[fez_]

Looking to get my first pair of clipless pedals. My LBS insist i should get the Speedplay Zero for $130. Another LBS suggests i will be fine with the Shimano 105 or Look Keo Classic for $80.

Which pedals do you use/recommend?

[photosbymark]

I use SPD's, but that is just me. This to me is a bit like picking the right seat. No one seat works for every backside. One thing you could try is to see if they would put them on a bike in a trainer for you. Take your shoes and let them put the cleats on the shoes and try getting in and out of them on the trainer. Taking your bike will be even better. While you are on the trainer without worrying about falling over, you can see what feels natural for you to get them to clip and unclip. Then get what you like. Do you already have the cycling shoes you are going to use? They all work together.

[rola643]

I have never used Speedplay but I have always been afraid of spinning lolipops. I felt I would get/find hot spots from them. Don't understand why they would insist on one or another type pedal for you...What shop is doing that, Fat Frogs?

[fez_]

I need to get a pair of road cycling shoes too. Again, I have no idea how to pick those out. I was just going to try some on and get whatever fit the best.
As far as some pedals are concerned, I heard the Keo cleats wear out quicker compared to the Shimano ones and the Speedplay require a lot of maintenance. Is that true?

[fez_]

Originally Posted by rola643

I have never used Speedplay but I have always been afraid of spinning lolipops. I felt I would get/find hot spots from them. Don't understand why they would insist on one or another type pedal for you...What shop is doing that, Fat Frogs?

Its conte's Virginia beach that highly recommended the speedplay.
Which pedals do you use?

[Dubgurl]

I've been using SPD's for probably half the time I've been riding (whoopiee 300 miles or so) But in that time I've come to like them, really simple to use and adjust. As far as shoes go, if your LBS has a big selection, just try em on and see what you like. Even if they have a small selection, just try them on and find one you like.

[Noel]

Originally Posted by fez_

I need to get a pair of road cycling shoes too. Again, I have no idea how to pick those out. I was just going to try some on and get whatever fit the best.
As far as some pedals are concerned, I heard the Keo cleats wear out quicker compared to the Shimano ones and the Speedplay require a lot of maintenance. Is that true?

As far as shoes go, you are right, the ones that fit best are the ones for you and if you trust your LBS I am sure that they will sell you something of quality. There are so many different manufactures and I have owned so many different brands all of which have been good enough. Speedplay pedals are of course one of the lightest options and amongst the easiest to get into and out of. The only extra maintenance that they require is the little spring clip in the cleat that holds them on needs to be regularly lubed with a dry lube like "White Lightening". If you don't and if one of or both of your feet float when you ride the spring will break prematurely. Check with your shop to see if they can order just the springs (I know that you can buy a rebuild kit) because one of the advantages of Speedplay is that this really is the only part of the cleat that needs to be replaced with any frequency. No you do not get hot spots with Speedplay, the design being that the cleat is actually part of the pedal so they offer just as big a platform as other pedals do. The big drawback is that the cleats are big and slippery, therefore they are harder to walk in. That being said, any of the pedal systems you are looking at are fine, so if you have to decide with your wallet don't worry about it.

[rola643]

Originally Posted by fez_

Its conte's Virginia beach that highly recommended the speedplay.
Which pedals do you use?

Contes up here in Williamsburg didn't last long. I did buy a road bike from them.

I use Ultegra with SIDI shoes for the road and Crank Bros and Specilaized something or other( can't remember right no) MTB shoes.

[rola643]

Originally Posted by Noel

That being said, any of the pedal systems you are looking at are fine, so if you have to decide with your wallet don't worry about it.

The wallet is a cruel dictator

[tumbleweed88]

don't have alot to say,but been using speed play for 3 years,about12000 miles and just love them.im pretty new to road biking but found if you start with high end,it will save you money.