SPD-SL, Look Keo & Speedplay: Pedal Systems Explained | Which Is Right For You?

SPD, SPD-SL, Look, Speedplay, Flat pedals...and that’s all before we start diving into the different cleat choices that attach to these pedals too. So, let’s get stuck into this & help you decide which pedals and cleats are right for you!

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Which pedals do you use? Let us know 👇

[BethanyBlount]

When I first got into road cycling, I went with SPD (with mountain bike shoes) because I was often incorporating errands and treat (edible and scenic) stops into my rides. However, indoor rides and workouts with mountain bike shoes often ended with my feet being soaked and a sloshing noise coming from my shoes. As a result, I made the switch to Look Keo this past winter to accompany a new pair of shoes that are as much vent as they are shoe. Not only were my feet cooler for longer in my indoor workouts, but I also noticed a jump in my power numbers.
I considered Speedplays, but cost and in store availability at my local bike shops steered me away from them. I'd still like to give them a try at some point, especially with the upgrades made by Wahoo, as I'm happy with my Look Keo pedals, but I'm having a hard time mastering the single-sided clip in while riding outside.

[suttonfarms]

You guys are the best. Just bought a Cervelo tri bike and need pedals. Typed in a search and you’re here for me. Cheers!

[charlificity]

4:40 - For the Shimano SPD-SL system at least, you can get a rubber cover for the cleat which allows you to walk around relatively normally without damaging your cleats. Definitely worth getting!

[Halfhand]

very useful for someone getting started with triathlon! thanks guys

[syake]

Speedplay: Ultra Light Action. I have been using them since 2016; best, easiest pedal-cleat combo ever. Well worth the price.

[jestexan]

Awesome video. I was looking for a basic explanation on the differences. Thanks you!

[royce]

my day got more even better while watching gcn!!

[ltrtg]

When I've used Look Keo pedals in the past. I also used the cleat covers. They keep the crap build up to a minimum and stop all wear on the cleats when walking. I still have the pedals and cleat covers. I just need to get some rpad shoes. As I usually use mountain bike pedals on my road bike.

[monkmchorning]

Time. I tried Speedplay for a few years, but I was expending too much energy keeping my feet aligned. Maybe that's because for 25 years I used slotted cleats with toeclips and straps. I like Look and SPD-SL, too. I just like Time a little bit more.

[SuperKarvapallo]

SPD-pedals. One-sided on road bike, SPD/flat on commuter and normal SPD's on cyclocross and MTB. Easy, durable and only need different shoes for summer and winter

[DeanPattrick]

I used to ride Look in the 90s when I started triathlons. For the past 20 years been using SPD, yes what mountain bikers use 😬 I’ve stuck with these and most of all like the ability to walk around without slipping over, in addition transitions are a breeze 😎

[timobrien]

I ride flat pedals on my snow bike when riding the groomed trails. I tried SPD but they would clog with snow/ice when I unclipped during a ride because they were warm from riding. On my tri and road bike I recently switched to Look because I ride Assioma power pedals. Prior to that I rode speed play but found during longer rides/races the ball of my foot became hot and I had to unclip because of the pressure of the small area of the pedals.

[Bassmunchkin]

Many thanks for this valuable info that I'm in the process of trying to make important decisions on. I've just been cycling for 3 months at my cardio nurse's suggestion as I have heart failure. I purchased a Decathlon Triban RC500 as it's an ali frame and carb forks as I'm trying to keep weight to a minimum, so that it's easier on my heart rather than pushing a lump of steel along the road.

I'm seriously considering some Wahoo Speedplay nano pedals and good quality road or off road shoes (still thinking which ones will suit me best) as I'm thinking logically that if I'm promoting power BOTH on the push AND pull rather than just the push, then surely it's got to be kinder on my heart as I'm only using half the energy for reaching my highest recommended BPM of 104 as suggested by my cardio nurse,

I'd really appreciate your thoughts on this and as for the Wahoo Speedplay nano pedals, that's just me as I've always bought the best in everything that I've always done, as I'm into cycling for the long haul as it's the best hobby I've ever gotten into and the best decision to help my heart get fitter.

[stevenaraya]

Hi, such a good video. I have a dump question. Can I use look pedals with Shimano clips?

[Dirtos]

I like my eggbeaters on my road bike. I am not going for those marginal gains yet. I just like the ease of clipping in and walking around in mtb shoes. If your foot is placed on the pedal consistently I don't think there are many watts lost when using a stiff mtb/cx shoe.

[christopherdavidson]

I ride mountain and road so I just have 2 sets of SPD and 1 pair of shoes

[DGREGFD]

I've just gotten my first ever set of clipless pedals. I went with SPD. I'm going to start learning clipping in and out next to a wall this evening and then make my way up to using them on the road.
Fun fact: in German we call them 'click pedals' (literally translated) I guess because of the clicking sound they make when clipping in. Just in case any of you English speakers want to adopt that term to avoid the whole 'clipping into clipless pedals' confusion.

[jamiefuhrman]

Is it recommended to have different shoes for different cleats/bikes? My tri bike uses SPD-SL and my gravel bike uses SPD. My shoes are compatible with both so I currently switch out depending on which bike I'm riding, but wondering if I should just get another pair and dedicate one to each? Also, how do I know which float (zero, moderate, heavy) my SPD-SL cleats are? Appreciate the advice!

[JoeJoe-lqbd]

“Contact patch” with regards to cleat and pedal is a myth. If you have a stiff sole, that’s your contact patch; the sole should transfer the power as efficiently regardless of the cleat and pedal platform. There’s nothing added with a large cleat.