Road Cycling - shimano spd-r vs. look clipless pedals

OK,

As a noob, I've got a question: Which is better, Shimano SPD-R pedals, or Look pedals? I seem to remember reading about the Shimanos being too stiff, and something about Lance hating them so bad that he went back to his Look pedals. Has Shimano fixed their problems, or is Look the way to go?

-owmynads

Listen to what Lance has to say. Do you think he'd use Shimano or Bontrager at all if he was not sponsored by them? He'd probably go with Campy Record in a heartbeat if $$$$$ were not an issue. Campy is the way to go and don't you forget it.

Thats a bunch of bull**** stinkfist. Dont be such an arragant ass

It's all personal preference, I currently use Campy pedals whcih are VERY similar to looks in look at design. You really can not say one is better then the other, some pedals have a smaller platform which can give you hotspot on you're foot is about all you can definately say.

I have ridden Look, Speedplay, and Time, I have not ridden the SPD. I can say that out the three I have used I am on the Look pedals. I have heard that the SPD take some getting use to. I would go with the Look's.
Dave

Lance never rode Look pedals, but rather oldschool Look-compatible Shimanos. As of now however, he is riding the fairly new Shimano SPD-SL Dura Ace Pedals. (SPD-SL PD 7750)

Thanks folks. I appreciate the opinions. I place a lot more faith in personal anecdotes than magazine reviews. Seems all they're trying to do is lick the boots of their sponsors.

Best,

-ow

personally, i like the bigger platforms of the Look system. i've got a guy i ride with that started using the SPD-R system and it takes a bit more concentration to clip in. these are the only personal observations i have....

If I remember correctly, Lance said in the tour wrap up show that he had some difficulty getting his current pedal system set up correctly.

OMN,
Ride them both and see what you like. I'm still riding on some older Mavic pedals that first incorporated swivel. They feel great. Sure, I could get something else that would shave a few grams of weight...but then again, I could hold off on that bagel too!
Seriously, unless you're looking to race...then get what is most comfortable. Nothing worse than picking up a knee or hip problem because your pedals didn't work for you.

...ken

Originally posted by Ben3001
Lance never rode Look pedals, but rather oldschool Look-compatible Shimanos. As of now however, he is riding the fairly new Shimano SPD-SL Dura Ace Pedals. (SPD-SL PD 7750)

Those new Shimano SPD-SL's are a very nice pedal. Got mine on eBay for $140 and love them.

Having tried all with the exception of the new SPD-SL's i found the Time pedal to be best for my needs.
big platform's
rotational float
lateral movement
reliable
light weight.

I'm now using Impacts and They're the best I've tried thus far.

Shimano fixed their SPD-R problems by coming out with SPD-SLs.

I've got a pair of DA SPD-Rs that I've ridden for a couple of years. My opinion? Don't waste your money on SPD-Rs. The cleats require a special bolt pattern, so it requires you to spend an extra $20 or so to get adapters for some shoes. And, as mentioned, they're somewhat hard to get into. Also fairly difficult to get out of. Finally, they're pretty much at the end of their product life. There may be some SPD-R bargains out there, but you're better off applying your money toward a better product.

Is your selection really only between SPD-R and Look? Why not others?

Is it true that SPD-R has float at the toe end of the cleat?

Hmmm... I can't ride with Look "red" cleats... it's has to be "black" fixed cleats. I never could get used to float. If the SPD-R has toe float then I don't think I could ride them.

I'm still rolling on Shimano PD-7401 and I think I'll keep 'em until I'm forced to change for some reason. I've only had two unintentional releases in 10 years of riding (this is my 2rd set of these pedals) and both times I was being a goof and not watching the road surface while standing up.

I've ridden two versions of pedals:

Look and no pedals.

The no pedal is very hard to pedal in.

The look are very comfortable.

That's all i know about that.

I have Look pedals and they're easy to get in and out of....of course, no pedal is easy to get out of when you're clipped in and halfway to the asphalt....