Road Cycling - Clipless question. I know, not again!!

OK, I keep getting mixed information regarding this matter and I feel that having the opinions of people that actually use the products in question would be the best solution.

I currently have the Shimano M515 on my road bike, and while it is a decent overall pedal (ticking problem aside) I am not completely satisfied.

For one, I don't like the small platform; it makes getting in and out feel very awkward. Secondly, I don't like the rigid feel of a no-float pedal. Thirdly, they are difficult to get out of at traffic lights and in an emergency.

So my priorities are as follows, from high to low:

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Ease of clipping in/out - This is key, since I do a lot of stopping and starting
Good size platform
Float adjustability - I don't like the feel of zero float
Weight - I need to lose about 30 pounds before I complain about the weight of my bike.
Appearance
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Based on my list of priorities, what would be a good pedal to consider?

Time Impact

I have the same pedals on both of my bikes. Just loosen the spring to make getting in and out easier. I keep the pedals on my MTB as loose as possible with the adjustment screw remaining, although one did fall out. The road bike I keep a bit firmer since I'll usually clip out while coasting, but they are still fairly loose in case of an emergency. As far as size, most clipless pedals are very small unless you get the ones designed more for downhill or free ride which are platform pedals with a clipless mecanism built into them. Float, well thats just personal preference. I bought the M515's for their price, and have been happy with them on both bikes.

Look-type pedal like the Shimano SPD SL pedal - got mine on eBay

515s zero float? You're kidding me. I find they've got huge amounts of float, probably the worst feature IMO (I prefer fixed). Have you reduced the tension?
You should have absolutely no problem releasing at low tensions from these. try the multi-release cleat if you're not comfortable with a heel twist.

You might want to try the new eggbeater with the platform around it for large area.

Originally posted by doonster
515s zero float? You're kidding me. I find they've got huge amounts of float, probably the worst feature IMO (I prefer fixed). Have you reduced the tension? You should have absolutely no problem releasing at low tensions from these. Try the multi-release cleat if you're not comfortable with a heel twist.

Thanks for the tip.

I have reduced the tension. Yes, the cleat moves around a little more in the pedal but it is still very difficult to release. Although the multi-release cleats sound like a good choice, I don't want to simply try a new cleat because ultimately I am not really happy with the 515 pedal.

I have 515's on ym roadie now, but am looking to upgrade, liek you... the 515 I believe has about 6 degrees of float.. I find it to be enough for me... although the small contact area does make it harder to clip in, and the last few group rides I've been on I've missed it a few times... fairly embarassing...

as far as the clicking sound you are having in the pedals... is it in the same place on the rotation every time ?? I had the same problem a month ago.. took my whole bottome bracket apart and such... and realized that it was the left pedal.. took it off... greased the threads, put it back in.. silent as a monk now

Jeff

I had a pair of 515's and didn't like them either, mostly because they were inconsistent in their release. The size of the "platform" around the clip matters more when wearing relatively flexy shoes, less when wearing relatively stiff ones.

But I wouldn't call these "no float" pedals at all; they have about the same amount of float as the vast majority of SPD MTB pedals. Don't expect a significantly larger amount of float with a different pedal.

I concur with the recommendation of multi-release cleats. You'll like them no matter which SPD pedal you end up with.

I've been using the Ritchey V2 pedals for a while now, with Shimano cleats, and I've been very happy with them. They do have a little bigger contact area around the clip. These have been discontinued, but I think Nashbar may still have them for around $30/pr. They come in red, blue, black, and grey. (I haven't tried the new version.)

RichC

I didn't see the V2 at Nashbar's site. The V3 looks nice, though. :)

Originally posted by mightypudge
I didn't see the V2 at Nashbar's site. The V3 looks nice, though. :)

Type in YP-TRCP in the Product Search.

RichC

Time Impact S.

if you want a larger platform, how about a shimano spd-sl or look pedal. I have lots of rave reviews on the spd-sl.

OK, I broke down and went with the Ritchey Road Logic SPD pedals. Very light, clipping in and out is a breeze, and they feel great. Also I got them very cheap as they are a discontinued product. :)

SpeedPlay Zeros! They were recommended by my bike shop. They took a bit of getting used to, but I woudn't go back to SPDs now. You can adjust the float to your needs, liking.

Shimano R600 Ultegra are awesome, if your shoe accepts both cleats.

Easy in/out, I think 6* float and a large platform. They look great on my 03 allez elite :)

Originally posted by Apollo
SpeedPlay Zeros! They were recommended by my bike shop. They took a bit of getting used to, but I woudn't go back to SPDs now. You can adjust the float to your needs, liking.

I'll also cast my vote for the Speedplay Zeros for all the reasons stated above. Additionally, I want to say that although the Zeros have a small platform, they have a large contact area and distribute the pressures over a greater area than SPDs as well as many other road pedal systems.

I must be the only one using the shimano R535's.I like them.Only $55 bucks.