Road Cycling - speedplay or look

which pedal do you think is better The x/3 speedplay pedals or the look 256 pedals? I am Mainy asking this because I want to start racing and want to know which one I would be better off with.

i'm certainly not the best person to answer, but i was in a similar position a while ago and settled for the looks because i could get them cheaper. I think Look's are much more common, but those who have speedplay seem to love them and I think certainly the best ones have the most float of any pedal if you need that kinda thing. I've certainly not heard bad things about either.

In terms of my pedals, I like the large cleat area that the look uses, on the other hand though you can only clip in on one side. If you're just starting out racing I wouldn't worry too much, maybe see if you can try them out in a LBS first and choose on how they feel hooked up to a trainer or something

I loved my Speedplay pedals, but the cleats are just awful. They are huge! If you don't mind having to walk with boulders under your shoes, those are great pedals.

I say loved because I traded them out for eggbeaters; I like having the same pedals for mtb and road.

I had Look's, liked them ok but my knee started hurting after 60 plus mile rides. Switched to Speedplay X/2's about 3 years ago and that problem went away. I love the X/2's. My knees evidently need the float. With the Look's, I did try all float settings, but even at 9 degrees that was not enough. The cleat/pedal interface is large like the platform for the Look's. Cleats are more money but last way longer. As for walking, I actually think that walking on the Speedplay's are easier than the Look cleats. The Look cleats, being plastic were super slippery on blacktop and cement, the metal Speedplay cleats seem to grip better. I use the cleat covers to extend cleat life and the rubber gives even better grip, of course, Look has cleat covers too I believe so that is kind of a wash.

I use Looks exclusively, but I also don't usually like having any float. Speedplays have so much float it's ridiculous! Also, speedplay cleats are prone to damage, and, when they do break, you can't clip in at all.

I will go for Look pedal, have them since 1990, can't complaint

I prefer speedplays. Lots of float. I have bad knees, and require a lot of float.

Speedplays take some getting used to. Initially they feel like you're not clicked in and are pedaling on ice. Once you get used to them, it's no problem.

L8R

I've tried a few different types of pedals (Look, Shimano, Time and Speedplay)...and I prefer the Speedplays. The slimline cleats that are offered with the new Speedplays are smaller than the originals. A good portion of the cleat is metal, so wear is at a minimum. Clipping in is ultra-easy..and you can clip in on both sides! Stepping out is just as easy. Until something better comes out, I'll stick with Speedplays.

New, smaller cleats for Speedplay? Cool. I haven't seen them, but i'll have to check them out.

Bebop! :D

Originally posted by Ferg
Bebop! :D

Well, that was certainly inciteful!

Perhaps this will help them gain some interest.
By the way, they only weigh 198 grams per pair!

http://www.bebop.com/web/images/ped0997o%20copytem.jpg

I have ridden both and prefer Speedplays.

Those Bebop's look interesting... But not enough to replace my SpeedPlays. ;)

I have ridden both extensivly and I would have to say the speedplays are the better choice. Full float, clearance when turning in a crit, and light weight. They are a little hard to get used to if you change mid season as when you sprint it feels kind of funny having that much float but you get used it pretty fast. Go for the speedplays.:beer:

ok i'll vote for looks, tried speedplay, the guy earlier said the cleats were bad.. they suck. they get mud and rock , grass. where ever you walk they pick it up. look on the other hand are the greatest. they rock!

what do you guys think of the speedplay frogs? The cleat looks like a horizontally stretched SPD, what do you guys think of using them for road?

Originally posted by Phatman
what do you guys think of the speedplay frogs? The cleat looks like a horizontally stretched SPD, what do you guys think of using them for road?

why would you do that when there are Speedplay pedals designed specifically and exclusively for the road? :confused:

Originally posted by KennethToronto
why would you do that when there are Speedplay pedals designed specifically and exclusively for the road? :confused:

Probably for the walkable cleats?

Originally posted by ChiefCatchacold
Probably for the walkable cleats?

bingo