megamo

Hi, I’m enjoying reading almost everything on this forum since I’ve joined and I’ve learned a lot from you guys. I'm interested to find the most efficient clipless pedals with larger platform. I have noticed the picture of most road bike in this forum have either Look or something similar to look style pedals, like Shimano Ultegra, Dra-Ace or time Atx.
Are these type pedals better than those with lesser platforms? Do larger platform give you better pedaling power than others?
I’ve already tried speed play and crank brothers type. I like crank brothers Quattro pedals so far. But I’m just curious if those with wider platform are better in power efficiency. What are your choice in those with larger platforms like Look or others and why?
Thanks

key

the stiffness of the sole of your shoes matters more than the platform of the pedal.

lutz

The crank brothers quattro pedal design is really suspect. It is hard to see how this platform could have a stabilizing effect since the shapes of the shoe soles vary so much. The platform might help with the entry.
In the end you are only connected to the pedal through the relatively tiny cleats and then a hopefully very stiff shoe sole.

mihlbach

The quattro-specific cleat fits over the entire platform. If you use the standard eggbeater cleat, then you get no advantage from the platform. The much larger quattro cleat (3-bolt pattern for a road shoe) includes a hard plastic piece that conforms to the whole platform. I use my quattros with both mountain shoes with the tiny eggbeater cleat, and with road shoes with the correct quattro cleat and there is a dramatic difference between the two in terms of stability and long term comfort.

megamo

But if you have a pedal which has larger platform, don't they give you more stability and comfort when you pressing on the pedals? e.g. Look or Dura-Ace pedals have larger platform than some other pedals. How about those pedals with lager platform? Are they better than smaller ones?

JayC

I have the new Ultegra pedals. They rock.

Dubbayoo

I have a hard time getting into my 6610's; can't catch the lip easily. I may move up. same cleats?

JayC

Yea.. same cleats Im pretty sure. The cleat wear between these and the KEOs is like night and day. I need to snap some photos.

Miller2

Meaning Ultegras wear better?

LtSPD2000

The Ultegra 6620's are awesome.......

megamo

Thanks guys, I'll also look into those pedals.

JayC

If by better you mean less, WAY less. Ive been riding mine for about a month and they still look new.

lutz

hello Mihlbach,

that is exactly the questionable design I was writing about. Great if it works for you; just looking at the design I am guessing you were one of the lucky ones for whom the shoe sole shape and the horseshoe pontoons and the pedals produced a perfect fit. Have a look at the roadbike reviews site at the reviews of bikeboy389 and nerdag which are describing the problem.
I am looking for new pedals myself and have not tried the crank brothers quattro yet. The horseshoes should definitely help with walking anyhow; regarding the "platform" I am not a believer yet.
Thanks for your experiences!

vpiuva

And just wait until they get old and beat up looking. They still work!

Stray Cat

+3

Jayc convinced me to get them. Coming from SPD pedals they felt much different and better.

If you have a local Performance shop, take in the $94 PBK 6620 print out and they'll price match. My cashier had to ask his manager if he'd be fired before he put it in the computer.

obstacle

I ride Egg Beater SLs or Tis on all of my bikes (fixed, road, XC) and have two pairs of Sidis. If I know I will be walking some and am going off road I use my Sidi Mountain shoes with the standard EB cleat. Otherwise I'm in my Sidi carbon road shoes with the Quattro cleat. It is far more stable than the standard EB cleat with normal EBs and I've been riding it for just under two years with no issue. I've tried many other pedal combos (SPD-SL, Looks, speedplays...) and none of them feel as good as the EBs with the Quattro cleat. Even the Quattro pedals don't feel as good. I'm not sold on a bigger platform being any different. It has more to do with your shoes. I've never had issue with EBs and hot spots and/or power-transfer...in any conditions...and I've ridden then in every condition you can think of.

Miller2

I have the Quattros, and am quite pleased with them. The platform does make a major difference. You can tell that you are pushing against the platform and not just on the cleat.....at least I can.