Road Bike Pedals | Systems Explained
This cannot be true! You buy the road bike of your dreams from your hard-earned money … and then there aren’t even pedals on it. But don’t worry, there is neither a negligent assembly of the manufacturer, nor is there a global supply shortage of pedals. Rather, the pedals are the last missing piece that make the bike your bike. With your cycling shoes, equipped with so-called cleats, you are firmly connected to the pedal so that you can optimally convert your strength into propulsion. We have summarized for you which pedal systems there are, what advantages and disadvantages they have and what you should pay attention to when making your selection in our road bike pedal guide.
Clipless Pedals
Why are there no pedals on road bikes?
How much do road bike pedals cost?
Power pedals
The power pedals have a special position among road bike pedals. Look, Garmin, Powertap and other manufacturers have integrated a power measurement into their pedals, which until recently could only be installed in the crank. Anyone who is ambitious in cycling and would like to train in a structured manner based on watts can gain interesting insights for their training with the performance measurement. However, this technology also has its price: the systems are currently available between $700 and $1200.
How do I ride with clipless pedals?
- In the beginning, take some time on a quiet and flat route or a roller trainer and practice clicking in and out so that the movement sequence sits securely.
- The clip-in works by hooking the cleat over the forefoot, and when you step on the pedal or lower the heel, you can hear and feel the click.
- You release the connection again by turning the heel outwards over a certain point – usually between 30 and 35 degrees.
How do I mount my pedals?
- Left crank arm = left-hand thread
- Right crank arm = right-hand thread
How do I mount my pedal cleats?
Most road bike shoes have the usual 3-hole fastening and extensive adjustment options for the different cleats, which is why the initial assembly should be carried out carefully. To find the right position, there are, for example, suitable templates with which the longitudinal, transverse and rotational directions of the cleats can be set with millimeter precision. Of course, you can also adjust the cleats according to your feeling, but note that a neutral foot position on the pedal can prevent problems in the ankle and knee.
Shimano Pedals
Like hardly any other large series manufacturer, Shimano knows how to serve its customers with a wide range of products across all quality levels – including the pedals. Based on the well-known component groups, there are the so-called SPD-SL pedals (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) in the quality levels of group 105, Ultegra and Dura Ace.
Differences
Visually, the pedals differ only slightly, the differences lie in the materials used and in the weight.
- The cheapest Shimano SPD-SL pedal weighs around 330 grams per pair
- The most expensive SPD-SL pedal from Shimano, on the other hand, weighs only 243 grams
The release angles are between 32 and 35 degrees and on all models the release hardness can be easily adjusted using a small adjusting screw.
Pedal cleats
For freedom of movement in the pedal (float), Shimano offers three different cleats that differ in color.
- Red cleats stand for freedom of movement of 0 degrees
- Blue cleats stand for a freedom of movement of 2 degrees
- Yellow cleats stand for a freedom of movement of 6 degrees
For most racing cyclists, the yellow cleats are the best choice because their high freedom of movement protects the knee when pedaling.
Follow-up costs
Since the cleats are subject to constant wear during walking and intensive use, they must be replaced regularly to ensure the reliable functioning of the binding system.
New cleats are available for around $20
The Shimano pedals are very popular because they are relatively easy to service and can be repaired using standard tools. The direction of disassembly and assembly is noted on the axis.
Look Pedals
Look pedals are very popular with both recreational athletes and professionals. The French manufacturer is considered the inventor of today’s clipless pedals and knows what racing cyclists want from a pedal: low weight, easy handling and an attractive appearance. These are the characteristics that Look skillfully implements in all products and therefore still serve a large part of the market today.
Differences
The entry-level and mid-range models KeO Classic, KeO Sprint and KeO 2 Max are technically simpler with their adjustable coil spring than the top models KeO Blade series, in which a carbon spring blade creates the binding. The blade models also have carbon bodies and titanium axles for low weight and reliable function.
- The entry-level models by Look weigh about 348 grams (KeO Classic, per pair with cleats and screws)
- The top model KeO Blade Carbon TI, on the other hand, weighs only 248 grams including the cleats. In this range there is also a titanium axle.
