Bike Setup: Scott Speedster S1 (2005) full Ultegra
Summary: This is my first clip pedal, and I think these pedals strenght is this weakness at the same time: very hard to clip out! it means you`re safe in a sprint (won`t clip out!) but you can smash you face in the traffic lights.
Strengths: Won`t clip out! light weight.
Weaknesses: won`t clip out in an emergency! (no trick will help in an emergency situation)
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Summary: Clipping out of these pedals has always been difficult for me. I even had a professional bike mechanic adjust them, and they're still nearly impossible to clip out of. Now, they have finally ruined my knees, so I'm gladly junking them. I only regret waiting so long. In addition, clipping out requires that you turn your heel in towards the bike frame. I can't tell you how many times I've bashed my seat stay doing this. All in all, I hate these pedals.
Strengths: The cleats are fairly easy to walk on, not slippery like the Look plastic ones. Also, the cleats are really durable.
Weaknesses: Sooner or later, a person will ruin his/her knees using these things. Clipping out is just a killer, no matter which way you adjust them or technique you use.
Bike Setup: IF Ti Crown Jewel, Record 10, Deda, FSA, Zipp 404's,
Summary: I've been using these pedals for 3 years. Used to use speedplays, then my coach got me off them and into spd-rs -(he's a world's champion track sprinter). They're exclellent for keeping you solidly clipped in - great for racing, esp for sprinters. Many track guys still use them. They take awhile to get used to - like 6 months - but after that, clicking in and out is easy - you don't have to set the spring tension too tight - keep it rather loose for easy in/out. They are light, secure, spin smoothly and best of all, don't use plastic or "composite" cleats that are designed to wear out. I can't tell you how many times I've seen or heard other racers clipping out of their Looks in a field sprint. Only problem with these is Shimano has stopped manufacturing the cleats, and Shimano shoes now won't even accept the spd-r drill pattern - trying to force you to use the inferior (and plastic cleated) SL's. Less and less shoe mfg's are drilling their soles for spd-r's now as well. But for the time being, you can still get spare cleats from inventories, and shoes like Sidi Gen 5's and Vittorias still accept spd-r's. May eventually try campy record pedals, which seem to be in the same spirit.
Strengths: secure, won't clip out, light, smooth, nice platform. Best pedal for sprinting. Excellent race pedal.
Weaknesses: Not supported anymore by shimano, less and less options for shoes. Pontoons barely protect the cleats - the screw tops will get worn down and you will have to drill them out to change cleats.
Similar Products Used: speedplay, spd, straps.
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Bike Setup: Klein Quantum, with bla bla bla, now without 1st gen SPD-R pedals
Summary: After about 100mi I'm dumping these things. They are hard to get into/out of, and I can't get the cleats to not slip. The cleat issue is partially because of my shoes, but only partially. I've had two bolts strip at different times , allowing the cleats to move..hurting my knees. And I've had one bolt brake entirely, allowing the cleat to move(hurting my knees) and not allowing me to get out of them. Other reviewers have brought up the other problems. The pedals are not terrible, but there are just better options now.
Strengths: Can set up cleats while clipped in to pedals, makes positioning easy. Slim profile, low height. Pontoon-thingys aid in walking and protect cleat.
Weaknesses: Weak cleat bolts, hard to clip in-out.
Similar Products Used: 1st totally road pedal, all sorts of mtb's
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Bike Setup: Trek Postal 5200, Dura-Ace, Ksyrium SL-SSC.
Summary: If you want to be "locked in," these pedals are the way to go. I have tried almost every other pedal (except Egg Beaters and Time) and these are the best, in terms of performance, platform, and stability. Ignore what everyone writes about not being able to get out. They must be new to the sport.
Strengths: Platform, confidence in maintaining clipped in, limited float, ease of release and entry.
Weaknesses: Merely superficial - get scratched up, but does not affect performance at all.
Similar Products Used: Look, Speedplay, SPD
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