Expected lifetime of clipless pedals
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Bethesda, MD
Posts: 134
Bikes: Campagnolo Mondia, Moulton TSR8
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Expected lifetime of clipless pedals
How long do you folks expect clipless pedals to last? The reason I ask is that I had a pair of Ritchies that I had used on a number of bikes over a ten year period, they were worn but I kept them clean and oiled. One day sometime back, riding along the canal trail here in DC I stopped and the pedal refused to let go. Well - the result is pretty obvious. The bad new was I was falling toward the canal, the good news was there was enough grass and bank to stop me from getting a dunking - and the bike - ow... The good news was that the grassy bank softened the fall - the bad news was there was the stub of a small tree that had recently been cut that pierced my shorts and thigh and about 1/4 inch into my leg.
I fiddled with the pedals and decided that they were simply too worn so I got some SPDs. This was three years back and about 2,500 miles ago. They still work fine but have clear signs of wear - and I would that they did not suddenly refuse to let go for a second time. I liked those Ritchies, they were very precise and crisp.
Any thoughts?
Lawrence
I fiddled with the pedals and decided that they were simply too worn so I got some SPDs. This was three years back and about 2,500 miles ago. They still work fine but have clear signs of wear - and I would that they did not suddenly refuse to let go for a second time. I liked those Ritchies, they were very precise and crisp.
Any thoughts?
Lawrence
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: fruita, co
Posts: 1,701
Bikes: rocky mountain SLAYER!!!! trek, voodoo, surly, spot, bianchi, ibis
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
i have been using Look pedals on my road bike for well over 15 years (same pedals, i'm on my third road bike) and i don't see me getting new pedals for a few more years. i've had to get new plastic cleats for my shoes, they were worn out, but the pedals are still awesome.
https://www.lookcycle.com/en/us/route/pedales.html
https://www.lookcycle.com/en/us/route/pedales.html
#3
In Real Life
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Down under down under
Posts: 52,152
Bikes: Lots
Mentioned: 141 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3203 Post(s)
Liked 596 Times
in
329 Posts
The number of years a pedal lasts probably depends on how much it is used during the year.
I don't think any of my SPDs are in really rough shape yet, and the ones with most use have seen over 30,000 km of cycling.
I don't think any of my SPDs are in really rough shape yet, and the ones with most use have seen over 30,000 km of cycling.
__________________
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
#4
Senior Member
I was wondering about this myself, and now know mine should last as long as I will.
I was told by the bike ship that I should never, ever, ever try to take them apart for cleaning. He says I would never believe how strong those (SPD) springs are. I do take advice, but you ever look at a red button labeled "Do Not Push Button"? That's how I'm feeling.
I was told by the bike ship that I should never, ever, ever try to take them apart for cleaning. He says I would never believe how strong those (SPD) springs are. I do take advice, but you ever look at a red button labeled "Do Not Push Button"? That's how I'm feeling.
__________________
Some people are like a Slinky ... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.
Some people are like a Slinky ... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.
#5
Banned
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,788
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I have some Time ATAC Aliums that are 5 years old and going strong. Also have a barely-used pair of Shimano 515's that are mechanically good, but don't have near the good feel of the ATAC. One of my kids will likely roll the 515's, as I will have ATAC as long as I can get them.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 6,866
Bikes: Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS, Trek CheckPoint SL7 AXS, Trek Emonda ALR AXS, Trek FX 5 Sport
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 761 Post(s)
Liked 1,719 Times
in
1,004 Posts
I have been using the Time Aliums for the last 5 years as well. Great pedal. I just upgraded to a Time ATAC Roc S for my new road bike build and moved my old pedals to my MTB.
#7
Insane Bicycle Mechanic
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: other Vancouver
Posts: 9,826
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 797 Post(s)
Liked 694 Times
in
371 Posts
My first set of Shimano PD-M737 pedals lasted about 12 years (1991-2003) before becoming unrepairable. Maybe 20,000 road miles. I greased the bearings every year or so, and replaced the cleats with every new pair of shoes.
__________________
Jeff Wills
Comcast nuked my web page. It will return soon..
Jeff Wills
Comcast nuked my web page. It will return soon..
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex
Posts: 5,058
Bikes: 2013 Haro FL Comp 29er MTB.
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1470 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 45 Times
in
35 Posts
Attacks, Crank Brothers egg beaters, and Looks should last about as long as any others will. Not much to go wrong. I have close to 16000 miles on my Speed plays, forth set of Cleats however. Haven't tried Shimano SPDs can't say how they will hold up but I would think they should last as long as the rest.
