Roadie pedals

[pedalpusher]

I got suckered into a good deal on road shoes so I bought them and would rather put some pedals with a better platform than drilling them out to run spd's that I currently have on my road bike.
 
I can read reviews all day long and get conflicting results, so I'm looking for a practical suggestion on which is the best pedal for me.  I'm debating between the Time/Look style or Speedplays.  I've been looking at the Look pedals because they seem to have a wider platform and since I only clip in/out a couple times during a ride, the orientation doesn't seem that big of a deal (I won't be commuting on it).  But, I hear they wear quickly and sometimes can be a doosy to get in/out?
 
The speedplay pedals seem popular, but I don't know if they will have as solid of a feel as the Looks seem to have?
 
I want something at a good price point (wieght/$$) that won't wear quickly, and provide a good platform.  I'm not sure of the float I need - I've been using SPD's for the past 6 years or so without any problems.  Only on one century I started feeling some discomfort on the outside of my knee, which I think will be better now I'm wearing shims in my shoes.
 
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
-Kevin 

[nilsmuller]

I have always ridden with Look pedals on my road bike.  I haven't ever had any issues with clipping/unclipping and most of the pedals come with a release tensioner so you can dial in how easy or hard they are to get in and out of.  As for wear, as long as you're not walking around in them much, my cleats have always lasted probably 2 or 3 years at least.  I've never had Speedplays before as I guess, much like what you were saying, I always like the feel of a larger platform.  It seems that 6 degrees of float is a pretty popular option too.

[jeremygerrits]

I got back into road riding this year and started with a set of old SPDs. They did the job but seemed to always feel loose, not to mention they made any kind of walking pretty scary.


I upgraded to a set of Shimano 105s and love them. They are way easier to walk in and I feel so much more connected with the bike. They have 6 degrees of float with the included cleats but also have 0 degree cleats too.


The Shimano PD-R540s look like a good option if you want to save some money.

[pedalpusher]

I have always ridden with Look pedals on my road bike.  I haven't ever had any issues with clipping/unclipping and most of the pedals come with a release tensioner so you can dial in how easy or hard they are to get in and out of.  As for wear, as long as you're not walking around in them much, my cleats have always lasted probably 2 or 3 years at least.  I've never had Speedplays before as I guess, much like what you were saying, I always like the feel of a larger platform.  It seems that 6 degrees of float is a pretty popular option too.

Thanks for the thoughts.  Do the cleats only wear or both cleats and pedals?  I was thinking the pedals would wear but if it's just the cleats they could be replaced without too much heartburn?  Which model did you have? 

[Fett]

I have had Speedplays before and liked them alot. The pedals are small but they have a large cleat the provides a good platform.  Maybe it is because I am a mountain biker, but I have always hated the one sided road pedals like Looks and Shimano road pedals.  I currently run the Crankbrothers road pedal (I forget the name) and like them alot. Good platform and is two sided.