Quote:
Darby wrote:
Well, I am having a real hard time adjusting to the Shimanos.
Ride on a long, straight, desolate road with no obstacles. While coasting along, unclip and clip back in repeatedly. Now repeat with the other foot. After a mile of this, I think your leg/ankle/foot should have enough muscle memory to get you out (and in) whenever you need.
Quote:
Darby wrote:
The other problem I have is trying to get in them when I am on a hill. They don't always hang with the correct side facing up if I am on a steep hill.
Don't unclip on hills 
Seriously, learn to pedal on the back side of the pedal until you have the opportunity to flip the pedal and clip in. If you do the exercise I described above, also try flipping the pedal over so that you're forced to flip it back into the proper position for entry.
Quote:
Darby wrote:
So, I am back to considering Speedplays.
Even though I'm a huge fan of Speedplays, I don't think this is the correct solution. In fact, you may still have the same, similar or different problems. Learn to use what you bought. ...dance with who you brung.
Quote:
Darby wrote:
* The springs can fall out of them on a long ride.
The springs are in the cleats and don't fall out. They (or the cleat) would be broken if the springs are falling out.
As others have said, the mounting screws can back out. I have not experienced this. If you use Loctite, you MUST clean the threaded hole first!!!! The oils left from threading will lead to Loctite failure.
Quote:
Darby wrote:
* They are more subject to dirt and debris clogging them up
The Speedplay cleats are can clog up with dirt and debris just like the pedals in the Shimano system. Basically, the mechanical parts which are subject to dirt and harm are located in the cleat with Speedplay and the pedal with Shimano. In this respect, the Speedplays are worse since you will be walking in the cleats.
I understand you gotta walk where you must, but keep it to a minimum and choose with reasonable care, your path. The cleats can and do stay fairly clean. There are also little plastic covers you can place on Speedplay cleats to help keep them clean and minimize wear when walking.
Remember, bicycle road shoes are for riding, not walking. If you really plan on lots of walking, get touring shoes or mt. bike shoes.
Quote:
Darby wrote:
* They can clip out unexpectedly
About as unexpectedly as the Shimanos.
Before I got my Speedplays, they were describe to me as being similar to walking on an ice skating rink with leather soled shoes. They float VERY easily and have LOTS of float (my old style). I understand this is a little unnerving to some, especially new riders and those new to the pedals. But comfort comes quickly and I would never use anything else. I like the liberal amount of float and I have good knees.
So, with a good pedaling style (smooth and even circles) and no biomechanical issues, there shouldn't be any reason for unexpected release.
Quote:
Darby wrote:
* The small platform doesn't feel as sturdy as the SPDLs.
I completely disagree. The Speedplays are solid feeling, unless you count that "ice skate" sensation. That feeling should only be there in the beginning as a new user. There is no rocking or hot spot issues. If you do feel unstable, perhaps your shoe sole is too soft and flexible. Road shoes are supposed to be stiff (and uncomfortable to walk in). That transmits greater energy to the pedal.
Quote:
Darby wrote:
The good things, I have hears is easy to get in and out of.
IMHO, they are more difficult to get into than Look, and SPD clones. First generation Time pedals were marginally more difficult. Speedplays are easy to get out of. But, no more easy than any other pedal.
The only dificult pedal to get out from are toe clips with the straps cinched down really tight.
Quote:
Darby wrote:
Anyone have experience with both Shimano and Speedplay?
I've been riding with Speedplays for over 10 years and wouldn't trade them.
I have SPD clones (Performance and Nashbar brands) on my mt. bike and commute bike. I use these pedals on those two bikes because I use my mt. bike shoes for both. I want the ability to walk comfortably.
I've also used 1st generation Time pedals, 1st gen Look pedals and toe clips/straps before that. Each was good in it's time period and each subsequent pedal was better for my needs. Actually, I prefer toe clips/straps on my mt. bike, but they won't work (very well) with the shoes and SPD pedals that are shared on my commute bike.
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95 Carbonframes Tetra Pro
92 Bridgestone MB-1
90 Moser 51.151
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