Road Cycling - Clydesdale Question

I posted a thread in the general discussion about pedals that quickly went off topic, maybe it was the wrong place. Anyhow, I am a "Super-Clydesdale" for lack of a better term. Specifically I am a 300+ rider who is rapidly losing weight. I currently ride a 2001 Schwinn Homegrown Factory off road bike with Slicks for road riding which is where I do most of my riding. Actually 1/2 road 1/2 crushed limestone which is just about like road. I ride 20-100 miles per week and am seriously losing weight.

With the specifics out of the way I'm in the market for a solid all around clipless pedal and shoe system. I've been looking at the various Speedplay options for the pedals and Sidi Mega for the shoes (wider widths). Can any fellow Clydesdales tell me what they're riding on and what they recommend. I don't mind spending some cash if it will last so that's not an issue. I plan on getting a road specific bike next summer and would like to just transfer the pedals if possible. That or buy the same setup.

Any and all comments would be greatly apprecaited.

Thanks,

Sean

http://www.seanwillson.com/

P.S. I wonder if the moderators would be interested in creating a Clydesdale forum on this site or is that too divergent? Just a thought ...

I am using Look Multi Purpose pedals (something they made around 1980) on my touring bike, and look compatible Ultegra pedals on my road bike. The one caution I would give you is get the stiffest sole you can find, because those of us who have very efficient aerodynamics for desent are likely to impart high pedal forces when climbing or pedaling on the flats. I have some SPD's but haven't put them on a bike yet.

I like the idea of a separate forum, but rather than clydesdale lets be euphemestic and rely on aerodynamically efficient.

Hi,
I am a Clydesdale, and I have Sidi Mega Dominators (MTB). I use Eggbeater pedals, but the first pedals I tried on that shoe was SPeedplays. My LBs couldn't mount them, but I understand others have been able to mate Speedplays to Sidi. So YMMV... I like the Eggbeaters, they have a nice amount of play allowing the heel to swing a bit.
When it comes time to look at bikes, the Trek 520 would be a good place to start.

I would say go with larger platform pedal like the LOOK CX-6 (it's what I use now). You can adjust the Q-factor which is usually important for larger riders. It's carbon, so it's strong yet lightweight. I'm about 255 now and find the larger platform offers more support for the amount of weight coming down on it. I have two pairs of shoes - a $100 pair of Specialized and an expensive pair of SIDI's, but find myself almost always wearing my cheaper shoes. They fit perfectly and are comfortable as hell.

I have used Look pedals for years and have been happy with every mile I've ridden with them. I like the nice wide base they have.

As far as shoes go I'm currently wearing a pair of Pearl Izumni but will probably go with Nike or Shamino's next time I buy a pair.

Zack

Sidi shoes are like wearing slippers they are so comfortable. I have a pair of the Genius 4 shoes - but the narrow cut. I had Nike's beforehand, and they simply cannot hold a candle to these Italian made masterpieces.

I am 320 and pummel my Ultegra pedals with nary a problem - I am still trying to perfect getting that second foot into them, but they feel much more solid than what I had before (Shimano two sided SPD).

Cheers on losing weight - I keep making up for the weight lost by, uh, carbo loading, yeah thats it.

Sean,

See my response to your original question in the General Forum. I have Shimano SPD-SLs and love them (after one ride). Rather expensive though.