Do "decent" pedals make a difference?
03-01-08, 12:49 PM
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Do "decent" pedals make a difference?
I am on and have always been on cheap Nashbar pedals, will upgrading to Look classic or Ultegra pedals shows improvements?
03-01-08, 12:59 PM
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No. Maybe fewer inadvertant clipouts, but if that's not a problem, just go ride more.
03-01-08, 01:18 PM
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03-01-08, 02:03 PM
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IME Clipping out is easier because the tension setting can be set far lower without fear of unintentionally unclipping. More positive engagement.
03-01-08, 02:11 PM
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Yes. Not in noticeable performance, but from a safety standpoint and that good feeling one gets form using 'decent' equipment, that doesn't look/feel cheap.
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03-01-08, 04:51 PM
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You didn't say what style Nashbar. The difference between my old spds and my (relatively) new Look 357's was HUGE! Better float, better platform, felt more secure and solid ...
03-01-08, 05:04 PM
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I think the difference is mostly in the quality of the pedal. Better bearings. More solid engagement. Easier and more consistent clipin/out. They'll last longer too with less maintenance.
The first couple years I was riding (college days) I was using clips and straps with touring shoes. After that I went through a couple different SPD generic pedals. Then I used a knockoff SPD-R (remember these?) pedal. After that, I sprung for a top of the line Look pedal that was on closeout for my road bike and Eggbeaters on my commuting bike (I now had two bikes) and I haven't looked back. At each step I spent more money, but it was money well spent. I've been running the Looks now for 5 years or so now and on two different bikes.
The first couple years I was riding (college days) I was using clips and straps with touring shoes. After that I went through a couple different SPD generic pedals. Then I used a knockoff SPD-R (remember these?) pedal. After that, I sprung for a top of the line Look pedal that was on closeout for my road bike and Eggbeaters on my commuting bike (I now had two bikes) and I haven't looked back. At each step I spent more money, but it was money well spent. I've been running the Looks now for 5 years or so now and on two different bikes.
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03-01-08, 05:10 PM
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I should also say that a rising tide raises all boats. The knockoffs available now sometimes use actual Look or Shimano cleats and are probably of better quality than the knockoffs that I had available to me 5-6 years ago.
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Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
03-01-08, 05:24 PM
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Good quality pedals do make a difference. That doesn't mean it has to be from a big name company. There are some of the generic pedals out there that great. There are also some that are horrid. I have look pedals and prefer the larger platform formats. Good retention is key. I've had issues with pulling out of cheap spd pedals which is no good when you're trying to do a Flying 200 at the track.
03-01-08, 05:31 PM
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There's no reason to use generic anything when you have 105 level SPD-SL's for ~ $55 off probikekit. THe newest model too.
03-01-08, 05:59 PM
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How can you support your LBS with a deal like that? Sorry, but I'm a little on the frugal side. If I can support my LBS I most certainly seize the opportunity.For what it's worth, I didn't notice a difference from my 6620's either.
03-01-08, 06:05 PM
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i went from the cheap Performance look style pedals to Ultegra SPD-SL's and didnt notice much of a difference at all. i never had accidental clipouts with the performance pedals, and im expecting the Ultegra's to be the same.
