Finding the right Road Bike Pedals can significantly impact your riding experience. Many cyclists consider various factors when choosing, and one common point of discussion is float – the degree of rotational movement your foot has while clipped into the pedal. For riders transitioning from mountain bike (MTB) clipless pedals, the difference in float can be quite noticeable. MTB pedals often offer more float compared to some road-specific systems.
One cyclist, with experience using Shimano MTB pedals, appreciates a generous amount of float and finds it comfortable. When considering road bike pedals, they were naturally drawn to systems like Speedplay, known for their high float. However, another aspect that comes into play is the pedal platform. While some worry about pedaling efficiency with smaller platforms, particularly when comparing pedals like Crankbrothers Eggbeaters (known for a minimal platform) to road-style pedals, practical experience can tell a different story.
Despite using Eggbeater pedals, which have a very minimal platform, this cyclist hasn’t experienced discomfort even on long 12-hour road rides. This is noteworthy, especially considering their cycling shoes are not the stiffest carbon-soled models. This raises a valid question about the real-world impact of a wider pedal platform. The difference in platform width between pedal types might be minimal, perhaps only a few millimeters. Moreover, the angle of a rider’s foot during pedaling, with toes often pointing downwards, could negate any perceived advantage of a wider platform as pressure points shift.
For this cyclist, sticking with MTB pedals for road cycling was also a practical and economical choice. It avoided the need to purchase both new pedals and expensive road cycling shoes. Living in a location where wide cycling shoes are less readily available further simplified the decision. However, with a focus now primarily on road riding, the consideration of switching to road bike pedals when new shoes are needed in the future remains a relevant thought.
