Since i very first started using clipless pedals i have used Time, and only Time. I have at times used different generations, other peoples, and even have a set of gary fishers Time pedals - don't ask...
So it was with mixed feelings last year that i decided to start looking for a new pedal to use. Things were not so rosy. The cleats wear quickly, and the new square retention wires are more stable initially but also wear quickly leading to slop and unexpected disengagements - which are never timely...
The first thought was eggbeaters. But they fall apart. Then there was shimano, especially the xtr. But i have always been put off by the number of small screws, bits and bobs. Then i heard look was going to be bringing out a new pedal which would use the egg beater cleats. Time went by and just as it seemed that the wait would be over, look recalled the pedals and redesigned the cleat to be more Time-like and less egg-like.
So a set of quartz pedals arrived. They are light. They are incredibly open. They are very grey. The cleats are large and flat, and there is a well described system for mounting them so that there is zero slop. This can be adjusted as your shoe wears.
As you can see from the photos, the shoe sits directly on the pedal with no movement on the look, whereas on the Time, there is a big gap. The Time is used, but not old, or particularly worn, the cleats are brand new and the sidis aren't that old either...mind the gap!
So, give me a year and we'll see....
6 comments:
will be interested in hearing how you get on with them. i switched to times after the first MM and have used them ever since on mtb, cx and fixee. i've no real reason to change mind...
time have gone back to round bars (at least on the XS ones i picked up last summer).
looking at the picture suggests that the amount of horizontal rocking could be a concern for knee problems ?
Personally I've always used Shimano and apart from the platform types I've never had a problem, still got a set of 747's from about 96 going strong
my god how wide are your feet!!!!!!
Presumably that gap closes when you slip 14 stone of Scottish beefcake into those muckle shoes? Photos with them and you in situ would give a better idea, ja?
ah, the point is the movement possible...as in yes when i step on them the sole will deforem around the lceat..but i dont think thats ideal, knowwhatimean? There is a lot more shoe/pedal interface without any deformation on the look, i reckon its good...
If the sole of the shoe deforms then you'll not have a stiff a pedalling platform as you'd like regardless of whether the pedal offers support.
Have you thought of trying an alternate shoe?
My experience of moving from Specialized to Sidi shoes off-road has been revelatory in terms of shoe performance on pedalling comfort. I can no longer wear Sidis Dominators, with any pedal. Just too soft in the sole and apt to toe curl round the front of the pedal.
Once on Specialized shoes Iswitched to Crank Bros pedals in the interests of compatibility with Kirsty an done too many broken frongers due to a muddy pedal that refused to let go.
The tiny Crank Bros/Specialized interface is still more solid than that of the bigger Sidi/SPD interface. Even big-old original M-737s.
With Specialized shoes the soles are so rigid that even on-road on SPDs I prefer to use the Specialized shoes than Sidi Genius.
I also find the toe-box of Specialized shoes wider than Sidis, the sole width matches the width of the shoe body better, and the toes are better armoured.
Which all means no more dieing toenails after 24 hour racing.
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