I have SPD pedals on my roadie and mountain shoes that only take SPD-type cleats. I'm thinking of clipless for my upcoming fixed build, and if i get SPD pedals then I don't need new shoes. It seems like the narrow platform of SPD would not be comfortable on a fixed since there is pressure on the foot all the way through the pedal stroke and a wider LOOK-style pedal would be more ideal. So, has anyone tried SPD on a fixed and what do you think of it?

I run mountain SPDs on two bikes, and I'm quite happy. Need to make sure to keep the cleats in good order, though.

I'd advise against it. The cleats can be really sketchy, even before they're worn out.

I rock SPDs on my fixie, use the same shoes (and similar pedals) for my XC bike. I like that I can have a pedal stroke or two to get that foot in on the SPDs. The rubber sole of the shoes will let me go a few rotations without clipping in if needed in traffic or whatever. Just make sure you get a shoe with a STIFF sole. BTW, I have Look's on my road bike.

There are a lot of threads that do not like SPDs for fixed, claim pop outs during skids. I have ner had a problem.

Both my fixies have SPD-eggbeaters. Ive never had a problem with them.

perhaps the people that don't have problems with spd style pedals don't ride as much as i do, but then again i'm a courier. so let's see...

i've ripped the cleat out of the bottom of a shoe.
i've delaminated two pairs of shoes- a pair of northwaves adn some times.
i've worn out a pair of crank bros cleats in about 3 months.
any sort of manoeuver you want to perform that involves moving your bike/rear wheel laterally, ie, skip stopping or nose wheelie pivots come with the risk of accidental clip outs.
also, yah, if your cleats get too worn you get pop outs during skids, or if you're pulling up hard with your rear foot.

spd's are great for speed, climbing and spinning. straps and cages are better for tricks, wearing comfy shoes and having a wider platform (depending on shoe and pedal)

try 'em both out with your riding style and use what works best for you.

Like b-ride said as long as you're not doing anything too crazy they'll work fine. SPDs are cheap as dirt. If you're used to SPD but this is your first fixed bike, start out with SPDs. Clips and straps can be a ***** when you're first learning.

I use standard Eggbeater mountain pedals and Speedplay road pedals on my fixies.

i loved spds for a bit, but they're ****in' sketchy as hell.

i have the candy pedals (eggbeaters with a small platform) on my bike, and i don't think they're sketchy. i've only clipped out once on a skid, and i'm sure it was just because i never fully clipped in...it was a block after i got on the bike. after using clipless pedals i really can't stop, and even if i have to replace the cleats every few months just to be safe i think it's worth it.

I've used both Crank Bros. Eggbeaters and MKS platforms/clips and leather straps and here's the benefits of both that I personally have noticed.

With clipless, connectivity with the pedal allowed for faster spinning and more flexible control on back-pedaling or skidding.

Having become comfortable with clipless, I then swapped back to clips and found that the extra movement allowed and the quickness in which you can put your foot down are very nice. Learning how to quickly get into clips doesn't take long once your balance becomes better.

Other than that, it's really a toss up. Currently I'm using clips, but that's due to the fact my shoes are just giant ventilators and I can't keep my feet warm worth a damn. The extra feel given by them is nice, but with a good cleat, clipping in provides the greatest connectivity with the bike.

SPDs are cool, but only if you use BLACK (shimano) cleats
daily comute (20m+) for last 2 years (1 fixed), and next 10 years of weakend rides and errands - no problems at all
Sproting the same pair of cleats for 12+ years.
Shimano steel cleats almost dont wear out at all, when used with mtb shoues whitch protect them from scratchng on the pavement while waking.
Specialized MTB shoues only! - no ripped off cleats, still almost like new after 11 years
But my friend, whith same millage, ripped thru 3 pairs of shimano shoues.

