Road Cycling - Pedals

I would like to put clipless pedals on my flat bar road bike. I'm trying to locate a good source on-line to gain info about different pedal types and applications, options, etc. so that I'm not buying them "blind". Anyone know of a good source?

Speedplay (http://www.speedplay.com) has a good
comparative look at pedals, albeit very biased towards their
pedal (which I own and love).
I'd also suggest doing a search here as there have been quite
a few threads concerning pedal choices.

Good luck,
Marty

I think most pedal manufacturers have their own web site. I went clipless this year and bought a new pair of Look 396s on ebay. Though some say they creak/squeak I've not had that problem. I chose the Looks as they had a large platform and were not susceptible to hot spots. As far as the 396s, they have adjustable float 0-9 degrees in 3 degree increments. Float allows your foot to move around a bit and minimizes the potential for knee problems. Regardless of what you chose, you'll be glad you made the switch.

I would look at Shimano SPD pedals and MTB shoes. No matter what everyone else says at least you can walk "normally" with them.

I have ridden 15,000 miles on SPD's. They certainally will work. I switched to speedplay Zero's this spring and now have 4,000+ miles on them. They are better to me in every way. Comfort, ease of use, stabality and my feet never go to sleep as they often did with spd's. I endorse them whole heartly!

If you haven't already look at http://www.roadbikereview.com/Pedals/PLS_2503crx.aspx You can read other peoples opinions on most popular pedals there. I would also recomend speedplay.

you can't beat the weight of speedplays, a couple of buddies have them and the really like them. I'm still on looks...the looks have a larger platform and the are single sided where the speedplays can be accessed on either side. The looks use a plastic cleat which wears out and need to be replaced on a regular basis (depends on how much one rides, 8 months to a year and a half). The speedplays have a metal cleat which does not wear as much, but is much more expensive to replace when worn. the speedplays have the spring action in the cleat and not the pedal. if you're looking to get into the game on the cheap, nashbar and performance have knock offs of spd and looks.

I would like to put clipless pedals on my flat bar road bike. I'm trying to locate a good source on-line to gain info about different pedal types and applications, options, etc. so that I'm not buying them "blind". Anyone know of a good source?

it depends on you want in your pedals

1) walkability? then go with mtb pedals with mtb/touring shoes

2) effiency why riding on the roads? Look, Speedplays, SPD-SL, Time with a stiff carbon sole.

Don't let weight be the prime-concern, but platform size and the quality of the bind... esp since you are using a flat bar road bike - I'm thinking you're not exactly a weight-weenie or interested in racing up hills anyday.

So perhaps go with option 1.

While riding I am hooked on campy record pro-fits, they really grab you foot and let you put the power to the pedal. The cleats are terrible to walk in and wear out very quickly if you do a fair bit of walking around. Shimano SPD's are dependable pedals, i ride them on my commuter, they give years and years of dependable service and you can walk around well. Just for info. I have a cheap set of Nashbar model NR-PDL SPD's that are now on my trainer. These pedals are about 9 years old, they have spent time on the road and in the woods, there are a ton of miles on them, they have been consistant and dependable, they are easy in and easy out and they cost today $29.95. How can ya beat those for starter pedals.

If you want to wear walkable shoes then go with Shimano SPD or Crank Bros Eggbeater pedals.

Hey, your running a flat bar.......go for the Eggbeaters. I have them in my MTB, and when I get a roadie, I will be putting eggbeaters on it. That is mainly for the one pair of shoes issue.

I was considering new pedals too. I have look 206 pedals, they are not too bad. The problem is the difficulty of finding the right face to click into, always on the road, you can't always look down to try to find your way in. That I do not like.

Anyway, I'm considering the new Shimano SPD-SL pedals, they look real cool and have some great reviews. I'm not sure if they have the same problem?? Can anyone tell me about it?

The SPD-SLs are weighted to drop, back down, therefore always presenting the proper side to you to clip in, there is no need to look at the pedal.

Hey, your running a flat bar.......go for the Eggbeaters. I have them in my MTB, and when I get a roadie, I will be putting eggbeaters on it. That is mainly for the one pair of shoes issue.


When riding with others with clipless pedals, I can get in my toe clips/cages (what are they called?) in one third the time. Is the difference between the two that great to justify the cost for pedals/shoes? (Is that difference being able to power 360 vs. only on the "down/up" stroke?)

I bought a pair of these and really like them. They are extremely light and easy to get into/out of. http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=14779 (http://) [U]

The SPD-SLs are weighted to drop, back down, therefore always presenting the proper side to you to clip in, there is no need to look at the pedal.

Seconded, they work well and always drop back down.