Finally buying pedals, need some direction
Hi Matt,
I ride on SPD-SL's and I'm very happy. There are road-style SPD's (the SL's) and MTB-style SPD's - a lot of people seem to confuse that, but if you go for the SPD's, make sure they are road pedals.
Looks are great too. It's all personal preference. You can also check out Speedplay's, which some of my friends ride and love.
Lol, I was probably no help.
Oh sorry ... shoes. Definitely go for tri shoes, as opposed to regular road shoes. I have Shimano's - they have a carbon fiber bottom, single strap, rear loop for easy on/off on the bike, and are well ventilated. Love 'em.
Specialized also makes a very good tri shoe.
I'll also vote for SPD-SL (not plain SPD). You can typically find a new Ultegra set of pedals & cleats on ebay for under $100. Make sure whatever shoes you buy have the big 3-hole triangle on the bottom so you can mount SPD-SL or Look without any adaptor plates. I haven't tried Look pedals yet. Anyone out there tried both of these and have an opinion?
I vote for the SPD-SL too. I have them on both my road and tri bikes, and they've worked flawlessly from day 1. Only minor issue is that when they're brand new, it's slightly tougher to clip out compared to a well-used pair. After a few weeks, you'll break in the spring, and all will be peachy. I have many thousands of miles on these suckers now with no problems.
SPD SL, ebay a set of Dura Ace...you should find them cheap, like $100
If you wish to be out front, then act as if you were behind.
SHOES ~ I suggest not going for a pure Tri shoe .... just my 2 cents. The reason I feel you should go for something a bit for snug and sturdy. Tri shoes with one strap tend to become loose after a while if you pull up a lot in the shoe. Also they are a bit colder ie. they have more mesh and breathable fabric. That is good for florida but anywhere esle and come fall you will want something with some more leather. Just some points to consider. Now, I do have a pair of "tri shoes" but I also have the training shoes. 3 Strap Nikes.... They are very nice and comfy and come with a carbon sole. I think lance used them at some point. I forget the name.
For pedals ... I love the Speed plays... Tons of float and that helps avoid knee injuries
Good Luck !.
Chris
``It's not as if I'm going to sit around and be a fat slob,''
Lance Armstrong 2005
My vote:
SPD-SL
Specialized Trivent shoes.
Ok, I'll be the stick in the mud, and voice of contention...
I ride with the Look Pedals, and the Tri-Shoes. As a bigger guy, the Look Pedal has a bigger contact surface than the SPD-SL's I looked at. As for the shoes, I bought a set of Tri-Shoes, and when it gets cold, the shoe covers come out.
Darrell "Legs 'n Lungs" Lenkner
in West Chester, Oh.
I would vote for Specialized Trivent shoes and Speedplay pedals. The shoes are very comfortable, have an easy on/off strap, and look poretty cool too. The pedals are very "minimal" looking and have a great amount of float to protect your knees.
I vote for the SPD-SL’s pedals (LA can’t be wrong), either Ultegra or Dura-ace depending on your budget. IMO shoes are a matter of personal preference. Get whatever fits / feels best to you and don’t be afraid to spend a little more $ for a better shoe / fit (it’s worth it in the long run). I would go with a carbon shoe, Carnac or Sidi makes some good stuff.
- T
all the replies.
-EC






I have a Specialized Allez, looking for advice on pedals and shoes. I will only be doing Sprints and Olympic Tri's; I've done 2 Sprints last summer. I know that Look and shimano spd pedals are good; I guess I need someone who owns one of these to tell me to buy them. Thanks
Mat