So while I've greatly increased my knowledge of cycling since I got my first road bike, I seem to have missed the value of one pedal over another. I mean, I understand the obvious difference between Speedplay/EggBeaters (2- and 4-sided entry) vs the larger platform of more traditional designs. I also grasp the obvious weight advantages of carbon, magnesium, etc. I also understand the significance of float.

What I don't get is the difference between the comparable Wellgos of the world vs the Look, Time, Campy and Shimano models. Is it just that Wellgo (and other companies) copy the designs of the big players, so they're not paying for R&D costs? Or are their pedals actually inferior somehow (they weigh the same, so I'm thinking maybe structurally there's a problem)?

I'm getting a new bike built up (the way I want it, but still on the cheap) and while I had put a lot of thought into everything else that is going on it, I completely overlooked the pedals. I've got Wellgo R4s on my current steel bike, which I'm going to keep as it's great to do charity rides and what not. Is there some reason why I shouldn't get a second set of these to put on my new, "faster" bike (so that I can use the same shoes)?

Any insight would be appreciated.