Has anyone tried these pedals for gravel riding yet? Which is the best most dependable pedal between Shimano, Eggbeaters and Speedplay for gravel riding?
I've only used the Shimano XTR PD-M9000 which have been great but would also be interested in what others are using and how well they perform in mud(aka Landrun 100 and DK200)
I've never used Speedplay pedals, but I'm currently using Eggbeaters on a fat bike. I've also used an older version of Look and then swapped them out for Time ATAC pedals. I've also used Campy Record pedals on a road bike. Can't say that I liked those at all for clipping in, but they were fine once I got rolling.
I've read several glowing reviews about XTR pedals from people I trust, but no experience with them. I'd consider them if the Eggbeaters don't work out for me.
So far I'm pleased with the Eggbeaters except that I have a much harder time clipping in with my left foot. My right foot finds the right spot without effort, but my left foot never seems to find the right location unless I look down for it. Compare that to my Time ATAC pedals, which I loved. You could blindfold me and spin me around a few times and I'd still be able to clip in without looking.
Of course, that's only half of the story. The feel of the platform matters on long rides. But I tend to be more of a 'spinner' (lifting up with one foot with equal effort to pushing down with the other) so I don't notice any discomfort or hotspots due to pedal contact. I care more about float. For that reason, I've always been interested in Speedplay, but the cost has always made me think twice.
The nice thing about Eggbeaters is that you can get a pair pretty cheap if you want to try them out. I think they can be found for $35 and are nearly identical to the high end versions.
I've tried the Shimano XT for a cross bike but have had issues clipping out. One time I could not clip out and had to remove shoe then figure out to unbind shoe from the pedal. Now, I am looking at a gravel specific bike and the best options for gravel. Dealer is telling me that the Syzr is going to be a popular option moving forward in gravel cycling. I ride Speedplay Zero on my road bike and really like them. Thinking that the Syzr might be high quality as well.
I wasn't familiar with them so I did a little research. They have a very unique design, for sure. A lot of good reviews. But one really unflattering review that you might want to consider.
They actually looked like something I'd like until I read the issues mentioned in the review... you have to clip in with your feet in the same position you clipped out (meaning, toe pointed decidedly inward), and creaking noises that never went away. Two dealbreakers for me. I still might have considered them on a trial basis, but not at twice the price of most other pedals.
But if you decide to go that route, let us know how they work for you!
jbrownjib wrote:I've tried the Shimano XT for a cross bike but have had issues clipping out. One time I could not clip out and had to remove shoe then figure out to unbind shoe from the pedal. Now, I am looking at a gravel specific bike and the best options for gravel. Dealer is telling me that the Syzr is going to be a popular option moving forward in gravel cycling. I ride Speedplay Zero on my road bike and really like them. Thinking that the Syzr might be high quality as well.
I would stay away from Eggbeaters there have been many instances of people getting really hurt from the pedals unclipping from the cleat without warning. They are extremely unreliable. I use Speedplay X's but I don't get off my bike much. The X's get clogged if you are riding in mud but they are a very simple system and the float is incredible.
The stories I've read are that the unintentional unclipping (kinda reminds me of the infamous Audi 'unintentional acceleration that proved to be idiots hitting the gas instead of brake) was most likely due to poor form while sprinting. Similar reports abound regarding SPDs and other cleat systems. If you plan to race, that might be a consideration, but if you're currently not having a problem while sprinting it's unlikely a change in pedals will suddenly cause an issue.
On the other hand, there were problems with spindle durability that CB allegedly addressed in 2010. I haven't heard much one way or the other in regards to the current design.
I'm not a CB fanboy, but so far I like the 'beaters on my fat bike. Chances are if I decide they suck or if they break, I'll switch back to ATACs solely (no pun intended) to the ease of clipping in, unless I get drawn to the XTRs on sale somewhere.
jamin wrote:I would stay away from Eggbeaters there have been many instances of people getting really hurt from the pedals unclipping from the cleat without warning. They are extremely unreliable. I use Speedplay X's but I don't get off my bike much. The X's get clogged if you are riding in mud but they are a very simple system and the float is incredible.
I have read a lot of comments and reviews from Mtn Bikers and Cyclocross that have their criticisms and complements of the Syzr. But the critical issues in Cross and Mtn biking are unique to those styles of cycling. I may be wrong because this will be my first official year riding gravel from road cycling, but I'm thinking the Syzr may not have the same problems in gravel cycling as in X and Mtn. Dismounts would be uncommon and the technicality would be more like road cycling than Mtn. Most comments suggest increasing the tension release to near the highest level prevents the cleat from unclipping or premature ejaculation.
I've been using the Speedplay Syzr stainless pedals for a few weeks now and really like them. I'm coming off of years of SPD use and a short period of Egg Beater use. The reason I went with Speedplay is the independent rotation adjustment (I dislike the amount of float with egg beaters in technical trail situations) and the independent tension adjustment for engagement/release (I like a tight pedal with just the right amount of float. SPD pedals just get tighter in general by the time I have the spring tight enough. I also don't like the vertical "play" between the cleat and pedal on most systems.
I've had no issues whatsoever with the Speedplays. The power improvement feels much better than other pedals since the treads on my shoes don't make contact with the pedal body and I don't get any vertical play. It's super easy to find the right placement of the cleat to pedal engagement, too. It's weird they say you have to clip in the exact rotational position. I haven't noticed that to be the case at all. I ride quite aggressively on my gravel bike and mountain bike and haven't experienced unexpected disengagement, nor have I had problems with getting stuck in the pedals. We don't have muddy conditions in SoCal though, so I can't say how they do in the muck. However, these are just my experiences in our SoCal conditions.
jbrownjib I did ramp up the tension adjustment but I do that with SPD's as well. I have a tendency to unclip in really technical sections when pulling nosepicks or hopping the bike.
So far, no more maintenance than Zero's, but I'm only going on a month of use.
