AAAA Pedals help!

[Boyracir]

Im still trying to pick a new set of pedals and it´s a nightmare! First I wanted to go for a pair of Time Mg Ti´s and then I thought about Campy Record pro Fits, and to confuse me even more, I have come across Crank Bros Eggbeaters (triple). Oh and there´s Dura Ace 7800, the new ones!

All of these pedals are within the same price range, at least in the UK! Yes, pedals are an individual choice!

Eggbeaters, great idea but I know very little about them! Times, that I had my heart set on, have been criticised for the exposure of key components in the event of falling! Pro Fits, look good but aesthetically boring!

What I really want is a pedals that holds my feet rigidly, is durable and perhaps can be greased easily. Other important points:

Replacement cost of cleats
Ability to walk with above
Compatibility with Diadora Carbon sole shoes

So if there´s anyone out there with some opinions, I would be grateful!

[drewski]

Originally posted by Boyracir
Im still trying to pick a new set of pedals and it´s a nightmare! First I wanted to go for a pair of Time Mg Ti´s and then I thought about Campy Record pro Fits, and to confuse me even more, I have come across Crank Bros Eggbeaters (triple). Oh and there´s Dura Ace 7800, the new ones!

All of these pedals are within the same price range, at least in the UK! Yes, pedals are an individual choice!

Eggbeaters, great idea but I know very little about them! Times, that I had my heart set on, have been criticised for the exposure of key components in the event of falling! Pro Fits, look good but aesthetically boring!

What I really want is a pedals that holds my feet rigidly, is durable and perhaps can be greased easily. Other important points:

Replacement cost of cleats
Ability to walk with above
Compatibility with Diadora Carbon sole shoes

So if there´s anyone out there with some opinions, I would be grateful!

speedplay. cleats a bit more than average, but with the $10 covers will last and last.

[lokstah]

I love Speedplay, but Boyacir said he wants walkability -- that's Speedplay's big weakpoint (Speedplay cleats are pricey, but they last twice as long as a Look-style nylon block, so cleat price is moot in my book).

[drewski]

Originally posted by lokstah
I love Speedplay, but Boyacir said he wants walkability -- that's Speedplay's big weakpoint (Speedplay cleats are pricey, but they last twice as long as a Look-style nylon block, so cleat price is moot in my book).

walkability in carbon soled road shoes is all relative. didn't sound like he was looking for touring pedals & shoes.

with the coffe shop covers i find them to be infinitely more walkable (lower profile) than time cleats w/ or w/o covers (which is one brand mentioned). i've never used look pedals/cleats so couldn't say how they compare exactly.

[sterlingcycle]

I use the ultegra (less expensive) version of the Dura Ace 7800. It's the same as the Dura Ace version in terms of function and cleat, but a bit heavier. They're great. Good walkability for a raod cleat (through rubberized pads on the cleats) and easy in and out. The pedal platform is large and comfortable. Cleats come in two versions, with and without float. I like them and highly recommend them.

[labicci]

You simply cannot have the best of all world, not for pedals yet, at least.

I have also been in search of a perfect pedal and have tried :
Speedplay frog - recessed cleat for easy walking, a lot of float, easy entry (really easy) and exit (except when crashing) yet secure binding, light, but a bit of fore/aft play will develop as cleat wears out
Time Equipe Pro Mag Titan (the original design, not the new Impact) - large platform and high tension spring feels rock solid, just clip in and forget that it is there (your shoe and pedal are now one unit) yet it exits lightning fast in case of emergency, the cleat is metal (the old model, not the new one) so it should last but the last thing you want to do is to walk in it
Campy Profit - OK in every aspect, not as rock solid as Time but wouldn't bother either, quite easy to exit, light, exceptionally smooth bearing, OK for walking (for a road cleat that is)
Shimano SPD-R (the now extinct one) - low stack height, quite light and nothing else, total disappointment, removed after just a few rides

Some newer models may perform better in certain aspects, but many of the advancement probably come at a cost (not only monetary cost). Some has a much reduced stack height but at the same time the diameter of their spindles seems to be smaller (haven't measured it yet) which means less durable and less stiff. Plastic and rubber sole improves walking but wear out faster than metal ones. Afterall road cleats are not for walking.

So just buy something that you feel confident and learn to tolerate its weakness. Nothing is perfect, yet.

LB