Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Road Cycling
Reload this Page >

recommendation on clipless pedals.

Search
Notices
Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

recommendation on clipless pedals.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-15-08 | 11:06 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
recommendation on clipless pedals.

i am planning to get a road bike right now, im pretty much set with frames and groupos
but im not sure what to get for clipless pedals.

i am trying to find the clipless pedals for my new road bike and track bikes that i own.

any recommendation on pedals? and shoes..

my budget is under $150.

thank you!
jinbok2 is offline  
Reply
Old 10-15-08 | 11:15 PM
  #2  
MONGO!'s Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,279
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
Look Keo.

Oh, and it's either "Group" or "Gruppo"
MONGO! is offline  
Reply
Old 10-15-08 | 11:30 PM
  #3  
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
oh thanks for the correction!
jinbok2 is offline  
Reply
Old 10-15-08 | 11:39 PM
  #4  
Magnesium Dogmatic
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach, CA

Bikes: Look 585 Ultra, Pinarello Dogma, Pegoretti Duende, Orbea, Cannondale Capo

Originally Posted by MONGO!
Look Keo.

Oh, and it's either "Group" or "Gruppo"
+1 for Keo pedals.
haimtoeg is offline  
Reply
Old 10-15-08 | 11:42 PM
  #5  
Junior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
I've ridder both the Look Keo and Time RXS carbon. Time was much better for me. Here's why:

The Look cleats were "unstable." It's hard to explain this correctly, but the center rubber piece of the Look cleat that actually touches the shoe is not wide enough and can cause some "rocking" motion of the shoe. This probably does not happen to every rider since a lot of people like the pedals. I had problems with this and had to stop using the pedals.

Time also has the advantages of easier clip in/clip out (once you learn it) and pedaling also feels a bit more efficient (this could be my imagination though...).

If the Looks work for you then they are the cheaper choice. Time worked better for me.
InHiding is offline  
Reply
Old 10-15-08 | 11:55 PM
  #6  
z415's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 0
From: Gainesville/Tampa, FL

Bikes: Trek 1000, two mtbs and working on a fixie for commuting.

Look Keo for me. Not that I've tried anything else but SPDs...

And I think the Looks have very spring high tension in comparison to other comparable pedals so it would work for track (assuming racing) also.

Under $150 would be Keo Sprints; I hope that budget does not cover shoes... because I spent that much plus some change on shoes. Shimano R something or other is what I have.

If that $150 is to cover all your bikes (2 pairs of pedals and 1 pair of shoes) and you don't race, then get some mtb shoes and pedals. Nashbar sells SPD style shoes for around $30 a pair. SPD compatible shoes will cost you another $60 but you can't really put a price on being able to walk (road shoes make you feel like an elf on ice...). Plus shipping, you will have another $15 or so for whatever else.

Last edited by z415; 10-15-08 at 11:59 PM.
z415 is offline  
Reply
Old 10-16-08 | 12:05 AM
  #7  
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
yeah i am trying to buy sidi shoes. 5.5 geniuse maybe.

so i guess keo sprints..
jinbok2 is offline  
Reply
Old 10-16-08 | 12:23 AM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 514
Likes: 1
From: Indiana

Bikes: 2015 Scott Solace 30, 2007 CAAD9 Optimo 1

I'd take a look at Look(wut) Keo Classics as well. Cheaper and are more favorably reviewed. *shrug*
Anti404 is offline  
Reply
Old 10-16-08 | 12:37 AM
  #9  
Tapeworm21's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,265
Likes: 2
From: Berkeley

Bikes: 2010 Tarmac SL, 2013 Fairdale Weekender, 2013 Fairdale Coaster, 1995 Specialized M2 Pro, 1972 Schwinn Heavy Duty, 2014 Surley Long Haul Trucker

Speedplay Frogs. Just because I've never seen this thread answered with that.
Tapeworm21 is offline  
Reply
Old 10-16-08 | 02:25 AM
  #10  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 935
Likes: 0
From: Perth, W.A.
+1 on the Time RXS or RXE family. Simple, bulletproof, solid as a rock, cleats are non-slippery if you have to walk on them, they have float, low maintenance, tolerant of dirt or sand, don't squeak or creak, cleats are cheap to replace, no need for "coffee shop covers". Only downside is they are not always the easiest to clip into.

