Choosing a cleat...

Clipless pedals can use 2-screw or 3-screw cleats, depending on the pedal. What kind of riding do you do?

All road biking, anywhere from 10-50 miles, rarely 50+. I will compete in at least two triathlons over the summer, but mostly ride for recreation/exercise. I relocated to NYC over the summer so I am still exploring the best places to ride there. Seems the key question here is what kind of clipless pedals/cleat combination should I get. Here are two examples of what I am trying to differentiate between: This type -google.comcatalogOpen ↗#
or this type - google.comcatalogOpen ↗#

Is there a major difference between the two? Stability, ease of entry/exit, power? Thanks!

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by NYCityCycler [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

All road biking, anywhere from 10-50 miles, rarely 50+. I will compete in at least two triathlons over the summer, but mostly ride for recreation/exercise. I relocated to NYC over the summer so I am still exploring the best places to ride there. Seems the key question here is what kind of clipless pedals/cleat combination should I get. Here are two examples of what I am trying to differentiate between: This type -google.comcatalogOpen ↗#
or this type - google.comcatalogOpen ↗#

Is there a major difference between the two? Stability, ease of entry/exit, power? Thanks!

The first is an SPD pedal. The cleats for SPD pedals work with shoes that allow easier walking around (cleat can be recessed, shoe tread can stick out beyond cleats). Some touring riders, commuters, and recreational riders dig them. The second, the Ultregra pedal, is one of many Look style variants. Their cleats aren't particular made for walking about. The do have a large platform (area where cleat contacts pedal). Some folks claim that large platform coupled with large cleat reduces hotspots, but that's only some. The SPD pedals have a much smaller platform and cleat, and some folks have complained about hotspots with such setups.

Both are easy enough to clip in and out of. Honestly, any cleat is pretty easy once you do it a few times, although I'm not sure how well that idea applies to Aerolite pedals and cleats (not a good choice for you).

In terms of power transfer, that's going to be driven by whatever shoes you choose. Shoes typically used with Look style pedals (like the Ultegra pedals) have stiff soles and transmit power very well. Touring shoes typically have soles that are a bit less stiff and will therefore be less efficient at transferring power. There are some road shoes that can still accommodate SPD and Look style cleats. By road shoes, I mean road shoes that aren't touring shoes or shoes built for commuting. Such shoes will minimize power lost in transfer. The real question is if you will even notice. Shoes with stiffer soles do reduce foot fatigue on longer rides.