mrblue

I typically use Shimano M520 pedals/cleats for foot retention on all my fixed gear bikes. An older set of pedals on one of my bikes doesn't retain the cleats as well as it used to (even when fully torqued). So, I've been thinking about replacing them. However, I noticed iSSi pedals--they look cool, but they're priced at almost double that of the M520's.

So just wondering if anyone has had any experience with them? How are they for skidding? How compatible are they with Shimano SPD cleats?

Thanks.

Mumonkan

i have no experience to give you but i plan on getting a pair soon so id be interested in hearing about them as well

they say cleats are non spd compatible but people are doing it with some minor adjustments

theres also a 3 bearing version and 2 "trail" versions that have more of a platform coming

mrblue

If/when you do get some, be sure to let us know what you think.

By the way, I just read this. Apparently, iSSi has made some improvements for 2015. One, being better compatibility with Shimano SPD cleats.

All improvements aside, the $70 price tag is still holding me back, considering a set of M520's can be had for $35.

Mumonkan

perhaps @Scrodzilla has some feedback from the shop?

veganbikes

A newer co-worker of mine bought some, I will see if he has any thoughts on them. I am not excited by them but colored bits generally don't get me quite that excited (unless they say Chris King or Phil). I know Shimano works and works well for me and I don't see any need for much else (though the crank bros stuff is nice)

Huffandstuff

My old roommate has been riding a pair for a month or two now, he hasn't complained but then again he has stripped a hub cause he didn't notice the cog slipping.

CliffordK

Are they just basic painted SPD pedals?

I guess I just don't get too excited about color coordinated pedals (I don't have color coordinated shoes either).

I did get a set of Welgo pedals a while ago. I think the tension seems to be a little easier to adjust than the Shimano pedals, but maybe that is because I got old used Shimano pedals that don't have enough grip of the cleats.

However, I do like the way the bearing races pull out of the Shimano pedals for easy access with cleaning/greasing.

neamatoad

I've had a pair on one of my geared rides for a few months now and they feel pretty solid. I can't speak to how they do with skidding but I imagine like most other SPDs that has more to do with the cleat itself

TenSpeedV2

$35? You are doing it all wrong. My last pair purchased this past January from JensonUSA was $17!

Scrodzilla

Angie has been using them on her road bike for a few months now and she really likes them. They're light compared to Shimano SPD pedals, the bearings are very smooth and the tension is really easy to set/adjust, which is really all someone would want when looking for a clipless pedal.

Mumonkan

nice, is she using the ones with upgraded bearings or the one with a single bearing/bushing?

Scrodzilla

She's got the 'triple' version but I honestly can't tell a difference between that and the standard version when spinning them in my hand.

Mumonkan

so ive been using a pair of Time ATAC Aliums for 2 months now, and those have been pretty great till a few days ago when the left bushing got a little squeaky and had some resistance on it. they have been all i could ask for in a pedal system, i love them.

everything else came in to finish the ECR so i popped the iSSi jams on and honestly, i think i like them better. theyre lighter, easier to clip in/out of (the latter not being in a bad way) and are smaller so they give me better ground clearance. while theyre on a mountain bike, this its still a concern on a fg when pedaling thru corners.

the lightest tension is light enough to not even think about twisting out. my body just does it and i dont feel like i have to really crank on it like unclipping my road pedals. i did a lot of pulling up really hard on technical climbs with big rocks and roots (which in my mind is the same force as a skid), descending on equally rough and technical stuff at 20 mph, and getting a couple feet of air and never unclipped unintentionally, and i still have them on the lightest tension.

all in all, would recommend. its obviously not a long term review but my initial impression is excellent

EMSNYC

[QUOTE=Scrodzilla;17618889]She's got the 'triple' version but I honestly can't tell a difference between that and the standard version when spinning them in my hand.[/QUOTE

That was a question I had as well, I guessed they are referring to the "Three sealed cartridge axle bearings." Just got the triples but I had no way to compare. Is this that much of an advantage?