FAQ on choosing a "clipless" pedal system - Page 10

05-19-2004, 09:32 PM

Rick ONanian wrote:

<< Why do you put a 'k' in my name? >>

That's a good question, and I don't know. Sorry about
that. I got it in my head somehow that your name was
Okanian, bit of dementia. It's possible that I
subconsciously wish that your name was Okanian. It
could be that three n's is one too many, I can't wrap
my mind around it. Okanian is a fine name, you have to
admit. I say throw a k in there somewhere: Okanian,
Onakian, Onaniak.

<< I suspect mud & ice may not be an issue. Also, given that cheap Time
pedals are admittedly not cheap, maybe SPDs at the same price point
are similar quality. >>

The more important reasons for recommending Time
for a beginner are: they require zero adjustment, you
just put them on and there is no tweaking whatsoever
other than the usual positioning of the cleats, and no
adjustments are necessary over the life of the pedal.
Disengaging from these pedals requires a consistent,
deliberate movement, there is no inadvertent
disengagement unless the cleats are very worn. The
way they clip in and disengage when they are new is
pretty much exactly the same way they will do it when
they are old. Unlike cheap SPD's, they are very rugged.
They last for years and years of DAILY use. Not so for
SPD's in my experience.

There is one thing I like better about SPD's--they offer
more lateral support than the Times (when they're not
randomly unclipping). So if you like to push out a lot
with your feet, as I do, your cleats will migrate slowly
but surely outward on the rails of the Time pedal. I find
myself having to pull my foot back where it belongs.
Folks with a more correct pedaling motion don't have
this problem, but it's really a minor problem anyway,
although it sounds bad.

Robert