Need new pedals and I'm clueless!

[2pyrfam]

After trying a few tris last year I'm totally into it and looking forward to more,and longer, races this year. Decided to go with a pair of tri-specific shoes over the mtb shoes I first bought. Probably go with the Sidi T-1s as they fit the best. But, now I need to change my SPD pedals and haven't a clue about which are the best ones to get - shimano, Look, Time, Speedplay... I will likely be walking/trotting out of T1 in shoes for the foreseeable future so which cleats are safest for this? Do folks get hotspots on longer distances with smaller platform pedals? Seems to me that a larger platform would provide for better power transfer, or is that more the stiffness in the sole of the shoe? Any and all help is appreciated!! Would like to keep the cost <$150. Thanks!!

[jennings780]

I like the Shimano SPD-SLs. The Ultegra or Dura Ace pedals are nice. Big platform. Easy to get in and out of. Ability to adjust float a bit.

[LBonney]

I bought some Look KEO carbon pedals on e-bay, new for $150. They are sweet.

[merlinextraligh]

the vast majority of people tha use speedplays love them. There's a thread on the road forum right now about speedplays. Not the easiest shoe to walk in, but excellent in almost every other regard.

[sbouge]

I have to agree with Jennings780 Dura-Ace, Ultegra are great. If you want to spend less Shimano makes the 105 that uses the same cleat as the Dura-ace and Ultegra.

[Jaybird]

I have Look PP357, which are on sale at Nashbar for 64 clams. Big pedal...really easy to clip in or out. If you want Speedplays...they have some on sale for 114.
http://www.nashbar.com/results.cfm?category=108&subcategory=1123&storetype=&estoreid=&init=y&pagename= here's the link...I love Nashbar.

[MHR]

I have Dura Ace pedals on all 3 of my bikes, no hot spots and great float.

[Ironwoman]

I'm one of the people who LOVE my Speedplays!!!! Yes, do check out that thread. I don't get hot spots on my feet. The Sidi shoes are plenty stiff to give you a good platform. (I have Sidi's) Speedplays are very easy to get into to start the bike leg. The only problem would be if you are running through sand or dirt in T-1 in your shoes before you get on the bike. Sand or mud can clog up the cleat. I haven't had any problems like that in a race, but the areas I've had to run in my shoes were paved. (Or, you can run without your shoes and get into your shoes on the bike).

[^*^BATMAN^*^]

I'm one of the people who LOVE my Speedplays!!!! Yes, do check out that thread. I don't get hot spots on my feet. The Sidi shoes are plenty stiff to give you a good platform. (I have Sidi's) Speedplays are very easy to get into to start the bike leg. The only problem would be if you are running through sand or dirt in T-1 in your shoes before you get on the bike. Sand or mud can clog up the cleat. I haven't had any problems like that in a race, but the areas I've had to run in my shoes were paved. (Or, you can run without your shoes and get into your shoes on the bike).

If you get speedplays(I recomend, have them on all my road bikes) learn to mount/dismount with your shoes on the bike. It is safer, faster and cost's less.

Safer- running through transition on a bit metal cleat.....slides a bit, bad day.

Faster- Obviously

Cost-Running in them tears apart the cleat(90% of the pedal system), so they are expensive to replace.

If you are looking for something to beable to walk safe in, I would say look, my dad uses them, and the plastic cleats are like 5 bucks to replace.

[2pyrfam]

Thanks for all the great feedback. Seems like I can't go really wrong with any choice of shimano, look, or speedplay. I think I'm leaning towards the shimano dura ace or ultegra so I don't have to worry about walking in them and they seem like a good value, but I have some more time before I decide!

[jwilson165]

i recently bought these and im very happy with them. about the same weight as ultegras and dura ace but much cheaper. easy in/out and a large surface area. you just cant beat these price for ti pedals!

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=108&subcategory=1123&brand=&sku=14776&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=