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Got my shoe situation squared away, but Ive determined (with the help of the fitter) that the pedal system I'm using now isn't a good one for me. The edge of the cleat hits the bottom of my foot between a couple of knuckles and cuts off circulation. I'm on old Look pedals.

Suggestions on a different system?

Thanks,
Joel

I've ridden a couple of years on the Shimano SPD's and a couple of years on the Speed Plays, but only about 6 months on the Keo's.

Shimano SPD:

Pros: Inexpensive
Cons: Single-side entry, pressure distribution across the bottom of the foot is narrow and caused hot spots for me

Speed Play:

Pros: Double-sided entry, great ground clearance when cornering, adjustable float
Cons: Bulky cleat system, difficult to replace cleat screws, periodic lubing required with grease gun. Requires a wrench for installation/removal vs. an allen wrench, and believe me, they can occassionally be a pain to remove.

Look Keo:

Pros: Simple cleat system, broad distribution of pressure across the foot
Cons: float is implemented though the cleat system: Silver cleats = 4.5% rotational float while Red cleats = 9.0% rotational float.

Thanks Steve. I spent a bunch of time this morning at the shop (BP) standing in my shoes on cleats that weren't bolted on. The Keo cleats weren't any better than what I had, neither were the Shimano. The Speedplay cleats were noticeably better. So that's what I ended up going with.

Note that I tried a couple of different shoes as well, with no change. So I was able to rule that out as well.

We'll see how these pedals work out.

It's all about a good fit. Speed Plays are very popular for a reason. I hope they work out well for you. Ride 'em for a month and then let us know how they're working out. If they don't immediately feel right when riding, give it a while, sometimes "different" just feels weird.

I don't think it'll take a month to figure out. Last night's ride was great! The pressure spot on my foot was completely gone.

My shoes are a little snug in the toebox, but they'll stretch out. I'm happy with the new pedals and cleats.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I recently put some Specialized sole inserts into my Nike mountain bike shoes. World of difference. Makes me even want to ride my mountain bike more.

While I was at Kinetics on Friday evening, Bruce pointed out your MTB in the shop area. Man dude, you are tall. It looked like a line of childrens bikes next to one adult bike. Your top tube is about the same height as my seat - and your seat post could be used for pole vaulting - what is is, about 9 feet tall?

I was down Kinetic Cycles on Friday evening picking up my new bike.

Both Rich and Bruce stayed a couple of hours late on a Friday night; Rich built my bike expeditiously but without making compromises in craftsmanship, and Bruce worked to get the bike properly fitted to me. Their efforts meant that I had the bike in time for the Saturday morning ride - sweet!

Rich said I should bring the bike back in after 90 miles for adjustments that may occur due to cable stretching, etc. I put o n 95 miles during my first ride...oops! And according to our Endurance Group philosphy: "Never drive to what you can ride to", I have another 45 miles or so to ride just to get back to Kinetics Cycles for my 90 mile tune-up...cool!

I couldn't have hoped for a better experience buying a new sled. Both the bike and my experience at Kinetic's exceeded my expectations...and my expectations are very high in deed.

Steve, I'm jeaolous. First, because of your new bike. At my son's baseball game last night one of the guys that joined your Saturday ride was talking about it. I'm glad it has all come together. I can't wait to see it. Second, I'm jealous because I haven't even seen my new bike yet!

Hopefully I'll get down to the shop soon. The day job is killing me right now as I catch up from a weeks vacation. Oh well.

See you on the road soon!

Mark

The Tarmac is real nice. I did my first short series of hill climbs yesterday which amounted to nothing more than a 15 mile loop through EDH.

It's definitely a light bike, I can really feel the difference. But it's also much stiffer than what I'm used to which translates into much more effecient pedal strokes. With little warm up and a moderate effort I was able to get up Beatty in 5:05 - although there was a significant wind assist of about 20mph. I'll have to do a lot more climbing before I can gauge the relative differences between my Allez and the new Tarmac but I have a sneeking suspicion that I'm going to be pleased.

I've got the bike light plugged in. With the weather getting near 100 I may do a night ride or two to avoid the heat. Maybe I'll join you for one of your late night sorties.

Currently we are ridig almost every Monday night. As soon as the Prairie City Mountain Bike races settle down, we'll do one other night during the week. We are also riding early (5/5:30) Friday mornings.

I look forwad to it!