Tips Archive:

Hot Tip of the Month- September 2003: "Which clip less pedals are right for my club?"
There are many types of clip less pedals to choose from and basically three formats. The formats include “SPD” which originates from Shimano. The SPD or Shimano Pedal Dynamic is about the size of a quarter and is the most contemporary in design. The cleat is usually recessed into the sole that allows the user to walk normally on most surfaces. The second is the LOOK cleat. This cleat is larger than the SPD and made of resin plastic. The LOOK cleat is very popular among road bike enthusiasts. The third format is the standard pedal that will include a basket and toe straps. This format usually will be found on bikes out of the box when they are delivered. Most clubs will need a multiple format since many will have different shoe styles. Schwinn makes a pedal called the “Triple Link” which blends all three formats into one pedal. Paul Swift (The designer of the Lemond Revmaster now has his own version of the “Triple Link” which he calls the “XO Pedal Jam”. This is the best-engineered multi-format pedal out there. Many clubs choose only one style of pedal to put on their bike, either SPD or LOOK, but this is restrictive to club goers. What happens when you have only SPD pedals and many of your members have LOOK pedals? What message are you sending to someone in your club who owns a $200.00 pair of cycling shoes but cannot use them because the club only subscribes to one format? Consider polling your members before you decide to force-feed them what you think is the best pedal. And NEVER choose your pedal based on price! Remember this, the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price.