Road Cycling - Speedplays vs look vs SPD vs...

I'm going to -finally- go clipless when I get my new bike, and I have a variety of choices to go.

I like the Speedplay X2s, because my knees need some float, but I don't know if I need that much. I see many, many, many peoples use Look, and I've heard good things about Time, but would they offer enough float? Lastly, I've not heard too many good things regarding SPDs float, but what about SPD-R?

I don't really know many of the pros/cons regarding pretty much anything but SPDs and Speedplays, and I come seeking enlightment.

Thanks!

I have used Shimano, Time and finally, Speedplays...and I must say that I like the Speedplays the best. Yes, there is a lot of float (there is a model of Speedplays where you can adjust the amount of float) but you will get used to it. Clipping in for the first time feels a bit odd..as if you are twisting on ice, but I've never accidentally clipped-out. Some other great features of this clipless pedal system: few moving parts = less to break, VERY lightweight, but the best part; they are double-sided!

Has been covered before. Here's a link. ;)

http://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?s=&action=showresults&searchid=97650&sortby=lastpost&sortorder=descending

Speedplay now makes a ZERO pedal which allows you to adjust the float. It's brand new this year.

Originally posted by L J Horton
Speedplay now makes a ZERO pedal which allows you to adjust the float. It's brand new this year.

Right L J,

It allows the rider too adjust and limit the range of "float" from zero to fifteen Degrees.

Speedplays. Love 'em. Nuff said.

Originally posted by L J Horton
Speedplay now makes a ZERO pedal which allows you to adjust the float. It's brand new this year.

I switched to Zeros from Frogs on my roadbike because the Zero cleats fit better in my road shoes (needed SPD adapters and a lot of trimming with the frog cleats) and because I wanted adjustable float. Compared to SPD and SPD-R the Zeros are simple, lightweight, double sided, have adjustable float (independent inboard/outboard) and puts your foot closer to the spindle.

I use Speedplays and love them too! I've had many other systems, but have never found a better system than this one.

i have spds and theyre great, altho i have never used any other ones

I'd recommend against SPD-Rs. I've had two pairs, Ultegra and DAs. The DAs are okay when you work through the problems. 'Nuff said.

From what I've heard, it's hard to go wrong with Looks. They're compatible with virtually all shoes, the red(?) cleats allow several degrees of float, the cleats aren't overly susceptable to dirt or wear, and you can find them at pretty much whatever price point you're targeting. Although, I've heard people complaining about a persistant creak or squeak with them. I don't know if it's common to all of them, or just some models. I know that would drive me nuts.

FWIW, over in the VeloNews tech forum a similar question yielded some recommendations for Keywin road pedals. I have no experience with them, but from the description on their web-site, and rider feedback on CyclingNews, they sound like they're worth looking at.

I'm a big fan of the Looks. Never had any trouble cliping in or out, and I think they feel a lot beter then spd's or speedplays. What I mean by that is with the looks you really feel like you are locked into the bike and all your energy on both ends of the stroke goes into the cranks. I guess they fit my riding style because I don't like a lot of float, but there are models that will allow quite a bit. You also can have some of the best price ranges with these pedals also, I bought my first pair from performance for $50 or you can spend up to $250 on a top end pair if your heart so desires (or you don't like to have money). Or if you like quality and cheep :) you can find old team models which are super high end and pretty cheep (ie. Festina for 70 or so bucks) if you don't mind the logo.