Road Bike Pedals
 

I currently have Forte pedals (they were cheap, around $30). I am currently looking for a better set of pedals and was wondering what would be a decent pedal? I don't have to cash to buy anything $150ish. I was looking at the 105s or LOOK. Any suggestions?

105s.

That is what I was thinking about. Also, if anyone has suggestions on any other pedals I'd greatly appreciate any input.

My other question is about saddles. How long does it take to either get used to the current one i have which is a Bontrager inForm R. I have 200 miles with this saddle and yet after roughly 200 miles I still find it uncomfortable. I realize it takes time to break them in, but after about 25 miles it is still very uncomfortable and my rear is sore and seems like it's cutting off blood flow to my legs. I do jump off the saddle to try and get the blood circulating to my legs but when i sit back down, it doesn't take long before I have to stand. I've adjusted it numerous times but it doesn't seem to work and that same thing happens. What I'm try say is should I look for another saddle? If so, what are some saddles that are decent to help with this problem?

^^What he said.

105s?

the saddle & leg issue is going to be tough to solve over the internet. there are a lot of possibilities you can start narrowing down.

1. have you been riding long? it takes a while to build saddle fitness. soreness, numbness, discomfort, all are normal and they go away after you get more hours in the saddle.

2. your saddle could be too high or the angle wrong. I see that you said you adjusted it, but you didn't explain what specifically you tried. too high hurts the ass. too low hurts the knees. tilted nose up hurts the crotch. tilted nose down usually hurts that hands and shoulders, because you support more weight on your hands.

3. your saddle could be either too wide or too narrow for you. chafing usually accompanies too wide and you didn't mention that, but I wouldn't make any bets. instead you can use the saddle sizing stool at the trek shop. it's a gel padded device you sit on and your sit bones leave an impression to see the width of saddle you should ride.

4. it could also be too soft. if you sink in, instead of your sitbones bearing weight your soft tissue does. so despite it being counter-intuitive, you might need a firmer saddle. padding and flex are different considerations.

105's all the way.

I started riding last July and put on about 300 miles before I switched saddles to my current one I stated. I did go to the Trek store and they sized me and set the saddle up for me with me on it. With this current saddle I have about 200 miles on it. I have no chaffing issues, it's just the circulation issue that bothers me the most. They sized me to a 146mm saddle. Do you have any suggestions on what brand of saddles would possibly help correct this? I also had them set my bike to fit me with the "proper" adjustments (saddle height, etc.). I dont have any problems in the crotch area, only with the blood flow issue and my rear. I know it takes time to get your sit bones toned so to speak. So far this year I gone out 3 times and the same issue comes back. I don't believe it is too soft? I may be wrong thought. I don't think I'm going to go back to the Bontrager saddles. I was looking at the fizik ones and they seem to have good reviews and such. I realize everyone is different, but this saddle doesn't make my rides too enjoyable.

based on everything you said I would think the saddle is too soft. this is assuming the fit has placed your saddle height and angle correctly and you haven't messed with it.

you can try an inform rl, or a different trek/bonty saddle entirely. but the inform r is pretty soft and flexy.

I had forte pedals last season, due to a recall I replaced them with 105's. the forte's were a bit lighter but the 105's work well and were cheaper than the forte's I had. Look Keos are a good option as well. only other one I'd consider would be Speedplays at this point in my riding career.

I love my speedplays, but they are a bit more expensive than the 105s.

Everyone seems to have great things to say about Speedplay. I'm not real happy with my Look Keo Classics. I have the hardest time trying to clip in. Nevery had a problem with my old Forte CF pedals (which they do't carry anymore).

I have the Bontrager Team Issue saddle on my Madone and so far have had no issues with it (no numbness, soreness, etc.). I also ride without the padded shorts on shorter (under 20 miles) rides, still no issues. The saddle isn't cheap (around $300 in Canada), but so far totally worth it. Looks like a million bucks too !!

I like the much "less expensive" Shimano R540. I have a pair of the Ultegras and they were much more difficult to clip in and out off than the Speedplays they replaced. So I tried the R540's and loved them.

I would have said speedplay, but with this budget, 105's are well enough!

Opposite experience for me. I much prefer the newer Ultegra's and 105's vs. the r540's I ran for awhile.

I love my speedplay's. On bontrager saddles check out the affinity series if you are in a upright position.

Unless you're riding a nasty piece of leather a saddle shouldn't require a whole lot of break-in time. For me most anything by Selle Italia is comfortable. Don't skimp on the saddle. I know of some LBS's that have demo saddles (Specialized?) you can try out for extended periods, call around.

Thanks everyone for the info!

I have Look Keo Classic and Look Keo Max on my bikes and have had no issue with them. As soon as the Classic's wear out I'll switch to the Keo Max as I prefer the wider platform and metal plate which extends their use.