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Clipless pedal choice


Buck's picture

By Buck - Posted on 07 January 2008

Hi there

I've got a new bike on order and it doesn't come with pedals so I need to make a choice about what clipless pedal to get for it.

I currently ride using Shimano M520 SPDs and they have worked fairly well over the last year or so. However I seem to be pulling out of these pedals more frequently now even with new cleats and more tension dialled in. Perhaps the pedal mechanism is wearing away?

Therefore I was wondering if it was worth trying a new system with my new bike or stick with the Shimano SPD system. I have seen the below discussion and there seems to be various supporters of Crank Brother Eggbeaters, Shimano SPD and a mention of Time ATACs.

http://nobmob.com/node/3580

I've read good things about the Time ATACs and Greg has told me he is very happy with his so I am leaning towards that at the moment (probably just an urge to try something new!). Eggbeaters also seem popular but I've heard that they can be a bit fragile? I only have experience with Shimano SPDs so I'm in no real position to make a real informed decision.

Anyone ridden more than one type of pedal that can give some advice/opinions?

Thanks
Ben

mccann's picture

Buck I just bought a set of time atac after having Shimano SPD. For me the time win hands down I found with the shimano I had the same problems as you especially when the track was soft,the mud got stuck in the cleats.Even when the track is dry it is hard to keep cliped in.
No problems with the time they self clean. And the platform is a great help if you have to start peddling on a hard section, even if you don’t clip in you have the support of the platform.
I got mine from chain reaction for a very good price

lorrie's picture

Are just like a bike recommendation, most people will say that theirs is the best. Some things to consider are

Weight?
Platforms or the basics?
Number of moving parts?
Servicability?
and you might need to buy the cleats too as they might not come with the pedal/shoe

Personal opinion
I have used Shimanos in the past but moved to eggbeaters because of their mud clearing ability, but their (usually) ain't much mud around here! They are a simple design and on average lighter than shimnano's but this leads to their downfall in that they will wear away more quickly than the Shimano's and therefore release quicker - this is what you are experiencing now through the old age of your pedals. it happenned to me when a foot came out of the pedal when i was riding down the steps on the harbour bridge, nearly crashed and burned big time !

Note that you cannot adjust the tension in the eggbeaters just the release angle 15 or 20 degrees. Also the eggbeaters do wear into the sole of the shoe, BUT i have used the shoes and pedals for far FAR too long without changing them over.

The eggbeaters look good too... image???? haha Check out the titanium ones!

Having said that someone once said to me he prefers time vs eggbeaters

But i have just bought some new shoes and pedals and tomorrow night TH will the first time these get used. I'll bring the old set ups for you to have a squiz at.

Andrew

PS Your cleats could be worn away as well, maybe the pedals but i dont know if Shimanos pedals wwear out.

Matt's picture

I'm a long term Crank Bros user, I've three bikes and use both Mallets and Egg-Beaters. They work great and the only problem I've had with them is that they do wear quickly since they're bushing rather than bearing based. Crank Bros do a service kit though.

A key advantage for me is that they're on all my bikes, but if I only had one bike I'd have to go with Time, simply due to the reviews I've seen in the mags, they seem to be better rated than the Crank Bros equivalents.

Buck's picture

Well few good comments on Time and also Crank Bros.

Lorrie, I've already changed cleats recently but that hasn't helped much. As for weight, I'm not overly concerned. 100g here or there isn't going to make a world of difference to me. As for looks those fancy Eggbeaters with titanium and everything sure are bling but I'm hoping not to spend hundreds on just a set of pedals!

Matt, I also was not keen on changing as I currently use Shimano. However I figure I won't use the old bike too much once I get my duallie. Like you I've also read good things about Time.

Mccann, which Time pedal are you using at the moment? The Atac XS model looks reasonable.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?M...

Decisions, decisions. Still leaning towards Time at the moment. Any other opinions?

Ben

Steve 01's picture

I've had all three brands and tested them all for extended periods .I found crank bros(had a pair of Candy's & Mallots) the worst as the cleats wear extremely fast which makes them release prematurely,but even when the cleats are new I found they release far to easily compared to the others especially when jumping or bunny hoping.Shimano are good but tend to fall apart when roughly treated and aren't as good in mud(I was using 07 XTR).So in my opinion Time win easy to clip in when muddy ,can take a beating and the release mechanism is just right

mccann's picture

Time Z Freeride Pedals they came with cleats if you want to have a look at them give me a call

Buck's picture

Well just put the new Times on the bike tonight. Haven't gone for a proper ride but so far I like! The clip in is so much smoother than the Shimano's.

It also takes a bit more of a twist to get out than the Shimano's. With my Shimano's I could usually get out by just tilting my foot to the left or right rather than a proper swivel of the heel!

Will report back after a proper trail ride.

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