Look pedals
 

Well, I did it. I upgraded :confused: the pedals on my road bike from Shimano M535 to Look pedals and went for my first ride last night. I was somewhat disappointed. I thought these pedals were the answer to my prayers. But I had to set the tension to the highest setting to limit the amount of float (I got the red cleats). The other thing I noticed is that when I stood in the cranks to climb a hill, there was a lot of movement and I had to use some of my energy and concentration to keep my feet in one spot on the pedals. Consequently the hill was harder to climb than usual.

Now I know some of you will want to know why I changed. Well, I guess I'm not very coordinated, because when I'm at an intersection with cars behind me, I try to get moving in a hurry when the light changes. But about half of the time I miss the pedal (too far forward, back, or to the side). I have to look down at the pedal and place my shoe in the right spot to click in. In the meantime I can hear the roar of the engines behind me and that doesn't help matters.

Well guess what, the same thing happened last night. I thought the design of the Look pedals would eliminate the problem of missing the pedal. But no!! I missed the pedal or found the pedal upside down more than half the time.

Is this "excessive" float in the pedal normal? I had less float with the M535. Should I return the pedals and cleats and get the fixed arc cleats and pedals? Or do I just have to get used to them? Or should I just return them and stick with the M535? Or is there something better?

I have read articles about Speedplays and about the wonders of BeBop and Coombe pedals. But I don't want to spent that much money.
Thanks for your help.

Ron

Ron,
Try the black cleats. Maybe they will work better for you. Any new equipment will take some getting used to. I like my Look pedals. There must be something good about Look pedals; they seem to be the de facto standard for roadies.

I am still getting used to clicking in. Because the pedals tend to hang toe up, I find that if I kind of catch the pedal with the top of my toe, my foot finds the pedal and clicks in most of the time.
Regards,
Raymond

Thanks Rainman, I'm picking up the black cleats tomorrow during lunch.
:beer:

Ron

Right now I have red cleats on the two pair of shoes I use regularly. I may get a pair of black to put on another pair just to try out. Sometimes it does seem like there is more float than I need.

I think clip-in on the Looks will be easier... give yourself a chance to get used to them. Also, it never hurts to practice clipping in and out a little. (Don't get me started on clipping in to my SPD-Rs. They're great, once you're in.)

As far as being harder to pedal, keep in mind that bike setup is the combination of a gazillion small and not so small adjustments and differences. The Looks have probably changed the distance between the bottom of your foot and the pedal axle (raise or lower your seat a little). Your foot may also be positioned differently relative to the axle (in front or behind), again changing your leg extension. Make it the same as your old clip-ins, or try shifting your seat forward/backwards a tad. Tiny differences feel major.

If it feels like there's more effort, I'd guess the pedals have probably slightly reduced your seat to pedal distance. Try adjusting your seat or cleat position to compensate. I'd suggest trying them out for a couple of weeks. If you did fine with less float, the black cleats are probably a good idea. If you get knee pain, something is seriously wrong. You might want to consult with someone at your local shop for suggestions... just don't ignore it.

Servus!

I recently got a set of Time Aliums for my MTB and found that, in the beginning, I had DAYS of float and it was a tad unnerving. Now when I clip in, I no longer sense that float. The trick is just getting used to the feel and function of the new gear.

I would suggest that you purchase the black cleats (if you already haven't) and then go on three or four "familiarization rides" nothing special, just ride around for about 30 minutes and get all of your settings dialled in. I concur with all of the other good advice given before me , particularly what roadbuzz said about seat position and other "small" things affecting your comfort and performance.

Happy riding!

Yes, I think the Black cleats on the Look pedal is better than the red cleats, I was using a black cleats one after another God know for how long then about last month I change the black to red cleats it has a lot of floats and I don't like It, I totally agree with you RonH, that when you are climbing is a little bit hard

Thanks for all the input.

I picked up the black cleats the other day and rode with them yesterday and today and what a difference! There is virtually no float so climbing is as easy as with the SPD pedals and clicking in is easier!

As usual you folks are great. This Bud's for you.
:beer:

Ron

:)
hello man i haf try both M535 and look pedals.
i really like the SPD but the M535 is quite heavy so i use a
single side SPD dur ace pedals
i hope u guys still remember it
i like SPD

Me, too, and if I could wear various shoes with my SPD's I'd still have them on the bike instead of clips and straps. But I'm OK with clips and straps, too. I do think SPD's are safer because easier to get in and out of.