SPD-SL or Speedplay
10-07-11 | 10:32 AM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 735
Likes: 169
From: Central Ohio
Bikes: Waterford R33, 2019 Infinito, Gunnar Roadie, 1999 Colnago Tecnos, '04 Cannondale Optimo 800 & '51 Rudge Sports, Colnago Tecnos, Tom Kellogg Merlin..
Neither. Look Keo, from entry level to Keo Blade.
10-07-11 | 10:37 AM
#5
Brown Bear, Sqrl Hunter
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,244
Likes: 28
From: San Jose, CA
Bikes: CAAD 10 4, Dolan DF4, Fuji Track Classic
Buddy of mine had a pretty good review of using the Speedplays for an extended period of time. His blog is down atm, but here's a cached copy of the review: https://webcache.googleusercontent.co...o-cleats-suck/
*Runs from the wrath of Carleton*
*Runs from the wrath of Carleton*
10-07-11 | 10:38 AM
#6
Thread Starter
i smell bacon
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,574
Likes: 1
Bikes: Geekhouse Deerfield, GT Edge Ti, Spooky Skeletor, TET Track, Ritchey P-650b, Bridgestone MB-3
I'm in class don't want to search on my phone feel free to turn this into another food thread.
Or continue discussing!!!!!!
Or continue discussing!!!!!!
10-07-11 | 10:39 AM
#7
THE STUFFED
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,671
Likes: 21
From: San Francisco, CA
Bikes: R. Sachs Simplicity; EAI Bareknuckle; Madone SLR9 Gen 8
Shouldn't you be paying attention? For shameeeeee.
Well if it's going on a fixed gear bike, I'll go with SPD-SL's because the design and declipping motion of speedplay pedals (tension is not a issue here; no matter how high you set it at) is more likely to unclip accidentally with the possible range of motion and backpedaling experienced while riding on a fixed gear; you can still ride with speedplay and not unclip accidentally on fixed if you know for sure you can keep your foot from accidentally declipping during a skid/ backpeddling or if you're running a brake.
As for a roadie, it's your choice; but if you're a total weight weenie go for speedplay, it saves a couple of grams.
Well if it's going on a fixed gear bike, I'll go with SPD-SL's because the design and declipping motion of speedplay pedals (tension is not a issue here; no matter how high you set it at) is more likely to unclip accidentally with the possible range of motion and backpedaling experienced while riding on a fixed gear; you can still ride with speedplay and not unclip accidentally on fixed if you know for sure you can keep your foot from accidentally declipping during a skid/ backpeddling or if you're running a brake.
As for a roadie, it's your choice; but if you're a total weight weenie go for speedplay, it saves a couple of grams.
10-07-11 | 10:41 AM
#8
Brown Bear, Sqrl Hunter
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,244
Likes: 28
From: San Jose, CA
Bikes: CAAD 10 4, Dolan DF4, Fuji Track Classic
10-07-11 | 10:44 AM
#9
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: MAGNOLIA, TX
Bikes: TREK LEXA SLX
Purchased Speedplay as my first set of road bike pedals. Note that I had not clipped in before with any brand. I found them very difficult to calibrate so that clipping in is as easy as described. Easy to clip out, harder to clip in. Don't tighten cleat screws all the way down tight.. read instructions, only tighten until you feel it catch, and then 1/4 turn more. Needs dry lube before every ride. Once you find correct position, screws need loctite or they loosen up, resulting in changed cleat postion. Break in period takes a while for the spring to lossen up. Have had them a couple of months, till can't clip in while stopped, have to be moving. Cleats collect dirt easily. That being said, can't compare to to any other pedals as this is my first set. The Speedplays do have a nice amount of float, and feel pretty comfortable on the road.
10-07-11 | 11:00 AM
#11
Thread Starter
i smell bacon
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,574
Likes: 1
Bikes: Geekhouse Deerfield, GT Edge Ti, Spooky Skeletor, TET Track, Ritchey P-650b, Bridgestone MB-3
I'm leaning towards SPD-SL because the Shimano R540s are only $40.
Also, pedals are for lady friend, not me.
Also, the class I was in is a joke.
Also, pedals are for lady friend, not me.
Also, the class I was in is a joke.
10-07-11 | 11:03 AM
#12
Thread Starter
i smell bacon
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,574
Likes: 1
Bikes: Geekhouse Deerfield, GT Edge Ti, Spooky Skeletor, TET Track, Ritchey P-650b, Bridgestone MB-3
10-07-11 | 11:43 AM
#15
Fresh Garbage
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13,190
Likes: 30
From: Los Angeles
Bikes: N+1
Speedplays are ugly and the cleats need maintenance
LOOK cleats wear out in two minutes if you walk on them, plus they SQUEEEEEEEEEK
Shimano pedals are hot and the cleats aren't as fragile
LOOK cleats wear out in two minutes if you walk on them, plus they SQUEEEEEEEEEK
Shimano pedals are hot and the cleats aren't as fragile
10-07-11 | 12:55 PM
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 446
Likes: 3
From: San Francisco, CA
Bikes: 1996 LeMond Yellow Jersey, 2013 Soma Saga, 1980 Zebrakenko Wind, 1980 Nishiki Ultimate
I know someone who swears by Speedplay. I on the other hand, have been using SPD-SL 105's for almost two years now. (with no lubing or tweaking after original setup).
The only thing thats worn down so far are my SIDI heels and screws that hold them in.
If you dont know which to go with, start with Shimano SPD-SL as your default. Then later you can experiment with all sorts of alternate systems that are out there.
The only thing thats worn down so far are my SIDI heels and screws that hold them in.If you dont know which to go with, start with Shimano SPD-SL as your default. Then later you can experiment with all sorts of alternate systems that are out there.
10-07-11 | 01:41 PM
#18
Beer. I love.
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, FL
Bikes: 2006 Specialized Roubaix Comp
i've used spd-sl R540 for 3+ years. no issues, no adjustments to make after the initial few. got my obligatory fall with the pedals when they were new, but got used to clipping out with either foot, clipping in mostly without looking down at pedals.
i may be switching to look keo classics when i get a good deal on them. maybe a Christmas gift.
i may be switching to look keo classics when i get a good deal on them. maybe a Christmas gift.
10-07-11 | 02:05 PM
#19
(*^-^)v
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
From: Idaho
Bikes: EAI Toyo Gojira (Godzilla)
Well if it's going on a fixed gear bike, I'll go with SPD-SL's because the design and declipping motion of speedplay pedals (tension is not a issue here; no matter how high you set it at) is more likely to unclip accidentally with the possible range of motion and backpedaling experienced while riding on a fixed gear; you can still ride with speedplay and not unclip accidentally on fixed if you know for sure you can keep your foot from accidentally declipping during a skid/ backpeddling or if you're running a brake.
10-07-11 | 02:14 PM
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: BK
They're on the heavier side as far as clipless go, but they are bombproof
For $40 you cant beat it. Hell, the cleats alone are worth $20
10-07-11 | 04:00 PM
#23
sɹɐʇsɟoןןnɟsʇıbɟɯo
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 0
From: seattle, too many links
Bikes: fixed gear recumbent trike
10-07-11 | 04:15 PM
#25
sɹɐʇsɟoןןnɟsʇıbɟɯo
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 0
From: seattle, too many links
Bikes: fixed gear recumbent trike
exactly the same but harder to find replacement cleats and/or repair