#9
Uber Goober
On my Raleigh Sojourn, it came with 105 pedals, I've had them rebuilt once, bought one new pair, and now have a pair of lower grade on there- so figure 3.5 sets in maybe 20,000 miles, so, 6-8,000 miles?
__________________
"be careful this rando stuff is addictive and dan's the 'pusher'."
"be careful this rando stuff is addictive and dan's the 'pusher'."
#10
Banned.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Upland Ca
Posts: 19,895
Bikes: Lemond Chambery/Cannondale R-900/Trek 8000 MTB/Burley Duet tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Longer than my bike frames!..I use spd's, same set, third frame.
First frame, 13,000 miles, second 14,000, this one, maybe 1000,....same pedals no problems.
First frame, 13,000 miles, second 14,000, this one, maybe 1000,....same pedals no problems.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Holland
Posts: 952
Bikes: 2007 Nagasawa with C-Record, 1992 Duell with Croce D'aune/Chorus, three Gazelles, M5 recumbent
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 47 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 25 Times
in
15 Posts
I am using Shimano pd6402 pedals (look style) that I bought in 1992. They are still working fine.
On another bike I use cheap Shimano SPD pedals. When the cleats are worn, I replace the pedals. New pedals are only 5 euro more than new cleats.
On another bike I use cheap Shimano SPD pedals. When the cleats are worn, I replace the pedals. New pedals are only 5 euro more than new cleats.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 643 Times
in
364 Posts
Your shoe cleats have a little metal bump that opens the spring mechanism when you twist your foot. Those bumps don't last forever. Sometimes a new $15 pair of cleats will make an old set of pedals work line brand new.
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Bethesda, MD
Posts: 134
Bikes: Campagnolo Mondia, Moulton TSR8
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks - good info.
#14
Senior Member
Yup. Most pedals last "forever", but the cleats don't.
Word to the wise, ie. dumb things cyclists do: I bought a new pair of A520s for my Bacchetta, and dutifully changed out the cleats. When I pulled up to a red light, I discovered I could not clip out, as I hadn't tightened up the cleats that well. I was lucky I didn't get hurt with that stunt.
So when you change out the cleats, I advise a liberal amount of brutaine to the cleat bolts.
Word to the wise, ie. dumb things cyclists do: I bought a new pair of A520s for my Bacchetta, and dutifully changed out the cleats. When I pulled up to a red light, I discovered I could not clip out, as I hadn't tightened up the cleats that well. I was lucky I didn't get hurt with that stunt.
So when you change out the cleats, I advise a liberal amount of brutaine to the cleat bolts.
__________________
Momento mori, amor fati.
Momento mori, amor fati.
#15
Kid A
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 1,778
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
They last about 2 months until you put your BMX flatties with pins back on and toss the crank bros. in the closet with the other SPDs.
That's how long mine lasted anyway.
That's how long mine lasted anyway.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Virginia/DC
Posts: 1,454
Bikes: quite a few
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The first set I ever owned had the right pedal fall apart (literally) after a few years. They were Wellgo SPDs, I think M9s and they came stock on a the first very nice MTB I bought. They weren't really used that harshly but I believe a bolt or screw started coming loose and I never noticed. One day pieces of the pedal just started coming off. I tried to retrieve all the pieces but couldn't put it back together again. Humpty Dumpty.
I have 3 sets of Crank Bros and they're all still in service and doing fine.
I have 3 sets of Crank Bros and they're all still in service and doing fine.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mountain View, CA USA and Golden, CO USA
Posts: 6,341
Bikes: 97 Litespeed, 50-39-30x13-26 10 cogs, Campagnolo Ultrashift, retroreflective rims on SON28/PowerTap hubs
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 550 Post(s)
Liked 325 Times
in
226 Posts
My left single-sided SPD style pedals (originally Ultegra road pedals, then Ritchey Road Logics) become unusable after five years because there's not enough metal left in the mechanism to hold the cleat in. Cleats wear out before then.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Up
Posts: 4,695
Bikes: Masi, Giant TCR, Eisentraut (retired), Jamis Aurora Elite, Zullo, Cannondale, 84 & 93 Stumpjumpers, Waterford, Tern D8, Bianchi, Gunner Roadie, Serotta, Serotta Duette, was gifted a Diamond Back
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 305 Post(s)
Liked 2,038 Times
in
604 Posts
I haven't worn out a pair of pedals in 25 years, I did have a pair of SPD that had a loose axle and needed to be adjusted out of the box. Now a days I buy only the cheaper spd pedals for $35 and haven't had a problem.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
fmt_biker
Road Cycling
15
09-14-11 04:38 PM