wanted: clipless pedals

[seenvic]

I'd be leary of buying used clipless pedals if you are first time clipless user.

Getting used to clipping out is much easier and predictable when the pedals/cleats are new. They have a crisp feel to them. Older pedals/cleats lose this crispness, but by then the rider is used to them and it doesn't matter.

In addition, I'd look at Time pedals as a possibility. I've had SPD's and Egg Beaters in the past and went back to Times. The aluminum Times are inexpensive and will last forever.

If you get a used set of pedals/cleats, I'd make sure they are lightly used.

[jtaylor]

I agree with Bill on the used pedal advice. You can get the low end eggbeaters very cheap at Nashbar or similar catalog stores. Phil (Chain Reaction) sells the medium level at a reasonable price. I like my eggbeaters but have heard good things about the Time pedals as well.

[ec494]

I have a pair of Shimano spd's you can have. You will need the cleats, good shape but old. I have upgraded to TIME ATAC carbons and no longer use the Shimano's. Let me know.

Eric

[ted]

Jul 10, 2008 7:39:15 GMT -5 neezy said:

Looking to make the transition to some SPD's or Crank Bro's egg beaters. Anyone looking to upgrade to a nicer set and want to sell some entry level pedals?

Shimano = Lowest price to start, excellent quality, no plastic parts to replace, no bearings to replace, adjustable tension to control engagement and release, great mud clearance.
Time = Upper price level to start, excellent quality bearings, generous amount of lateral float. Solid feel for the most part with excellent mud clearance. Does require replacement of plastic platform after certain amount of use. Requires more effort to engage and disengage due to lack of tension adjustment, but this you'll get used to. No tension adjustment other than rotational float position of cleat.
Crank Bros = Mid level price range to start, lightest pedal with the eggbeater, excellent float both lateral and rotational, minimal construction, excellent mud clearance with average lifespan except for bearings. Cool colors with Candy models. Small cartridge bearings wear rapidly. No tension adjustment. Cleat bars develop play after extended use.
Shimano SPD-M520 = $50
Shimano SPD-M540= $70
Time= $100 and up
Crank Brothers Candy C= $90
Crank Brothers Eggbeaters= $65
I'm with the other guys in advising to buy a new set of pedals instead of a used pair. Do yourself a favor and buy new unless you come across some slightly used ones.

I'd tell you what brand I use, but I try to stay away from the "Get these because they're what I use" or "I use these and so should you" reasons. You should make your own decision, but I would choose from the brands above and you won't go wrong.

[quiver]

The other thing to keep in mind, is the quality of your shoe. If you go with the Eggbeaters, make sure you get a nice shoe. Since there is no platform on the eggbeaters, your shoe becomes your platform. If you buy eggbeaters and a cheap shoe, they become leg beaters pretty quick.

I really like the Candy series for people new to clipless, there is a small platform around the eggbeater pedal, and they are very easy to clip into, and out of.

The other advantage of a small platform for people not comfortable w/ clipless, is that on difficult parts of the trail you can unclip one foot and use it to prevent falls.

It takes a little while before you natural reaction is to twist your foot out when the trail gets hairy

[dgaddis1]

My first two weeks of riding clipped in was on a set of used, borrowed Time pedals. I never had trouble getting out of them (as long as it was planned), but I had a really hard time clipping in. With more use I probably would have gotten better at it though.

When I bought a set of pedals I decided to go with the Crank Bro's Candy's, because they were much lighter than the Time pedals, and I heard they were easier to get in and out of, which I've found to be very true. However, I have heard the Crank Bros pedals are not as durable/tough as the Time's. I've had my Candy's almost a year now with zero maintanence (I probably should put some new grease in them....) and I've hit them on numerous roots and rocks and haven't broken them yet. With my camelback on and full I weigh about 170lbs.

I've never tried Shimano's.

[JIMMYC]

Although I have never tried any other clipless pedal. I have had great luck w/Shimano, my first pair is now on a friend of mine's bike that pair is 16 years old and still work great. I have a total of three pair with the newest being 5+ years old, never an overhaul, never a problem.
I would be considered a clydesdale (200 lbs+), so durability and comfort win out over weight everytime.

[bgredjeep]

I've got an old pair of Welgo pedals that I bought about 10 years ago (Shimano 757 clone?) that still work great, though I don't know if I would trust any of their current line to last that long. When I bought the new singlespeed I picked up the Crank Bros Mallet pedals. I bought a pair for my brother in law for his birthday (after he found size 52 Sidis so he could try riding clipless) and liked them so much I got myself a pair. They are heavy, but I'm ~220 lbs geared up and ride a 29 lb SS so who cares. They work great and having the platform is very nice in some sketchy spots, or if I just want to tool around w/o having to wear my bike shoes. No trouble getting in or out of the pedals to date.

I got the Mallets from Jenson for $50. I've seen the regular eggbeaters for $35 at a Nashbar.

[Timothyjames]

i use shimano xt pedals. pd-m770's tension adjustment was what i needed to get comfortable clipping in and out. When i first got them i kept them at the loosest setting and didn't take many accidental dislodgings (my poor shins) before i went tighter. i'm not much of a weight freak so the balance of rugged vs. weight is about right for me. took me about 2 weeks to get the hang of them and screw the tensioner all the way down. i'm wearing shimano shoes as well, haven't tried any other brands but they fit well enough!