MAK

I've made the decision to go clippless so I've followed some threads to learn about the different styles, etc. Currently I'm on a hybrid with a road bike in the plans for the spring. I am 99% sure that I want to go with a mountain shoe and pedal for off the bike comfort.

My specific question is...What exactly is a/the degree of float and should I look for a lot or a little float and for that matter, what is considered a lot or a little float?

If it matters, I'm 55 yr and always try to err on the side of caution. My chief concern is getting in and out of them without having to use my medical insurance.

Thank you

MAK

Clipless...SORRY!

62vette

Shimano SPD pedals and their imitators have a small amount of float. Crank Brothers egg beaters have two different float amounts dependant on how you install the cleats on the shoes.

Having used both, I'd recommend the egg beaters, they're easier than SPDs to clip in and out of.

62vette

btw, egg beaters release at either 15 or 20 degrees

Serpico

you'll be fine, but for the first few rides keep telling yourself "remember to clip out" repeatedly, and you won't suffer the "I tipped over at a stop light"

btw, I have speedplay zeros, they have adjustable float--the only downside is the small platform (which requires a very stiff-soled shoe), they might not be your best bet if you're using mtb shoes

good luck

MAK

So are you saying that the more float the better? What exactly is float? Is it the angle you need to reach for the shoe to disengage? If so, wouldn't less float be easier to get out of?

62vette

less float is easier to get out of, and with egg beaters the recommendation is for novices to use the least release angle option. In reality you get less float than the release angle as there is some resistance before it releases.

As long as you have some float you should be right. Just take the time to adjust the cleats so that your natural pedalling "stance" is about the middle of the float range so you have a bit of room to move each way.

mimis

I truly believe speedplays are great in terms of comfort,practically resolved my feet numbness problem on longer than 3 hours pedaling! So i have no alternative but to believe the manufacturer's claims that they offer the larger cleat surface.If road pedals then get 'em asap!

lrzipris

There are many MTB pedal/cleat options, and no one right answer. If you have reason to be concerned about possible knee/leg pain, pedals with a lot of float will allow your feet to find a more natural position; pedals with little float will lock your feet into a fixed position that might not be optimum for you.

Because of their float, I use Speedplay's MTB pedals, Frogs. Here is a link to the Speedplay explanation of float, defined there as "side-to-side heel" movement: https://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?f...ome.chooselong.

I also like the Frogs because I need (and they give me) some freedom to rotate my feet along the other axis. That is, I supinate slightly (my foot rolls to the outside), and Frogs allow me that movement. And the knee pain I suffered with SPD MTB pedals disappeared once I switched to Frogs.

merlinextraligh

I'm not sure you've quite had your question answered. The degree of float is the amount your foot can rotate sideways without clipping out. A lot of people believe based on their experience that float avoids knee pain. However some people ride pedals with no float and no knee pain. If you buy a pedal that allows a lot of float, I think the odds that you will have knee pain problems diminishes.

MAK

Thank you Merlin, Iziipris and all others that replied. The Speedplay article was exactly what I was looking for. I understand the knee pain concern but wonder if the 26 degree float on the Frog is too musch for ease of extraction since it's about 3 times the float of most other pedals. I guess it will be a trial and error situation and my first pedals will likely not be my last.

mayukawa

I think if the "Q factor" on your pedals are the right width for your legs, then you can probably get away with no float at all. I, however, think that most people don't ride with the right "Q factor" and thus require some float to compensate for it.

Keith99

My setup is SPD that is over 10 years old. Of course by this time I have no problems. But I remember one thing from starting out. The release tension was adjustable! The ones I have can be adjusted from so light that you come out from time to time when you do not want to up to a level where you can have real trouble getting out. Very much like ski bindings.

Start out adjusted to release easily. Error a bit on the too easy side, then tighten up a bit as you get used to them.

lrzipris

It's no problem: Frogs are easy to engage and easy to disengage. One last point:maintenance is quite simple: an occasional touch of dry lube where the cleats contact the pedals and grease into the greaeport every 2,000 miles or so.

robhunterx

I'm 56 with 'wore out knees' and I do well with the Speedplay Frogs. MTB shoes with recessed cleats are pretty good for walking as well. If I were starting over, I would seriously consider them for my road bikes too, but I'm OK with the X Series Speedplays with coffee shop cups for keeping them clean when walking. I hear Crank Bros. are cheaper but have no experience. I agree with everything lrzipris has said. Good Luck!!!