Last edited by scirocco; 10-16-08 at 02:30 AM.
scirocco is offline  
Reply
Old 10-16-08 | 03:19 AM
  #11  
RichinPeoria's Avatar
175mm crank of love
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,387
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by jinbok2
i am planning to get a road bike right now, im pretty much set with frames and groupos
but im not sure what to get for clipless pedals.

i am trying to find the clipless pedals for my new road bike and track bikes that i own.

any recommendation on pedals? and shoes..

my budget is under $150.

thank you!
See Nashbar...For my first set of clipless pedals I bought a pair of the magnesium Ventoux 2s. They look and feel nice.

Lightweight magnesium The Ventoux 2Mag is Look* cleat compatible. It features nine degrees of float, adjustable release tension and sealed bearings. Cleats are included. Magnesium body with Cro Mo axle. 308g. $34.99

The Z series Titanium pedals are finest, lightest prettiest dang pedals Nashbar has ever come out with! From the hand polished aluminum body to the CNC machined Ti spindle the Z1 screams speed! Dual outboard bearings, one sealed cartridge, the other a needle roller type roll fast and smooth. The outboard placement of the bearings handle all the power you can put to them. Binding tension is adjustable from 80-150 kfg/cm. 3 bolt Look type cleats give you the feel and rotation you look for. 248g/pr Compare @ $224.95. Item No. » NS-Z17T Reg $139.99 Now $99.99 28% Off

Last edited by RichinPeoria; 10-16-08 at 03:32 AM.
RichinPeoria is offline  
Reply
Old 10-16-08 | 03:34 AM
  #12  
MrCrassic's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,644
Likes: 1
From: Brooklyn, NY

Bikes: 2008 Giant OCR1 (with panda bear on the back!)

Originally Posted by jinbok2
i am planning to get a road bike right now, im pretty much set with frames and groupos
but im not sure what to get for clipless pedals.

i am trying to find the clipless pedals for my new road bike and track bikes that i own.

any recommendation on pedals? and shoes..

my budget is under $150.

thank you!
Are you planning on commuting with it, or just using it for training/weekend rides?
If it's for the former, I highly recommend a MTB pedal, like the SPD (Shimano Pedal Dynamics) pedal. The best thing about these is that they allow you to walk (much easier). For the latter, get a proper road pedal (Look system is most popular). The increased pedal surface and improved contact allow a much smoother pedal stroke, at the expense of walkability.
__________________
Ride more.

Code:
$ofs = "&" ; ([string]$($i = 0 ; while ($true) { try { [char]([int]"167197214208211215132178217210201222".substring($i,3) - 100) ; $i =
 $i+3 > catch { break >>)).replace('&','') ; $ofs=" " # Replace right angles with right curly braces
MrCrassic is offline  
Reply
Old 10-16-08 | 03:50 AM
  #13  
Banned.
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by Tapeworm21
Speedplay Frogs. Just because I've never seen this thread answered with that.
Frogs rock!!
Cyclist01012 is offline  
Reply
Old 10-16-08 | 06:58 AM
  #14  
Sapling's Avatar
Afterburners...good idea
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
From: Washington

Bikes: Lemond Zurich

Based on a friend's experience, +1 on the Nashbars
Sapling is offline  
Reply
Old 10-16-08 | 07:36 AM
  #15  
Jerseysbest's Avatar
J E R S E Y S B E S T
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,849
Likes: 0
From: DC
Originally Posted by RichinPeoria
See Nashbar...For my first set of clipless pedals I bought a pair of the magnesium Ventoux 2s. They look and feel nice.

Lightweight magnesium The Ventoux 2Mag is Look* cleat compatible. It features nine degrees of float, adjustable release tension and sealed bearings. Cleats are included. Magnesium body with Cro Mo axle. 308g. $34.99
+1, but the 9* of float sucks. Immediately replaced with black Look cleats
Jerseysbest is offline  
Reply
Old 10-16-08 | 07:58 AM
  #16  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 421
Likes: 0
From: SW FL

