"Pedal Mixing"
 

I bought a 'pair' of Garmin Vector S pedals (one sided power measurement) that I installed on the spinner bike that sees a good bit of use all year and even more in bad winters like this one. The purpose was feedback (on progress or the lack of it). I really like having that information (during and after the workout) so am considering moving the 'power pedal' to my Bianchi (and back) - not super hard but not trivial.

I have Shimano PD-6800 pedals on my road bike and I am considering just not changing out the 'non power side' pedal on the Bianchi. Cleats are not compatible (but swappable) between Shimano and Look (ala' Vector) and I have two pairs of cycling shoes so one would be the 'indoor shoes' (Look both sides) and one pair of outdoor shoes (Look left/Shimano right). That way I would not have to swap two pedals.

Just how dorky is this? From an appearance perspective the Garmin's and Shimano's are quite similar. And I would save a handful of grams to satisfy my inner weight weenie.

Thoughts - ever heard of anyone doing that?

Thanks.

dave

As long as both pedal and cleat systems have roughly the same stack and Q-factor, I'm sure it will be fine. In fact, even with slightly different stack and Q-factor, you might not even notice.

Still, would prefer just changing everything to Look pedals and cleats and be done with it without the bodge.

+1. It doesn't sound like a deal-breaker to me.

BUT: if you use them enough to consider wearing out a set of pedals, you would probably be better off just using the one set of pedals. Given all the trouble you're going through for different setups, just moving both pedals as opposed to one seems like it would save you a set of shoes and a set of pedals. You could even sell or stock the parts you don't need. Switching just one pedal seems unnecessarily labor-intensive.

Being extremely OCD I could never live with such a scenario but, from a purely mechanical point of view it shouldn't make much difference. The only issue would be having different cleats and pedals wearing out at different rates and the asymmetry in cleat placement (although most people would probably benefit from asymmetric cleat placement since hardly anyone has identical L/R posture)

A pair of Keo Easy can be had for less than $50. Put one on the non-power side of the indoor bike, while riding the pair of Vectors outside where people will see you. Put the 6800s on eBay for more than the price of the Easys. Make a profit and look good doing it.

In my case I already had the extra shoes (waited for a great deal on a pair of returned Lake shoes in my size) and the 'extra pedal' comes with the Vector S.

I don't see how you get get less labor-intensive than moving only one pedal - can you expand on that - thanks.

dave

But that would cost 20-30 grams - OH the HORROR :-)

dave

My thoughts are that moving two pedals wouldn't be that different from moving one; the biggest concern is moving pedals at all, but it's not much more to just wrench a second.
Also, moving two pedals keeps you from wearing out a single pedal of a pair and would let you sell or move the other set to another bike. Something of the sort.

Either way, your idea os odd, so my first thought was to find a way around it, but I don't think it's not going to work by any means. It's just not what I'd do.

To me, I would not mix pedals. To many variables that may negatively affect ridding.

Keo Easys only weigh 240g (or at least used to). Great simple pedal for the money. I agree you should have compatible pedals on both bikes. Then you can switch just the power pedal back and forth with no issues. Seems cheap enough to me. If you can't tolerate a non-adjustable pedal on your outdoor bike, put the Easys on the trainer and the Garmins on the outdoor bike. Then just switch the power pedal. It's a shame there is no quick release for pedals, huh? I would never wear unmatched shoes. Never.

Thanks for the comment/perspective.

When you said 'unmatched shoes' did you mean the same thing as 'a pair of shoes with differing cleats'?

dave

Since much of the issue is getting the torque right on the power measuring pedal, there probably isn't more than maybe 20% more effort changing one vs. two pedals.

Thanks for the thought - I need to factor this into my intentions here.

dave

I'm pretty sure you could get another right pedal for the bike from Garmin, or get one from whomever manufactures the pedals for Garmin...might be Xpedo, Wellgo or something.

But at $200 it is a bit pricey when it isn't clear what problem that expense solves.

As a general comment I was asking for general comments (like pretty much everything in this thread). I have found this very helpful, even though (from what I can tell) "there is no correct answer". Thanks to everyone who contributed here (and no reason to stop now as I am still undecided).

dave

I think this is a pretty complicated question. I don't think it's essential that you have perfect symmetry between the two sides. Most people are not perfectly symmetric. For example, I use a spacer under one of my cleats because one leg is longer than the other. I think what is important is that you don't make any asymmetry in the system worse when combined with the asymmetry in your body. If you worsen this asymmetry, you may get discomfort or an injury. The only way you would know is to have a good, experienced fitter check you. Or, you can just try it and see if you develop discomfort and stop and change back if you do.

Oh and who cares about dorky. Dorky don't pay the bills. You aren't looking at both sides of the bike at the same time anyway.

As dorky as wearing mismatch socks, if not more so. Does that answer your question?

I would view this (in the context of your post) as similar to the question of 'is wearing socks of the same color, but not the same brand, dorky'. My existing Shimano pedals and the Garmin pedals are quite similar when casually viewed.

Of course there is no physical issue with wearing socks of the same color but different brands. So, in retrospect, the answer to your question is 'no'.

dave

You like to read yourself write.

And just so you make no mistake this time: It's incredibly dorky.

Re: The Bold Stuff


I'm sorry. I cannot parse the sentence that was bolded. I can't even guess what it says.

But your opinion is clear and is (IMHO) an appropriate post to this thread.

dave

I doubt it would be an issue, especially if you're using cleats with float. Shimano cleats and Look cleats are fairly similar. I doubt you could get it 100% spot on perfect, but I always feel like I'm probably slightly off even though both of my cleats are Shimano.

I think k_kibbler addressed the relevant issues here: stack and q-factor. Everyone would have to agree that if those things are the same between pedals, no problem; if they're not, well, no one knows what amount of deviation becomes problematic.

As for dorkiness, well, I suppose there may be moments when someone else may notice, but speaking as someone pretty attentive to gear and setup, I can honestly say I have no idea which pedals my ride mates use, and when riding, as we're prone to do, I can assure you no one could tell even if they wanted to. If preening at the cafe with the style set is your thing, though, I can imagine how it might be an issue.

I say do it. I'd get chapped having to swap pedals all the time, too. I question whether saving one pedal will reduce the PITA factor, but give it a try.

I fixed it for you.

Unmatched cleats isn't so bad, but for a few bucks for the same system pedals the need is obviated.

Got it - now close enough to real grammar that I can take a guess at what is intended here.

dave