CycleFreakLS

I grabbed Look and Shimano cause that's what Speedplay has on their site. In any case, all the top models of the major pedal lines are all good; I don't think there's a bad one out there. If you want double sided, then that eliminates Look, Time, and Shimano. If you need float (as my R knee does), that pretty much narrows down the field. I rode the original Shimano clipless for years and thought they were great ... until I got SPDs on my Gary Fisher (and thought "this double sided pedal's kinda cool"). So I put SPDs on the road bike. Bad idea; had hot spots for ~2 years. Then, went to Mammoth and did something incredibly stupid and ended up needing float. And that's how I navigated to X2s.

Some people see Speedplay, small pedal, and think, small cleat. That is simply not the case.
Eggbeaters ... do have a small pedal, and an even smaller cleat. But if they work (for someone), then that's great.

All the systems are good, and if anybody complains ... they oughta try toe straps ...

linux_author

- OK, what is wrong with strapless toe clips?

:-)

ycookmd

I have not tried the Speedplay Zeros -- maybe you've used them and had better luck with them, but I can't comment on them. The Frogs were not unreliable. Shannon just had some problems with early release on those that the shop couldn't resolve, so she gave up on them.

However, we've been through 2 pairs of the Speedplay Xs and I think after several hundred miles I can give my opinion on them without jest: they are unreliable. The wire in my Speedplay Xs gummed up more than once, as have Shannon's. The problem is simple, but annoying, to fix. I have never had the problem with the Shimanos or (subsequently) the Keos. I think placing the binding mechanism on the cleat instead of the pedal isn't a good idea. While it is true that the pedals jaws on Shimano and Look pedals can also get gummed up, mud is more likely to be forced into the cleat than the pedal. I put probably 10 times the miles on the Shimano R600s than I did the Speedplays, without a single problem except needing to replace the cleats for wear. Not one single failure. The Speedplay Xs are the only pedals I have ever bought for which the shop automatically recommended cleat covers. Muddy cleat covers are a real joy to stuff into your jersey pocket next to your Hammergel flask.

Jaco

Honestly, in the end this is all personal opinion as each system has it's advantages and disadvantages. I'd say that if you're already familiar with a particular type of clip in system, you might as well stay with that. However, if you're looking for something new, I'd have to recommend the Look Keo's. They're light, have a nice solid click in and a large cleat/pedal platform. They're comfortable, easy to use once you get the hang of a one sided system, and eliminate hot spots and "toe scrunch" for many riders. My two cents.

Al1943

It's not just the weight, the X-1's have a shorter spindle for more ground clearance and reduced Q-factor.

But I think the X-2's are the best for the buck.

Al

mscycler

Just bought some Shimano PD-R540 SPD-SR off of ebay. $51 new in box. Now, is there anything in particular I should look for when I am buying the shoes? I tried on a pair of Pearl Vagabond II this morning and they fit nice and all, just curious.

Thanks,
mscycler

nitropowered

I love my Look Keos.

SteveE

Real OCP's (like me, for instance) ride Campy Record Pro-fit pedals.

jitteringjr

What else have you ridden to compare them with?

SteveE

Old style quill pedals and Look. (If you're an OCP, does it really matter what else you've ridden?)

jitteringjr

If you're an OCP nope. If you are interested in hearing a comparative review on why the Pro Fits are better, like me, it does. Why are they better?

CycleFreakLS

No, it is an excellent idea. How on earth do you get mud into your cleat? Where are you walking? I have about 5000+ mi on my X2s have only had it "gum up" once (@ the Solvang Century).

mscycler

Well...I rode my first "ride" this am. Went about 10 miles or so, my a$$ is sore, and my feet definately need the proper equipment. The basket pedal (for lack of a better way to describe it) sucks, flat out. Glad I got my pedals on the way. Need to go get shoes now.

mscycler

SteveE

They're light-weight, easy to clip out of, have a superior cleat retension system to the Looks, and like most Campy stuff, are rebuildable. Are they better? I think it's more of a matter of taste and preference myself. When I'm riding I don't notice my pedals too much.

jitteringjr

Thanks, "When I'm riding I don't notice my pedals too much." now that is what I want in a pedal.

geneman

Holy crap! ... you own ~$1500 worth of pedals. More power to you!!

Mark

Wurm

You mean "more Campy- Power to you", right?

redfooj

speedplay (x0, if you want specifics)... easy to clip in & out... adjustable float and exit angles

i like my friends speedplays more than my eggbeaters

bikerbos

I decided on speedplay zeroes after two days of comparing pedals. Thanks for all the advice.