When I was thinking about buying 105 pedals (the rest of my stuff is 105), I decided to look at what pedals other people on my team were using. I realized I couldn't tell. Their feet were on the pedals most of the time, and the differences between 105 and Ultegra SPD-SL are impossible for my old eyes to pick up when they aren't.

But I bought 105s anyway because they were on sale and they have a shiny metal plate on them.

If I might hijack the thread briefly, I have a general MTB pedal vs. road pedal question that is somewhat related to this thread.

Like many, I've standardized on SPD and MTB shoes (M540 and Sidi Dominator) for road riding for many many years as I like the recessed cleats, double-sided pedals, and ease of getting in/out. I also like not having to think about different shoes depending on what bike I'm riding as I have a couple mountain bikes and a hybrid I occasionally ride. I'm happy overall and like SPD. But I have a big, week-long supported tour coming up this summer with 80+ mile days of all road riding. Is the efficiency advantage of pure road pedals/shoes enough that I should consider going SPD-SL with road pedals for this ride? I haven't used pure road pedals since the 80's when I had one of the original Look setups.

- Mark

If you can tolerate riding distance on mt. SPD, then go with what you know. There's no point in trying to learn a new pedal system especially when you are tired at the end of the day.

I used SPD exclusively on all my road and mt. bikes for decades until I developed nerve issues in the small toe/ball of foot, also known as hot foot. I subsequently discovered that SPD-L's larger cleat surface area better supported my foot, which is the only reason I use them for long road rides. I suck at clipping in on them and would prefer mt. SPD otherwise.

For what it's worth, you can just about always find Ultegra pedals for less than $90 online with a quick Google search. Wiggle has them right now for $88.99.

Looks like a Great deal. Never used wiggle before so I should get another $10 with first order.
Which has me thinking. I could get shimano dura ace pd 9000 for $134 with the discount.
Are they a good company to deal with being it will be shipped to the US?

Now just to find the best price on the Bontrager XXX road shoe in red size 42.

Wiggle is fine with us customers.
I wouldn't get the dura ace pedal unless weight is your primary concern, or if money is no object. They have an extra bearing and a little less weight, not worth the added money IMO

Exactly - unless every little gram is of great concern, and unless you're winning the TdF then why do you bother - I don't know why people don't just always go for Shimano R-540 pedals, they're €35 at chainreaction, come in white, silver and black, come with a spare set of cleats, and they just work. At that price, if they ever failed just get another pair.

I use Shimano R550. It is the cheapest composite they make, that has the same wide base as the Shimano 105 5800/Ultegra.

Ended up ordering the Shimano 6800 Ultegra pedals, cleat covers , Bontrager XXX Road Shoe in red 42 as well as a Kask Protone helmet.

Good way to spend some of the year end bonus.
Thanks for the advice.