The trigger hardness can be set to either 12 Nm or 16 Nm on the blade models by replacing the carbon blade (included in the scope of delivery). On the KeO Sprint, KeO Classic and KeO Max models, the release hardness can be adjusted using a small adjusting screw, similar to Shimano.
Pedal cleats
For the freedom of movement in the pedal (float), Look offers three different cleats that differ in color.
- Black cleats stand for freedom of movement of 0 degrees
- Gray cleats stand for a freedom of movement of 4.5 degrees
- Red cleats stand for a freedom of movement of 9 degrees
The majority of road cyclists choose the gray cleats with +/- 4.5 degrees float because they offer the best compromise between freedom of movement and feeling of contact with the bike.
Follow-up costs
Since the cleats are subject to constant wear during walking and intensive use, they must be replaced regularly to ensure the reliable functioning of the binding system.
New cleats are available between $10 and $15
The maintenance effort is about the same as with the Shimano pedals, only the Look disassembly tool is required (approx. $5). If that is not at hand, most local bicycle repair shops have the right tool to separate the pedal axle from the frame. The direction of disassembly and assembly is also noted on the axis.
Time Pedals
The pedals from Time optically go their own way and therefore differ significantly from the models from Shimano or Look presented here. If you can get used to the unusual look, you get one of the lightest clipless pedals currently on the market. Technically there is also a lot of know-how in the pedals, which have become particularly popular among triathletes and some professionals like Greg LeMond and Tom Boonen.
Differences
All Time pedals work on the same principle: They all do without the usual coil spring and only create the binding with a leaf spring. Time differentiates the pedals of the Xpresso series according to increasing numbers, so the popular classic – the Xpresso 2- is the entry into the pedal world of Time.
- This entry-level model already convinces with slim 230 grams
- The current top model Xpresso 15, on the other hand, weighs a light 142 grams per pair
As usual in this price range, the axle is made of titanium, the pedal body made of carbon and the bearing made of ceramic. As a special feature of the Time pedals it should be mentioned that the patented I-Clic system makes snapping particularly easy, since the system remains slightly open between clipping out and clipping in again.
Pedal cleats
All time pedals have the same float, which is very generously dimensioned at 10 degrees and therefore also very good for riders with knee problems.
Follow-up costs
As these cleats are subject to constant wear and tear when riding and intensive use, they must be replaced regularly to ensure the reliable functioning of the binding system.
New cleats are available between $15 and $20
The Time pedals cannot be opened for maintenance or repair. So if a bearing makes noise or shows play, the entire pedal must be replaced.
Speedplay Pedals
Speedplay pedals stand out immediately due to their reduced and eye-catching “Lollipop” design. With this system, everything is different, as you know it from the other pedal systems … but these models also have a loyal following and fan base among racing cyclists.
Differences
- The Speedplay Zero CrMo are already at a fairly high level, but are relatively light at 220 grams.
- For the top model Zero Titanium Nanogram, which is as light as a feather at 130 grams
The special feature of the Speedplay pedals is the reverse system: the pedals have no mechanics apart from the axis of rotation, the binding and the release angle are made via the cleats. Speedplay cleats are connected to the cycling shoe using 4 instead of the usual 3 screws, which very few cycling shoes can accommodate. In most cases it is necessary to use an adapter plate that is screwed between the shoe and cleat.
Pedal cleats
All Speedplay pedals have the same float, which is extremely generous at 15 degrees and is therefore ideal for riders with knee problems.
Follow-up costs
The cleats do not wear out as quickly as the Shimano, Look or Time models, but they must be maintained more carefully to ensure that the binding system functions reliably.
New cleats are available for around $40
Unlike the other pedal systems, the release hardness cannot be set with Speedplay. However, the release angle and the freedom of movement of the foot towards the tip or heel can be adjusted on the cleats.
The maintenance of the Speedplay pedals is relatively high: The pedal axles need a new grease filling every 2000 km, but this can be done quickly on your own. The tools required for this cost about $40.
