Pedals

[didnothingfatal]

Got to get new pedals, have used Crank Bros for years and all my shoes have their cleats, but what's the difference between a stamped or cast wing? I've always previously used the cheaper ones, but wonder should maybe consider the 'tougher' option? Also, based upon the price they now are, is it worth considering maybe bolting Shimano onto it? XTR can be had had for £76, XT £45??

[Ian]

I've switched from CB to Shimano XT about 600 miles ago. I'd have been through at least one set of bushes and numerous rebuilds if I'd kept my CB on the bike. Shimano have just been fit and forget. Doubt I'd switch back now.

[Cheeky Monkey]

I'm a great fan of Time. I tried Shimano and (it might have been bad set up) but my knees hurt. I had no more expertise when I fitted Times instead but I had no pain. So they get my vote 8-)

They are, in the more affordable versions, pretty weighty if that is a concern to you. However mine (various models) have run for "ever" with virtually zero maintenance. They are excellent in mud, snow, ice etc being completely unaffected in all but the worst I've experienced.

They are rather expensive compared to Shimano but that may be bad google-fu on my part as well.

The brass (?) cleats seem to wear quite quickly and are almost uniformly £15 to replace. I don't really know if they're better or worse than Shimano as I never used a pair long enough to wear them out. Rumour leads me to believe the Times last less time.

[Anthony]

Shimano last years and years and years with zero maintenance IME. Tried egg beaters in '02 and '10 and both times lasted only a few months.

Shame because the eggbeaters are lovely things.

[Ray Young]

I had a pair of the cheaper CB pedals and they needed constant attention. Previous shimano's were fit and forget. I now use flatties.

[adjustablewench]

I have ridden with clipless pedals for 14 years and I feel almost embarrassed to say I have only used two sets of pedals - I still have them both and they are still fine. I have a slightly dodgy right knee and they dont cause it any problem.

So far this year alone I have ridden over 1000 miles - so over 14 years im sure they've done a few. I sometimes think of changing them but if I ain't broke .... They are both Time sets, one alium and the other atac. Ancient but still going strong

[pedalhead]

I started with Shimano SPDs in the mid-90's, then tried out the Crank Bros stuff when they first came out. After destroying three or four pairs I quickly moved on to TIME & have been with them ever since. I went with them due to the extra float & having a slightly dodgy knee back then.

However, I'm considering going back to Shimano for a couple of reasons... Firstly I broke a pair of Atac XC Carbon pedals after about 18 months use (retention bar snapped). They were replaced under their 2 year warranty, which is nice, but I'd rather they didn't fail in the first place. There's quite a bit of wear evident on the bars of the replacement pair now as well. Also, one of my other sets of TIME pedals, Aliums I think, are now loose on their axles. I'm also finding that the extra float is starting to get irritating and feels wooly & imprecise...particularly since I've been riding my road bike quite a lot (with "proper" road pedals & cleats, which hold you firmly in place).

[Cheeky Monkey]

Each to their own 8-)

I know what you mean about wear to the retention bars / springs though. Looks bad but whenever I've thought they were crackered a change of worn cleats usually sorts it out. I learnt this after ordering the springs before changing the cleats I now have a set of springs in the spares box. No doubt I'll need them eventually.

[Blackhound]

I started with Shimano, switched to and broke a few pairs of CB's when they come out (and I don't break stuff) and went back to Shimano. A year ago I looked at my ragged pair of M540 and thought I must replace them for the Tour Divide. I didn't and put 5,000+ miles on them last year and recently the left one started to let my foot out under power (no laughing at the back!). Saw some at Merlin for ~£27 and bought 2 pairs. Will probably see me out!

http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/m ... edals.html

A shade over £30 with the 5% offer - can't go wrong really.

[pedalhead]

Good to know, Kevin cheers. Aidan has similar things to say about the longevity of Shimano pedals so I think you've probably just made my decision for me. Will wait until after my Cairngorms trip at least before changing though as that would be asking for knee trouble until I've had time to iron out positioning niggles.

[didnothingfatal]

Went with XT so much more solid connection than the Crank Bros