Which Clipless Pedals?

Jack Doonan has been using Shimano SPD clipless pedals for some time and now wants to change to something newer and more modern. Jack hasn’t told us whether he rides on the road or mountain bike, but we can cover both options

Question:
When I started using clipless pedal I believe only Shimano SPD were available and have been using them ever since. I want to upgrade to a modern pedal but don’t know which brand to choose. As I have a limited budget, I’d appreciate any advice on what you consider is the best in terms of performance and value for money.

Hi Jack,

The first clipless pedals were actually made and developed by the ski binding company; LOOK, Shimano brought out the SPD after they manufactured a LOOK system pedal under copyright, they then developed the much smaller SPD, which you have been using. The smaller SPD is great for off-road work except when they get a stone stuck in the clip.

Road Clipless Pedals

There are quite a few different road clipless to choose from, if you are looking for reliability then the new LOOK Keo pedals are very good as are the Time RXL or the more expensive RXS, Time also make a cheaper range of road pedals called Xen. There are also Campagnolo, Wellgo, Crank Bros, Richey and also Shimano. From these the Shimano pedals are similar to LOOK and Time with a larger plate than the SPD’s. The other interesting pedal is from Speedplay, they have been used by top riders to good effect. They are quite different as they work on a disc that slots in to a round shoe plate on the sole of the shoe; they work very well and are light.

LOOK Keo

So, our choice of road pedal would be from either LOOK, Time or Shimano, these are reliable, comfortable and all very similar. There are other systems that are very good, like the Crank Bros and the Speedplay, but maybe the tried and tested ones are the best. I like LOOK personally, but everyone in the BCR office has their own preference.

Speedplay

MTB Clipless Pedals

Well here the Shimano MTB SPD’s come out tops as it is easy to walk or run with shoes fitted with the small SPD shoe plates as they don’t get in the way due them being recessed into the sole of the shoe. Of all the others they are mostly the same design with some small refinements. The next best would be the Time ATAC as they give good support and have a small cleat; they also have a large range with many different prices to suit your pocket.

Time ATAC

For MTB we go for either Time or the god old Shimano SPD, you don’t want to be having problems out in the middle of no where on a ride, these two are know to be great and can be trusted.

So there you have our thoughts on road and mountain bike clipless pedals I hope this has cleared things up for you Jack?

Shimano SPD