Road Cycling - Float and Pedal Adjustment and more new guy ?'s

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wmax67
03-23-03, 06:53 AM
What are all the adjustments that can be made on a road pedal and how do terms like float apply? Also how important is the area of a pedal in terms of transfering power? Is there a general thought on what type is easiest to clip into/out of? Several friends ride with Look pedals and they seem to be very easy in and out.

1oldRoadie
03-23-03, 09:21 AM
Float is the sideways movement that your heel can make while clipped in. It is non adjustable other than which cleat is on your shoe. Normally the only adjustment that can be made is the required amount of pressure to release.

Being a purely recreational rider, I prefer SPD clipless simply because I can get shoes that have a recessed cleat. Non-recessed cleats allow me to walk around comfortably with out the overwhelming desire to go "quack, quack".

Otherwise the release is about the same.

I also prefer doublesided pedals for easy of entry. I ride in an urban setting and do a lot of stop and go.

To me, a clipless pedal adds about 20% increase in pedal power.