For those of you who wanted to know all about getting into clipless pedals for commuting.

This chart is for SPD pedal comparisons.
If some characters aren't converted correctly on your computer use 'Unicode' language.
I know the chart is far from complete, but anyone who'd like to add info, please post and I'll add it.


Q: Your chart is incomplete, what about 'XXX' brand?
A: If it's popular, I'll add it.
Q: What about 'XXX' shoe? Will it fit me? does it work with SPD?
A: This chart is only intended as a comparison between SPD style pedals. It's best to get shoes at your LBS since you can try them on before you buy them. Never buy shoes online unless you have tried them.
Q: Your price is wrong! I found it cheaper at 'XXX' store/ I can't find them at your listed price!"
A: These are just search engine prices and they aren't stable just like gas prices.
Q: What about road pedals?
A: Ask the road forums.
Q: How come you don't have weights listed?
A: Don't care, durability and quality would be priority over pedal weight for commuters.
Q: So what clipless pedal should I get? No really, I'm confused, I want the best set.
A: That's up to you. Look at the chart. I don't own your wallet.
Q: What is "Float" and how does it help me?
A: Your knees are bio-mechanical and not everyone has knees that move in a perfect line when pedaling. Usually your knee will move in more of a figure 8 pattern. Float in a pedal helps to keep your knees from being restricted in a range of motion it isn't accustomed to. Also helpful when you are extremely pigeon or duck footed and rotating the cleat is not enough to allow a neutral foot position on the pedal.
Q: Which one has the best snow/mud shedding or least jamming?
A: Sorry, don't know the answer to that. IMO mud and snow can have an infinite composition and one pedal might work better than the other in certain conditions. There might be some cleat, pedal wear condition and maintenance to consider as well.
Or basically there's too many variables and marketing hype to say conclusively.


Bebop Pedals/VP One Components http://www.vpcomponents.com/ http://www.beboppedals.com/
Entry price: $90 for pair (Chromo)
Rep. Parts: Cleat $35, overhaul kit?
Availability: USA, relatively easy. International, not available.
Float type: 20° float, unrestricted (-5° heel in, +15° heel out) Easily has the most usable float for SPD pedals. Float cannot be limited. Cleats can be reversed to allow more heel in.
Quality: Good (need more data to be sure)
Notes: Cleat is quite large and doesn't allow for a lot of adjustments and you might have to cut down some of the sole to allow for proper clearance. Lighter riders should note that you can be clipped half way in only which may lead to accidental pullouts, so step firmly and check that you are properly clipped in.


Crank Brothers (Egg beater, Candy, Smarty, mallets)
Entry price: $50 for pair (Egg beater C, Candy C, Mallet, Smarty)
Rep. Parts: Cleat $20, Overhaul kit $15, Short spindle kit $40
Availability: USA, readily. International, readily.
Float type: ±5° float, unrestricted for first 5°, Spring self centering after 5° (unsure, couldn't pull up data)
Quality: Poor to Good. Mixed reviews. (I guess it depends on which level you get?)
Notes: If you want extra support other than just at the bindings, then you can get Candy, Smarty or Mallets which have platforms built in. Default spindle used sets feet wide apart, shorter spindle kit can be purchased.

LOOK Quartz
Entry price: $100 (Quartz)
Rep. Parts: Cleat $25
Availability: USA, scarce. International, no idea
Float type: 6° float (±3° Angular Float, ±1.5mm Lateral float)
Quality: Poor to Good. Mixed reviews. (I guess it depends on which level you get?)
Notes:

Shimano SPD
Entry price: $40 for pair (SPD-M520, etc.)
Rep. Parts: Cleat $10, (Overhauling, $5: Pedal tool Tl-Pd40, 3/32 ball bearings).
Availability: USA, abundant. International, abundant.
Float type: ±4° float, spring loaded self centering. Spring retention so nearly no float.
Quality: Get them and forget them, they last a while. When they break you get new ones.
Note: Nothing wrong with them if your knees work with practically no float.


Speedplay Frog
Entry price: $105 for pair (Chromo)
Rep. Parts: Cleat $35, Overhaul kit $?
Availability: USA, readily. International, readily.
Float type: +26° float, unrestricted, Heel out direction ONLY! (You actually are not clipped in at this angle.)
Quality: Pedals are decent, but the cleat binding mechanism uses an elastomer.
Notes: Binding mechanism is in the cleat, elastomer is used instead of sprung steel. Easier to perform maintenance on pedals. Easier to jam up and damage cleat than competition in muddy and rocky surfaces.


Time ATAC
Entry price: $50 for pair (ATAC Alium)
Rep. Parts: Cleat $20, Overhaul kit $?
Availability: USA, readily. International, readily.
Float type: 10° Free float (±5° and 5mm lateral)
Quality: Highly rated among couriers.
Notes: Very easy to maintain and overhaul.

XPEDO M-Force/Wellago & Topeak
Entry price: $60 (MF-3/SL-CR StainLess body-CRomo spindle)
Rep. Parts: Cleat $? Bearing kit $12
Availability: relatively available in US. (not sure about international)
Float type: 15° (±7.5° in each direction?)
Quality:
Notes: