes and cleats.

As for the egg beaters, they do resist pull out better than SPD style. When you pull up, the mechanism tightens on the cleat. I only had mine for a couple of weeks, and they bugged my knees, so I can't comment on long term reliability.

thanks.

I'm really scared to throw them on my fixie. Imagine skidding, turning your ankle a little and unclipping down a hill, falling down on top tube, crashing and.... sorry

That's why the good lord gave us front brakes.

That's why the good lord gave us front brakes.


still doesn't help from crashing down on the top tube! :p

still doesn't help from crashing down on the top tube! :p

Yeah, but you can slam on that brake while crashing on the downtube for extra style points in the crumpled heap competition.

I'm too lazy for clipless, so i just run clips and straps on most of the fleet.

..and platforms on the SS MTB cruiser. I know you dig those.

Yeah, but you can slam on that brake while crashing on the downtube for extra style points in the crumpled heap competition.

I'm too lazy for clipless, so i just run clips and straps on most of the fleet.

..and platforms on the SS MTB cruiser. I know you dig those.


eh, but i dig your humor..

also did anyone feel a little sore after riding clipless? I know when im clmbing a hill on my fixie and my cadence has slowed down i pull my clips up to help climb. Anyhow, after doing this for a while i notice my legs feel more tired. Probably because i'm not used to such a full pedal stroke and those muscles may be under-developed from riding clips and never really having to pull up. Well, i was thinking, because clipless kind of forces you to pull the pedal back up did you guys notice any soreness the first few weeks or a change in muscle strength/develoment in muscles you never used before etc?

yup, those muscles'll definitely be sore for a few days.

eh, but i dig your humor..

also did anyone feel a little sore after riding clipless? I know when im clmbing a hill on my fixie and my cadence has slowed down i pull my clips up to help climb. Anyhow, after doing this for a while i notice my legs feel more tired. Probably because i'm not used to such a full pedal stroke and those muscles may be under-developed from riding clips and never really having to pull up. Well, i was thinking, because clipless kind of forces you to pull the pedal back up did you guys notice any soreness the first few weeks or a change in muscle strength/develoment in muscles you never used before etc?

yeah that'll make you real sore when starting out, don't over do it. I'd been riding clipless occasionally on the weekends in 94' not much. Thought a good time to get the hang of it would be a long road ride so I wouldn't have to unclip a bunch, so with maybe only a hundred miles clipless I went and rode from Houston to Austin on the weekend with my new SPDs, then 40 miles from where I got off the bus back in Houston. So sore for a few days and totally blamed the pedals like a dork when it was all me.

thanks.

I'm really scared to throw them on my fixie. Imagine skidding, turning your ankle a little and unclipping down a hill, falling down on top tube, crashing and.... sorry
I've unclipped too many times (hence my reason for starting this thread) and it sounds a lot worse than it has been. Maybe I've been lucky. The times I unclip are skidding (even from 20mph+) and starting out hard from a stop. In both these scenarios I am already standing up and for some reason since the other foot stays clipped in, there isn't a sudden shift of balance like you may have nightmares about. And I have a front brake that I used to stop me when the skid broke up (perhaps the factor) Then again, maybe I've been lucky - and I want to change to a different clipless system because I have this bad feeling my luck may run out. ;)

As to unclipping going down a hill, if you are providing firm, but not sudden jolting resistance, I don't think there is as much force as a hard skid or start. But that would be a worser case scenario if you did.

Al

you will feel sore, probably around the knee area. I know I did, but went away after 2 weeks of switching back to clipless. you'll also notice a definite toning of your leg muscles because with clips, you'll be working a whole new group of muscles that wasn't fully utilized using clips. As far as unclipping, the eggbeaters do unclip under hard skidding if you have tendency to twist your leading foot. you just have to watch it. b.t.w. I've got the Dragons which are just like the Dominators except it's got a replacable rubber sole and a sick ratchet system on the middle strap. You'll feel a new connection to you're bike like you've never felt before.