Does anyone have any thoughts or views on the relative merits of eggbeater vs PD pedals for cyclocross? Just looking to order some pedals for SL's new CX bike and struggling to make a decision. Advice welcome as I have no experience of CX.
I have had a look at the article but did not find it particularly relevant to the pedal type question as eggbeaters were not mentioned. It was more about starting off with clipless pedals. Sophie is slightly past that now. I know there has been some debate about eggbeaters having too much "float" but is this not more helpful in CX when you are dismounting?
Eggbeaters are great for mud clearance and very lightweight but I think kids will find it hard to clip in under pressure. I experimented with them last year after having trouble with mud clearance on an old pair of SPDs. I could clip in perfectly to the Eggbeaters when training but come a race situation and under pressure had real problems. Went back to SPDs M540s, and had no problems with clipping in or with mud clearance last year. I'd recommend the M540s for value for money, they're good honest pedals, even good enough for Zdenek Stybar to win the World Champs with earlier this year.
I should add I've still got the Eggbeaters if you want to borrow them to make a decision, you never know it might just be me and she'll get on fine with them.
We have 540's or 520's on all X and MTB's and we all find them perfectly ok for all the conditions we have ridden in. (Mud. wet, snow) Not tried egg beaters so cannot comment. think Theo uses them though.
Hi Claire. I haven't used egg beaters, but I have seen some nasty gashes from slipping and missing location. They tend to get sharp edges from the lateral movement. Has anyone else tried TIME pedals. I have found them easier to locate as the cleat(metal and similar to SPD) locates under two wires. Movement is good and the foot support area is larger than most others. The pedal itself is wide enough to use normally so if first attempt doesn't locate you can still pedal effectively.
i have Crank Bros Candy pedals which are egg beaters with a platform around them and these work well for CX and MTB rides. Never had a problem with Shimano's but the platform is a bit smaller so they are not as forgiving.
Trisports used to have Candy's in stock if you want to look before you buy.
I've used various SPDs, Eggbeaters and Candys and my observations are:-
Eggbeaters are pretty good in mud and one can clip in in various ways which is great however the engagement is not as positive as SPD which I ended up preferring for CX
Candys are OK but the platform doesn't make too much difference with decent shoes and if anything I found them harder to clip in than the Eggbeaters
I'm back to SPDs now, main reasons being as above the positive engagement but also that they last so much longer - I am a heavy rider I know but I was unimpressed with the longevity of Crank Brothers pedals including the new "improved" versions.
Shimano SPD for me now - but like David above I have Eggbeaters that you can try
Comments
I'd say Shimano SPD for kids not Eggbeaters - will add more info later when I have more time.
Mark F
Stuart
Trisports used to have Candy's in stock if you want to look before you buy.
Eggbeaters are pretty good in mud and one can clip in in various ways which is great however the engagement is not as positive as SPD which I ended up preferring for CX
Candys are OK but the platform doesn't make too much difference with decent shoes and if anything I found them harder to clip in than the Eggbeaters
I'm back to SPDs now, main reasons being as above the positive engagement but also that they last so much longer - I am a heavy rider I know but I was unimpressed with the longevity of Crank Brothers pedals including the new "improved" versions.
Shimano SPD for me now - but like David above I have Eggbeaters that you can try
Hope this helps
Andrew
When I needed them most (Kielder 100) they disintegrated.
I have three pairs of Candies too.
You absolutely must buy new cleats each year as they have a lot of 'float', they wear down and 'round off' and this is not good for the knees.
I use SPD's on the touring bike and this has been my first introduction to the Shimano pedals.
Were I to ride XC again, I would ride SPD, no question.
Hope this helps.