Old 05-18-09 | 10:41 AM
  #13  
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grymg
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Fremont, CA
I did a review on another forum. Just reposting it here.

Previous pedals used: stock cages + nylon single straps
Clipless pedals: Shimano Dura Ace PD-7800 ($70 used ebay), Look-style w/ 3bolt cleat
Shoes: Shimano RO86L SPD-SL ($85 new REI), 2 velcro straps + 1 ratcheting strap, plastic sole

Bottom Line:
Love it and I'm never going back. However if I ran brakeless I wouldn't trust my life with it (I'm running front br BTW).

Installation:
Removed original pedals w/15mm wrench. New pedals installed with an allen wrench that you screw in the pedal from inside the crank. So the pedal is solid and closer to the crank. Pretty neat. Screwed in until tight.
Adjusted the spring tension on the pedals to lightest setting.
Installed new cleats onto shoes centered on hole cutouts. Screwed in until tight.
Practiced in the garage clicking and unclicking out of pedals.

Advantages:
Shoes literally bolted to the pedal. My stock pedals really sucked so this was really noticeable. Able to skid almost seated now, whereas the straps on my old pedals always stretched out and my foot wasn't always 100% secure.
The two velcro straps and ratcheting mechanism for the 3rd strap really help contain your foot. The upper strap is up near the top of your foot where a shoe tongue would be (Imagine a Toshi 3-strap on steroids). My foot never budges. Better for me b/c when I skid I tend to pull up more on the right than push down on the left foot. Would recommend you spend the extra cash on the ratcheting, it's nice to have.
Whip skids = no problem. To disengage you have to swivel your shoes so that your toe points pigeon-toed towards the BB, so disengaging "accidentally" will almost never happen.
Positive 'click' sound for sure engagement.
Shoes are a lot lighter than Vans or any vulcanized shoe. Also has air holes in the mesh and you can feel the air while riding.
Can adjust the cleat location so no more toe overlap now.
Pedals are indestructable, DA makes a damn good product.

Disadvantages:
Tough to clip in at first because the pedal sits vertical (black portion points down, hole points up) and you have to aim the pointed front part of the cleat into the pedal hole. . . need practice!!
Not being able to wear regular sneakers.
Have to replace cleats when worn. Have not experienced this yet but manual says
cleats can disengage with worn cleats. There is a pedal spring adjustment though to compensate.
Can't walk very well with the shoes. If someone stole my bike I couldn't chase them.



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