Which Clipless Pedals are the Best?

sogood said:

Quick question Brett. Does the greater Q factor on the eggbeater worry you? I had a comparison done, the Quattro is indeed narrower compared with the eggbeater and is of equal if not better than most other conventional roadie pedals.

I've used both quattro and eggies on my road bike, and barely notice the difference in Q factor (currently using quattros).

If the 2-3mm on each side (IIRC) is noticeable and/or a problem for you, and you're deadset on just plain eggbeaters, then you can buy the 3ti (or is it 4ti?) top end eggbeater. Problem is that it costs a sh!tload more than most would be willing to pay for a set of pedals. DirtWorks/Crank Brothers also offer a replacement spindle kit that will shorten the standard spindle, but its only available in titanium, and costs a small fortune as well.

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sogood said:

Quick question Brett. Does the greater Q factor on the eggbeater worry you? I had a comparison done, the Quattro is indeed narrower compared with the eggbeater and is of equal if not better than most other conventional roadie pedals.

in terms of performance no it doesn't worry me. though i'm not really an ideal person to ask. as long as the saddle height is about right, and the reach is about right then i'm not really very sensitive to a lot of the variables you guys talk about.

in terms of pedal clearance on crit courses i was initially a little concerned (before i put them on). in riding them they are fine and i haven't dropped a pedal yet. though the last few races haven't been on overly tight courses. next week is dunc grey crit circuit so that'll be as tight as you are likely to ride.

ultimately i really liked the quattros, to ride on, just the odd clip was a pain in the ass.

--brett

Thanks guys for your comments on Q factor. I haven't been bothered by it either but just trying to have a better understanding of this issue given that others have mentioned about it.

I gather that their Ti axle has a weight restriction of 85kg, the narrower Q probably reflect that issue too.

sogood said:

I gather that their Ti axle has a weight restriction of 85kg

What does a weight restiction of 85kg mean?

If I stand on the pedals and use brute force...

mikesbytes said:

What does a weight restiction of 85kg mean?

If I stand on the pedals and use brute force...

It has to mean static rider weight. The design of the axle must have an additional safety factor that covers your brute power. 😉

mikesbytes said:

What does a weight restiction of 85kg mean?

If I stand on the pedals and use brute force...

I have always thought it to mean,

if you weight greater that 85kg and stand up on the pedal, you run the risk of snaping it off or bending it.

vadiver said:

I have always thought it to mean,

if you weight greater that 85kg and stand up on the pedal, you run the risk of snaping it off or bending it.

Engineers and corporate lawyers at Crank Bros shouldn't be that stupid!

sogood said:

Engineers and corporate lawyers at Crank Bros shouldn't be that stupid!

Actually it would be the other way around. They are limiting their liability by using the disclaimer.

That is not to say that at 86kg the pedal will break. But if a 150kg rider breaks the pedal CB attempts to eliminate or at least limit the law suit. But heck, in the USA, we can sue (and win) even if it is our own stupidity.

somegaveall said:

I'm wanting to get new pedals, but I'm unsure of which ones to get. I was just looking for some recommendations.

I have been using Shimano Ultegra for the last two years on a new bike and have found them to be excellent.Previously have used Look and although I was reasonably happy with these, I did manage to pull out of them on a number of occasions even after renewing the cleats.Have never had this problem with the Shimano.Also find the Shimano cleats are better to walk on.

sogood said:

Did you change your shoes with the switch from SPD to SPD-SL? If so, surely the difference in efficiency doesn't solely lie with the pedals.

Yes, I did change the shoes. I have the Shimano spd sl r130, or at least I think that's what they are.