Bikes: 1980 Motobacane Team Champion 2008 Gary Fisher Hi Fi 2009 Madone 6.9

Colorado Cyclist has the Time RX5 for $163.99. I am researching going to clipless on my bike from super record clip pedals. Considering Campy Record as they have 6 degrees of float or you can go to no float and the above company is $40 cheaper than any place else I have tried.
Ames is offline  
Reply
Old 10-16-08 | 08:01 AM
  #17  
AnthonyG's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,135
Likes: 420
From: Queanbeyan, Australia.
For road bike use Shimano SPD-SL is hard to beat. Some people like Shimano, some like Look, there both good. I like the fact that the Shimano cleats are a little better for walking around than the Look cleats because the Shimano cleats have walking pontoons built in. I also find that Shimano shoes are the most comfortable for me. For track use the SPD-SL's are fine for most riders but if you become an elite track sprinter then you will need something with stronger retention than SPD-SL. The previous SPD-R system is still popular for track use due to its stronger retention. SPD-R is actually a little difficult to clip in and out so for road use its not really popular at all.

Regards, Anthony
AnthonyG is offline  
Reply
Old 10-16-08 | 08:21 AM
  #18  
JamisVE's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland

Bikes: 08 Jamis Ventura Elite, 08 Specialized Globe Sport

look keo sprints at pbk for $81.56 with free delivery. this is a very good deal. i use them and like them.
JamisVE is offline  
Reply
Old 10-16-08 | 08:23 AM
  #19  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 917
Likes: 84
From: NE Tennessee

Bikes: Giant TCR/Surly Karate Monkey/Foundry FireTower/Curtlo Tandem

I got some run of the mill Shimano shoes and clips for less that $150.00 and love them. The LBS tried to talk me into all of the upgraded stuff, but I am just starting so I went with starter level gear. For road riding, I would strongly recommend going with a road shoe. They are much more supporting of your foot.

Yes you will fall at least once as you try to unclip. At least once.
bakerjw is offline  
Reply
Old 10-16-08 | 08:46 AM
  #20  
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Boca Raton, FL.
look keo classic
vlanz is offline  
Reply
Old 10-16-08 | 11:04 AM
  #21  
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 566
Likes: 0
From: Berkeley, CA

Bikes: Specialized Allez Elite, BMC SLC01

Check eBay for the Carbon Keos. Should be able to find a set within your budget.
erliuic is offline  
Reply
Old 10-16-08 | 11:11 AM
  #22  
Psimet2001's Avatar
I eat carbide.
Titanium Club Membership
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 21,678
Likes: 1,417
From: Elgin, IL

Bikes: Lots. Chapter2, Van Dessel, Giant, Trek, etc Dealers for BMC, Chapter2

For road pedals...if you are new to them...I would recommend something along the Look platform. By that I mean Look Keo series or Shimano SPD-SL series pedals.

Many reports indicate very poor life with the keo series cleat. Culiminating with CyLowe97 breaking one with few miles on them while on a ride with me once. Not nearly as durable as their old Delta series, but more than adequate if you pay attention to them.

For this reason I tend to recommend the Shimano SPD-SL series pedals. I would purchase them from probikekit.com (PBK).

Welcome and enjoy.....

....oh and before posting your first "I fell over" thread I would recommend simply searching for them and reading to your heart's content. It happens to everyone...eventually.
__________________
PSIMET Wheels, PSIMET Racing, PSIMET Neutral Race Support, and 11 Jackson Coffee
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels

Psimet2001 is offline  
Reply
Old 10-16-08 | 11:13 AM
  #23  
cuski's Avatar
Chunky Programmer
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 1
From: BC
For $150, you can get Keo Carbons@PBK: https://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=A1468

They're excellent.
__________________
Burn the incline - V5
cuski is offline  
Reply
Old 10-16-08 | 11:23 AM
  #24  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Party Central
Time RXS... I don't know why everyone looks past them
bryceepoo is offline  
Reply
Old 10-16-08 | 11:33 AM
  #25  
Senior Member
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,225
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by bryceepoo
Time RXS... I don't know why everyone looks past them
Performance has those priced at almost $80 beyond the OP's stated price range. I'd guess that's why.

I'm a Crank Brothers disciple. Road biking isn't really their thing, but they offer a large variety of pedal designs for different purposes that are all compatible with the same cleats, so you can have one pair of shoes and more than one bike.

I found this useful when I wanted to get some pedals for my commuter that would work with clipless shoes, but were also rideable with regular walking shoes. The Crank Brothers Mallets allow this, and the Egg Beaters, Candy or Quattro pedals are all suitable for road biking. I understand the Quattros were discontinued recently, so you may be able to find a deal on them.
RazorWind is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.