I will need to outfit my new ride with pedals. I have used Looks previously, and Campys for the past 9 years. I find the Campy cleat to be very heavy. I would like to save some weight by switching to Speedplays and am wondering if it is harder to walk with these cleats. They look like they may be more difficult. I would imagine it would not too be difficult to get used to them.
Walking with Speedplay cleats...
sushiken
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I will need to outfit my new ride with pedals. I have used Looks previously, and Campys for the past 9 years. I find the Campy cleat to be very heavy. I would like to save some weight by switching to Speedplays and am wondering if it is harder to walk with these cleats. They look like they may be more difficult. I would imagine it would not too be difficult to get used to them.
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Definitely pick up some cleat covers...they give a bit of grip and protect the cleat.
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10,520 Posts
no worries. They can feel a little slick on bare tile, and you don't want to walk in mud and sand (for their sake, not yours.)
The coffee shop covers are much recommended. I've taken a bit of non-slip tape (like used on stair treads) to the bottoms of the cleats. Not at all necessary, but nice for those odd times when you end up trying to put a foot down on a wet sewer lid.
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Didn't know about these. Thanks for the info, just ordered a pair.
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Get some covers--Coffee Shop or Keep-on-Kovers and you'll be fine. The Coffee Shops fit nicely into a jersey's back pockets. I put one in each outside pocket and never notice them there until I reach for them.
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9,738 Posts
Yes, it is.
If you walk on them uncovered, keep and eye on the two mounting screws nearest your heals. They will wear out very quick and that makes them hard to check for tightness and remove if needed. I carry the cleat covers with me when I ride, but don't always put them on so my do take some abuse. I have replaced all of the carbon steel mounting screws with stainless steel. They will not wear out as fast and can be found on McMaster Carr. OBTH, they are sold in packs of 100, so you have some for your friends as well.
Dave
Dave
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1,652 Posts
+1 and very easy with Sidi's that have the built up heel.
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I try to refrain from walking in them. Not for safety reasons, for the longevity of cleat. I don't mind walking barefoot or in socks around the car or in the driveway. As for walking in stores or coffee shops, I don't feel awkward in them so I'm fine not having the rubber covers.
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369 Posts
Sorry but I find your question to be...umm...interesting. As you know cleats are not made to be walked on so whatever cleats you get there's going to be times when walking will be difficult. I hope you're not basing your pedals/cleats choice on ease of walking? I suspect not.
Like others have said get cleat covers to mostly protect the cleats from scuffing and scratches vs ease of walking. My speedplay cleat covers help me get around but only for a short distance (ie pitstops - convenience stores, etc...).
Like others have said get cleat covers to mostly protect the cleats from scuffing and scratches vs ease of walking. My speedplay cleat covers help me get around but only for a short distance (ie pitstops - convenience stores, etc...).
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819 Posts
Get Looks or Shimanos. You won't be forced to carry cleat covers everywhere with you, and those pedals are maintenance free. Factoring in the cleat weight, the Looks are not any heavier than the Speedplays. "Saving" weight by putting the retention mechanism on the bottom of your shoes instead of the pedals does not really save weight.
I may need to clarify a bit, my question is not intended to sound like I will be doing a lot of walking in cleats, I am more concerned about short walks inside of stores and the like. When looking at the cleats, they just look very awkward. I hope not to have to do longer walks, like mechanical problems. I did not realize that cleat covers are needed for short walks to convenience stores and pit stops.
Actually, to me ease of walking is indeed an important factor. Walkability was actually one of the more important factors, given that any of the major pedals work fine. Th
From what I've seen, Shimano and Time among the major road pedal brands are most walkable. Not that you want to go for a walk, but to and from the house, car, and in and out of the Quickstop or restroom, they are safe and easy to walk in. Speedplay might be the worst in terms of clumsiness and the hassle of contamination - I've never had any problems with mud or dirt w/ my Shimano SPD-SL or Time RXS, fwiw.. But, that might not be all that important given their other unique features that some riders are looking for.
Oh, and since the OP did happen to mention weight of the cleat, if I'm not mistaken, the speedplay cleats are quite a bit heavier than others. The pedals themselves are, I think, the lightest though.
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But neither has the adjustability that the Speedplay system has.
Agreed that weight savings are not what I buy pedals based on but all the other benefits that come from Speedplay win it for me.
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