I'm currently in the market for some new pedals after snapping my Looks off at the axle while going uphill yesterday. Not quite sure why it broke - I guess I'm not the smallest rider at 6'2", 180 lbs, but that probably wasn't the issue. I was thinking about getting new pedals anyway since these were Look 337s from at least 3 years ago. I like the larger platforms of Looks and am used to their step in. Since these were my first pair of pedals I haven't used any other brands. I thought about going away from looks, since they are heavier than many other brands, and trying something else.
The pedals I am considering are speedplays, shimano ultegra road, and the crank brothers quattro. Being a poor college student I'm trying not to spend more than $150. Does anyone have anything to say about these pedals (good or bad) or any recommendations on others?
I'm currently in the market for some new pedals after snapping my Looks off at the axle while going uphill yesterday. Not quite sure why it broke - I guess I'm not the smallest rider at 6'2", 180 lbs, but that probably wasn't the issue. I was thinking about getting new pedals anyway since these were Look 337s from at least 3 years ago. I like the larger platforms of Looks and am used to their step in. Since these were my first pair of pedals I haven't used any other brands. I thought about going away from looks, since they are heavier than many other brands, and trying something else.
The pedals I am considering are speedplays, shimano ultegra road, and the crank brothers quattro. Being a poor college student I'm trying not to spend more than $150. Does anyone have anything to say about these pedals (good or bad) or any recommendations on others?
Thanks
I have the Speedplay X3...they replaced these with the X5 which can be had for around $120 if you shop carefully. It's cromoly and should be fine for your weight. Despite their appearance, their contact surface is larger because of their installed platform onto the shoes. These are light weight, around 220g. If you keep doing some basic maintenance like lubing and cleaning them from time to time, they should work really well for you...and they're light!
The pedals I am considering are speedplays, shimano ultegra road, and the crank brothers quattro. Being a poor college student I'm trying not to spend more than $150. Does anyone have anything to say about these pedals (good or bad) or any recommendations on others?
Thanks
I recently bought a pair of Look Keo Carbon off www.probikekit.com. I think there is still a special discount now. They are buttery smooth for clicking in and out with lots of float (9 degrees with the red cleats). It is within your budget range too.
I'm currently in the market for some new pedals after snapping my Looks off at the axle while going uphill yesterday. Not quite sure why it broke - I guess I'm not the smallest rider at 6'2", 180 lbs, but that probably wasn't the issue. I was thinking about getting new pedals anyway since these were Look 337s from at least 3 years ago. I like the larger platforms of Looks and am used to their step in. Since these were my first pair of pedals I haven't used any other brands. I thought about going away from looks, since they are heavier than many other brands, and trying something else.
The pedals I am considering are speedplays, shimano ultegra road, and the crank brothers quattro. Being a poor college student I'm trying not to spend more than $150. Does anyone have anything to say about these pedals (good or bad) or any recommendations on others?
Thanks
I have been using the Shimano SPD-SL type for some time now and love them. Right now you can get the R600 model at Nashbar for $71 (50% off - a great deal). I only recently paid $90 on Ebay for the R600s and thought it was a good deal. I also have a pair of the entry level R540 pedals, which have performed without any problem. The R600s are identical to the Ultegras, but say "Shimano" on them instead of "Ultegra". Both types weight exactly 308g, but the R600's usually sell for ~$20 less than the Ultegras. Go figure 😉 Don't let the fact that Lance pulled out of one of his DuraAce pedals in the ITT stop you. I have mine set as loose as you can and have never pulled out. I would believe that he somehow was never properly in that pedal. SPD-SL types are almost (but not quite) identical to your Looks, so if you like them the Nashbar deal is going to be hard to beat, considering the cost is less than half of your budget 😄
I recently bought a pair of Look Keo Carbon off www.probikekit.com. I think there is still a special discount now. They are buttery smooth for clicking in and out with lots of float (9 degrees with the red cleats). It is within your budget range too.
I wish I would have found that deal when I bought mine!!! They have some great deals there!
I also used Time Impact pedals for a while, which now can be had in your price range. Also, your weight was not the issue at all, as you are not that heavy to begin with. If you are looking into higher end pedals with Ti axles, check the manufacturers specs on those as some do have weight limits, but I think you are still below them.
I bought Crankbrothers Quattro because I wanted something different, and I like the small cleat design. I have been very happy with these, although they are not the lightest around. They are very easy to get into, and have held up well so far. I have also used Look style, and have liked those also, although I would have to say I like the Quattros better.
Hey, thanks for the responses everyone . Since I want some pedals ASAP, and of course I want to support the local LBS, I'm going to get either the Shimano Ultegras or the Speedplay X/5s. After calling the 3 shops in town, the last store was really the only one who had anything in stock, quantities of these two pedals and others.
I'm leaning towards the X/5s but am wondering if their free float will be too much float after having the more restricive Looks. I do some running and have some overpronation issues - therefore would the X/5s be the better choice?
I guess I failed to mention that the first shop did have one pair of Time Impact Mags, never ridden, taken off a bike that came from one of their dealers. They said they would probably sell them for $125.
So its between the Time Impact Mag, Speedplay X/5, and Shimano Ultegra.
I recently bought a pair of Look Keo Carbon off www.probikekit.com. I think there is still a special discount now. They are buttery smooth for clicking in and out with lots of float (9 degrees with the red cleats). It is within your budget range too.
How long did it take for it to ship?? Is is coming from the UK? I live in CA, USA
How long did it take for it to ship?? Is is coming from the UK? I live in CA, USA
I'm in Atlanta, GA and it took 4-5 days total from the day I ordered to the day I had my items in hand (I ordered tires from them not too long ago). Not bad, IMO.
Hey, thanks for the responses everyone . Since I want some pedals ASAP, and of course I want to support the local LBS, I'm going to get either the Shimano Ultegras or the Speedplay X/5s. After calling the 3 shops in town, the last store was really the only one who had anything in stock, quantities of these two pedals and others.
I'm leaning towards the X/5s but am wondering if their free float will be too much float after having the more restricive Looks. I do some running and have some overpronation issues - therefore would the X/5s be the better choice?
What does everyone think?
Thanks again for all the responses
Being a fellow runner and former soccer player, I can tell you that you will love the X's. I had SPD's prior to these, and they killed my knees. I would never go back to any other pedal. Some people get the "walking on ice" feeling the first time they use them, and I did as well, but after 30 minutes in the saddle, it goes away and you adjust. Id highly recommend the Speedplays.
I went to the LBS Friday and got the X/5s. I first rode with them on Saturday and one word kept coming to mind - Freedom!! They're so much less restrictive than my old Looks. I'm not always fighting against a spring retention anymore. They took a little bit to get used to - maybe 5 mins - but they feel much better. I also got the cleat covers, but when I got home I noticed the shop gave me the Zero covers instead of the ones for the X series.
I have been riding speedplay X2s for 3+ years now. I always thought they were the best for bad knees - I have bad knees and currently have really bad knees (off the bike since the Deathride 10 days ago). I recently had a fit done (by very good people) and they strongly recommended that I switch from the Speedplay X2 to a shimano SPD-SL or Look pedal. They have found through testing and experience that the X pedals, with full float, actually put more stress on the ligaments and tendons around the knee as they work hard to keep the knee in line. They actually believe that the X pedals can do more harm than good. Of course, if speedplays work for you and cause you no pain, then keep 'em - I love them for how they work (though I hate the cleats for how they wear). They also really felt that the bigger platform afforded by the Look-type pedal is a plus. I am going to try the SPD-SL. I'll let you know how it goes.