If you're going to be skidding much or riding brakeless don't use SPDs. I found them ok when i was riding with a brake, but tended to pop out if I really yanked up with my front foot. There are plenty of alternatives that use the same SPD cleat fixings on your shoes, I can't recommend my time atacs enough.

I've ridden SPD's for the past 3 years mountain biking, and the past 1.5 years on my fix. I've had the occassional unclip, but I think I've dropped my chain more than I've unclipped. No horrible accidents caused by either. I usually run a brake too.

SPD's are cheap and if you have decent shoes and good cleats you should be fine.

+1 Shimano also makes silver cleats, but they're garbage. I used to pull out occasionally with those, black cleats put an end to that. I've been told that it's because the silver cleats are designed to be able pull straight out, whereas the black ones are only designed to come out with a twist. The cleats definately look slightly different, so it seems to be true.

Perhaps they've changed the silver ones because they are what I've got, the PD-M540's and there's no accidental unclipping; you've got to twist that foot with some authority.

Which Shimano pedals in silver are the supposed bad ones?

PD-M540


Cheaper PD-M520's come in black and silver


PD-M970 top of the line


PD-M424


PD-M545


I don't recommend these, they were on my wife's bike PD-M324

I used to use SPDs and over a period of ~9 months my foot popped out of them twice when slowing down. Both times it was raining and I think that contributed. Finally, I adjusted the pedals...made them tighter...and it never happened again. I think its just an adjustment issue. You have to have them set tighter so its a little harder to clip in and out, then accidental unclips are very unlikely.
Now I've switched to various Crank Brothers pedals on all my bikes (mostly eggbeaters and quattros) and I've never accidentally unclipped.
I really liked the snappy, firm clip-unclip feeling of the SPDs. The clipping-unclipping action of the crank bronthers pedals is a little mushier, but overall they are a better pedal because they tighen as you pull up on them, making it impossible to accidetnally unclip without twisting your foot.

[quote=bbattle]Perhaps they've changed the silver ones because they are what I've got, the PD-M540's and there's no accidental unclipping; you've got to twist that foot with some authority.

Which Shimano pedals in silver are the supposed bad ones?...[quote]


Not pedals, but cleats!

Use BLACK (shimano SM-SH51) cleats!!!

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...01#post3545901

I use the M545's pictured above so you've got a big platform for your feet. Use the black SPD cleats, keep the pedal tight and you'll reduce pop-outs. Notice I said reduce, not eliminate. I still pop out occasionally, but not often and so far, not when it mattered.

I've messed in the winter using SPDs without any of these problems.

I can see why you wouldn't want 3 systems, but I've tried many & Time is best IMO for a fixie clipless system. Then again I also found them better for MTB, feels far more secure, found myself riding..more anaerobically through some trails, than I had with SPD. Strange descriptive, but it's morning. I guess with Times I realized I didn't have to worry -at all- about popping out when coming off a double or twisting up a switchback

Ive been using SPD type pedals of various types for 15 years racing mountain bikes and cyclocross and commuting on fixed gear bikes for about 9-10 years and haven't had problems with them. Just make sure to keep them well adjusted and CLEAN (dirt or grit will wreak havoc on their ability to stay clicked in)
As for Look pedals on a fixie IMHO it's too much problem trying to flick the pedal around while the cranks are turning all the while trying to avoid obstacles like cars and stuff.

[QUOTE=Neter Godie][quote=bbattle]Perhaps they've changed the silver ones because they are what I've got, the PD-M540's and there's no accidental unclipping; you've got to twist that foot with some authority.

Which Shimano pedals in silver are the supposed bad ones?...


Just checked my shoes; cleats are/were black. I'm safe.

Shimano M540 pedals, tensioned about halfway with Wellgo 98A cleats. Only ever popped out hockey stopping, but you gotta expect that with side loading.

Otherwise they're tight like my chain.

Pedal strike-tastic! Seriously. This style of pedal is just a dumb idea. If you want to have options buy a pedal wrench and be happy.