Road Cycling - Float on Pedals

What is this really mean. I am going to be buying new pedals with my new allez. I have Shimano's now and I would like to find some decent ones around 100-125$ < is that possible?

Thanks
chaz

yes very possible

chaz,

my advice would be ebay your pedals, i got my Time Impact pedals new for 50% off stores what in my area wanted.

-Ross

Originally posted by chaztrip
What is this really mean.

Chaz, the term 'float' for pedals refers to 'freedom of movement' for your feet, even when you are 'clicked in' the pedals. In practice this means that you can turn your feet a bit, without 'clicking out' of the pedals.

Thus, float allows for a particular range of foot-on-pedal positions, rather than one fixed position. Some people like this, some don't...

I have look pedals with 8-12 degrees of float (I think that's right anyway)... I was told they are good for beginners, but I still have this thing about clipping out while going uphill, it's never a good thing.

Originally posted by spazzerina
I have look pedals with 8-12 degrees of float (I think that's right anyway)... I was told they are good for beginners, but I still have this thing about clipping out while going uphill, it's never a good thing.

Do you mean your feet pop out accidentally while you are going up hill? Do you actually unclip your feet while going up hill? Why?

Paul

Originally posted by spazzerina
..... but I still have this thing about clipping out while going uphill, it's never a good thing.

I'd suggest increasing your release tension a bit......

Float is like...well, imagine stepping, with the ball of your foot, on a ice cube on a smooth floor. If you then swivel the heel from side to side, while steping on the cube, well, that's float. It's the freedom to swivel your heel while remaining clipped to the pedal.

Road bikes you generally stayed clipped to pedals, but for stopping.

As hinted here some pedals offer more float than others. It's up to the person to determine what's best for them. Some people like it , others don't.

Your price range will certainly work in getting reliable pedals. I use Bebops which offer a model, I think, in that range. These pedals offer a lot of float. Pedals like Look, Shimano, Campy offer pedals with less float, but have models within your range. For newbie's I'd recommend the Look's which offer less float but a large easy platform to enter. The other option is a pedal with double enrty, either top or bottom.

One more thing to keep in mind. Road bikes can also use mtb pedals that offer recessed cleats when using mtb shoes, better for walking. mtb pedals generally also shed dirt better than the road versions. That dirt from time to time can make escape a little difficult.

Hope this helps.

Take a look at Speedplay pedals if you want unlimited float. They are great pedals and never release unitentionally. I don't say this to scare you at all they are easy to get in and out of when you want to but having them release when you do not want them too is almost more dangerous than not releasing.

I think of float as different from release angle and release tension. To me float is the amount of play or freedom for your foot to move about before you start hitting some tension/resistance and release angle is the angle at which your foot needs to exceed to actually break free from the pedals and unclip. Many pedals will list seperate figures for float and release angle. My Time ATACs on my MTB for instance lists release angle as being either 15 deg or 20 deg (depending on which way you've positioned the cleat) and float as being 5 deg angular and 3mm lateral. Yes, some pedals allow you to float side to side as well. What this means is that once my angle exceeds the 5 deg free float range, I start feeling tension up until I exceed the release angle at which point I will unclip.

My feet have not come out unless I wanted them too. I was just saying that when I was stopping on an incline I went to the left instead of the right, and it seems like this is something that is common on hills (your weight shifts opposite. I don't think I need them tighter, I might just need to be more careful. Still having a problem with my finger - pins and needles. Wonder if I should get an x-ray (hate going to dr. if I don't have too)... I know I posted in another threat about this but I can't find it.

Stacie


:)