Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - new shoes, need new road pedals

decided to make the plunge! going from my trusted candy sl to road pedals.
just bought a pair of fizik R3 shoes, which fit like a glove and look pretty nice... i think
http://www.carbonconnectionusa.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/r/3/r3-white-black_2.jpg

what pedals should i use? leaning towards Shimano ultegra...
advice?
thanks

The Ultegras are very nice and can be installed with either a 8mm allen key or a pedal / slim open ended wrench.

The only surprise might be that you need longer than standard bolts to attach the cleats to your shoes, being that they are not Shimano shoes.
I imagine that your shoes' sole configuration are designed to fit the standard Look 3 hole configuration, but I'm not sure?


If you haven't you already looked, you might also like the looks and the $ of the R670 .
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Images/Models/Original/47601.jpg

Speedplay

thanks, yes the Fizik shoes ahve the 3 hole configuration. Actually the 670 are the ones i was looking at, same as Ultegra except black... I was told the looks are not as tough/durable as the Shimano. Do you know anything about Speedplay??? opinions vary

I believe that Look pedals have a weight warning, suggesting that they are designed and constructed for riders < 100 kg / 220.5 lbs. Actually, this is exactly what it says in a Keo owners manual that I have on hand.

As far as I know, remember, the Shimano pedals have no such warnings. Can't locate my manual on that one. (google if need be)

Both the Look and Shimano replacement cleats are roughly equivalent in price, so differences in maintenance cost is neither here or there.

Both have nearly identical footprints / width and the equivalent Look will be lighter than the Shimano, if that matters to you.

Both are single sided and clipping in and out is the same as far as I can tell, meaning, I never noticed any discernible difference. Walking around on them is equal as well.

The Speedplay are double sided, (clip in from either side of pedal, which many like) offer a wider range of float options (up to 20 degress, IIRC), are a 4 hole configuration (3 - hole adapter included) and from a design perspective have transferred a lot of the clip in construction of the pedal, that is found on the Look or Shimano, to the cleat which attaches to the shoe. It makes the pedal lighter and shoe heavier, if that matters to you.

Hardest of the 3 to comfortably walk around in, IMO, although you can buy covers or in some cases non-slip cleats etc. for all 3, if needed.

The most expensive of the 3 for replacement cleats.

I would have a look at the consumable prices (the cleat replacements) of all 3 to get a sense of the expected maintenance costs. It may not matter to you, but, to some it does influence their decisions.

Obviously, it comes down to personal preference, as they are all good products and no one sees them when riding. :)

thanks, i think i,ll go with the Shimano...the rest of the bike is Shimano, 105/ultegra with DA 7850 wheels... so i,ll stick with what i know...
thanks again for the sound advice

If you haven't ordered yet, get the 105 pedals. The only difference between the 105 and Ultegra pedals is the color and about 1 g. Literally.

You can normally find the 105 pedals for about $50 from Ribble in the UK, but they appear to be sold out right now.

Speedplay

That's the route I'd suggest. Love my Speedplay's

That's the route I'd suggest. Love my Speedplay's

Yes I gave the shimano pedals a fair shake. I like the "play" in the speedplays and love double sided entry.

i got the ultegra pedals... and a 3t bar... and new red cables... i cant seem to just buy what i went in to buy... cant wait to get it back, new wheels as well...

If I had see this thread earlier I would have given you one heck of a deal on the Shimano PD-5700's in Silver.

http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-5700-Road-Pedals-Silver/dp/B003P10TAC

My MTB had R-540 http://www.rei.com/product/710073 and when I got a new road bike I just got the PD-5700's so I can use my shoes on both bikes. Little did I realize that my knee problems were associated with the pedals. I bought Speedplay Zero's Stainless Steel and it is a world of difference. Yes more expensive but much softer on my knees.