Clipless pedal help please
 

With my new bike purchase coming in the next week or so, at one point (when I have enough money) I will want to go to a clipless system. I have heard that the Shimano SPD-SL's were good and also the crankbrother's eggbeaters. I'm not sure, any advice?

Start here http://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?searchid=4994222
I'm pretty happy with my Speedplay Light Action pedals, but they really meant light action, so they're a little too easy to disengage for my taste. I'm thinking of going back to Look style which worked for me years ago.

I got the Look Keo classic pedals - they're relatively cheap and I like them.

True, dirt cheap, especially from PBK. PBK has pretty good prices on SPD-SL pedals as well.

Keo Classics are easy entry and also easy for learning (as far as adjustments, float choices, and clipping in and out). To each his own you will find this is a more debated topic than politics.

I prefer the LOOK-style.

Between the two options you are giving there's a significant difference. The SPD-SL pedals use a larger cleat with a road style bolt pattern. That limits you to road style shoes. They may be more comfortable, especially for longer rides because they spread the pressure out over a larger area and generally have a stiffer sole. I find them easy to clip in with.

The Eggbeaters use a mountain bolt pattern, which is still usable with many road style shoes but opens up the possibility of using a mountain bike style shoe. They are usually much easier to walk around in.

I ride SPD-SLs, my wife rides Eggbeaters. Both are good systems, but neither of us has tried the other system so i can't make a direct comparison. The other options may be good for you too, I was just working within the confines of what you were already considering.

Just a note to you, if you decided to get SPD-SL. Make damn sure you get the updated versions, they are significantly better: metal instead of plastic body cover, increased cleat contact = feels even MORE stable than before, wicked SL paint scheme

The just oudated versions of the SPD-SL, r540's was going for $6 less than the newer version. Then suddenly PBK upped their prices to nearly $25 over the r540s. What gives?

I'm a shimano fan so, in my opintion, SPD-SL are a no-brainer. Comparing that system to eggbeaters is like apples to oranges. I run eggbeaters on my cyclocross bike and love them for that, they shed mud easily and are easy to get in/out of. Night and day difference in feel, however. The SL offer much, much more surface area for contact between the shoe and the pedal=more positive, connected feel, imo. If your going with road-specific shoes, go SPD SL. If not, I'd recommend a SPD pedal for starters. Knock off versions can be had for super cheap:
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/131...-M3-Pedals.htm
By the time you wear those out, you'll know what you want. If you jump into the road-specific SL pedal, I'd look for a good deal on 105 level or better.

Yes, Shimano did redesign the SL pedal for '08. If you can score a good discount on the older models, go for it. The new models ARE improved with a wider, metal platform but for entry level, you'll be fine. I run the old Ultegras and they're hanging in there just fine.

(seems like I'm not seeing the big discounts I used to on the 6600 stuff like I used to. anyone)?

here's a good deal, bub:

http://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?p...ajor=5&minor=2

...if you're the type that thinks 92 bucks isn't too much to spend on bicycle pedals ;)

I have Keo and much prefer them to SPD-SL which I had prior. They feel more secure and clipping in is less tentative.

I really like my Speedplay light action pedals...and my sidis.

My experience: I love my eggbeaters on my mt. bike for easy entry and release, but I didn't enjoy them on my road bike. After I got some Keos for my road bike I understood the platform talk. I only have 700mi on the Keos but appreciate the connection to the pedal.

I choose Time RXE pedals recently. They are less expensive than others and have good reviews although don't seem to be as widely used as Look. The style is similar to look though. I would have purchased Look but the price on the Time was hard to beat and I am happy with them.

http://www.bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BK...%20Cleats-Road

I have SPD's and they have been great for learning to use clip-less pedals. I also like them since I can wear a walkable shoe for commuting around town.