Originally Posted by
krusty
Speedplays are good pedals, but something you need to know to sort out the 2 main camps of pedal supporters (Look vs. Speedplay) is this;
The 2 types of pedals require completely different engagement motions. Speedplays require a downward stomp, as do most mountain pedals. Ironically, the Frogs are more similar to the Look engagement, which is more of a forward motion to hook the front of the cleat in the pedal, flipping the pedal flat for final engagement.
At first glance, the Look style engagement seems rather difficult, but in fact it is relatively easy. People get rather passionate in their defense of one vs. the other, but you will rapidly get used to the first one you choose to use. I have used Time or Look pedals for over 20 years now, and I just couldn't get used to the Speedplays on the road. Frogs I loved. This doesn't mean that Speedplays are bad pedals; they aren't. They just weren't for me.
I agree.
It's a personal preference...and preferences change. Mine have. My favorites used to be Time. Then I went to SPD-SL. Now I dig Speedplay.
I really like the adjustable tension of the Ultegra SPD-SLs, but when I lock them down hard, I wind up twisting the cleat in the shoe when I clip-out. Which means, I have to tighten down the cleat so hard that I risk stripping the threads in the shoe.
The speedplays do take a while to get used to. I read somewhere that you use a foot motion "as if you were stomping out a cigarette on the sidewalk." Oddly enough, that got me to understand the motion to get in.