Forum menu
I'm looking at moving over to clipless pedals (from DMR v8). I don't do massive amounts of riding, and do more on my turbo than out on the trails. Which pedals do you think would be best? So far i have a list of Shimano 540, Crank Bros Candy 2, Time Roc Atac.
There are way too many choices, and it's very confusing for a new comer! So any advice would be great.
Thanks
Shimano.
Cheap, strong and reliable. Not that light but who cares when there covered in mud.
Never had a pair last less than a year of commuting and proper riding.
time. still running some from 8 years ago.
bearings don't wear out (i.e. crank bros)
don't get clogged/frozen so easily (i.e. shimano).
lots of float, good for the knees.
not the lightes, but who gives?
My worry about Shimano SPDs is the lack of float, and the knee problems it could give me. With the amount of riding i do, i doubt i'll have any problems with wearing kit out, so that shouldn't be a major factor 🙂
Very subjective.
lots of float, good for the knees.
🙄
Very subjective
+1
Having had experience of all three i say. choose between SPD's or Time Atac's.
Crank brothers feel great but are made from cheese and break in no time - Admittedly i'm hard on equipment but I got only a week out of a set of CB cleats?!?
SPD's feel great with a very positive engagement between the pedal and your foot, Cleats last ages, pedals last until the spring tension goes. Can get about a year or two from a set of pedals.
Time ATAC's i've been using for 6 months so can't say how long the springs last. Easily the nicest feeling pedals i've used. Float DOES feel nice Cleats have so far lasted 6 months
Having used shimano, eggs and time I'd say time every time
I've got slightly dodgy knees and prefer the Time style cleat engagement because of the float. Beyond that, horses for courses.
i did the same and jumped from flat to clips i borrowd some preused m520s it helped allot with having the springs pre stretched now using m454 and its a nice feel.
one bit of advice i can give is dont skimp on the shoes this is the second time iv tried clips first was a fail due to the low end lace up shoes now using 3 strap shimanos and it makes all the diffrence.
+1 for times. Tried shimano but knees hurt.....
I used shimano for a while but tried some crank bros just to see what the difference was, now have those on both my bikes. Not used them for a long time so can't comment on their longevity but they just feel nicer than shimano ones imo
Look quartz here
Loads of float v light
My favourite out if spds and crank bros
And the platform is big so stable and pedal like if you unclip clumsily down a hill....
Had a some time pedals for 7 years now only just starting fall apart will be getting some more 😀
In your situation I'd go for Shimano (maybe just cheap M540s) - easier to pull your feet out and that might be useful if you've been used to flats and just stepping down as and when required.
Times have a less instinctive release that you do learn (got Atac ROCs on my CX bike and SPDs on my mtb).
Then if the clipless bug sticks consider an upgrade/change to Times.
I use Time Z Freerides, been battered and abused for 4 years due to the low bottom bracket on my Meta 5 but still running. I can get a foot down pretty quickly when need be but when I was learning there was enough platform and just about enough grip to see you through dodgier bits if you didn't want to ride clipped in. Again as many have said it is still personal preference.
I've used SPDs and Cranks.
Cranks- very unreliable. I had mine out in Australia and one set lasted 6 months of very dry, drought conditions road commuting before the bearings seized. It's also surprisingly easy to bend a cage of the clip. My Mallets lasted 8 months before the bearings were shot.I didn't like the very "vague" action either.
Shimano- very reliable. I'm running 2 sets of 959/XTRs that're 6-7 years old. The action is good, you can set it so there's loads of float and to be honest knee trouble is rare. My knees were already shot and can't say I have any bother with SPDs. You can also adjust the tension which you can't do on Cranks which is better for a learner.
Another vote for time pedals here. Knee friendly, bomb proof, mud friendly pedals.
Shimano 520. £20 and work just as well as the xtr ones but don't last as long. When they do wear out (at least a couple of years) get new ones which will include cleats to replace yours which will be nearing replacement time.
Some people with dodgy knees absolutely cannot use times or any pedal with lots of float as it allows too much movement so don't be fooled into thinking that more float = better for knees.
Shimano 540's still going strong after 2 years without service. Probably worth getting over the 520's due to sealed bearings.
Not really when you consider the cost of cleats...
520 bearings can also last for years.
Some people with dodgy knees absolutely cannot use times or any pedal with lots of float as it allows too much movement so don't be fooled into thinking that more float = better for knees.
At the same time, many prefer float.
I have decided on Time Roc Atac S pedals, and now just need to find some at a decent price 🙂 Tredz in Cardiff had none, so i guess i'll have to buy online!
I'm thinking of getting Specialized Tahoe shoes to go with them.
i'd echo what rp16v said about shoes.
i had a set of tahoes when i started with clipless ( went CB, and went through the associated rigmaroll for 4 or 5 years, and now on times ), but TBH those are ok for plodding around the shops in, but are neither fish nor foul. 'ok' for walking in 'ok' for riding in, but the sole is too flexible really, and you've still got a cleat attached to clatter off things with. if you can, stretch to something like the spesh sports, or shimano shoes with straps. they're easier to adjust for comfort/tightness, and will be stronger in the sole. remember your contact patch is reduced on the pedal, so you need a platform for your foot somewhere.
HTH.
oo. also be advised that most of the cheaper shoes are very well ventilated. if you're going to wear them through the winter budget for some gore gortex socks.
Ok, shoe wise i might change from Tahoe to Specialized BG Sport. Does that sound like a good move?
yes, BG sport much better on the bike
hungry monkey - Member
time. still running some from 8 years ago.
bearings don't wear out (i.e. crank bros)
don't get clogged/frozen so easily (i.e. shimano).
lots of float, good for the knees.
+ 1 for all this, Time everytime (see what I did there 😈 )
My set of Time Roc Atac S pedals are now ordered 🙂
I will get the shoes from Tredz when the pedals arrive!
I'm assuming these pedals are just allen key install one's?
yep. good choice.