Interbike trends: Flat pedal resurgence – VeloNews.com Interbike trends: Flat pedal resurgence | Bike Self Locking Pedals

Speedplay pedals are always touted as being super light, but the cleat on the shoe looks like it weighs a lot more than a simple plastic look type cleat. Out of interest what is the total system weight including cleats for the lightest from each brand?

There are two types of clipless pedal. Pedals for road racing follow the original concept introduced by Look in 1984. The cleat stands proud of the sole and is attached by three bolts. This allows an uncomplicated, very rigid sole, but is awkward to walk in.

These criticisms are not without merit — the SPD sandal has a kind of naff normcore-dad-on-holiday aesthetic that I think is thus far unmatched in the cycling world. An admirable feat in a sport where silly clothing is pretty much a prerequisite.  

The hubs roll well and feel incredibly smooth. These have the latest Mavic freehub design too, which promises greater durability than the nylon bushing they used to use and more rapid engagement as well. I thought the freehub mechanism was very quiet (not silent, but unobtrusive). I also like the Mavic skewers very much. They have a predictable, positive action and hold the wheel well.

I asked Lohmeyer about this, and he claimed to have developed a shoe to specifically house the Pitbull cleats and make them less obtrusive (see image above). That may be a better option for anyone who uses these in town because the cleats are a hassle on any standard road shoe.

Mavic Deemax Pro Similar to the Deemax Elite, with added height around the ankle for increased protection. €170.

The main benefit for me is the lack of maintainance If you do all your own mechanics and don’t have that much time it’s fantastic. I have had to replace a front derailleur but that was my fault and other than oiling and cleaning it’s set and forget. I went disc on my new bike and had to dump di2 because of the additional cost but I’m regretting it now constant adjustments to keep it running smooth

Can you handle that? No-one here is saying Surly sucks and didn’t know how to use Speedplays. So don’t take offence. We’re not saying we’re more skilled than you, or more technical than you, or better riders than you. We just got on with them, you didn’t.

One company, Speedplay, has bucked the consensus. Its pedals are double-sided, the mechanism is part of the cleat and that cleat has a four-bolt mounting. A three-bolt adapter is included with them, as few shoemakers have a suitable shoe in their line. More about Speedplay below.

Those that try to justify wearing socks with the sandals as a way to get around these issues should get away with a light telling off, but I draw the line at the true degenerates who insist that wearing them with overshoes is in any way normal.

After quite a long spell riding with Shimano clipless, I’m giving Crank Bros pedals another try. Obviously for the added ‘float’ and not for the fact that they come in colours that closely match my bikes. I’ve got flat pedals on my pub bike and the tandem, but feel like a clown when riding them as I’m constantly lifting my feet off the platforms. Think it’s too late for me now, save yourselves.

I’ve been asked here, by Canyon, to take a look at their new Neuron CF. It’s a trail bike, designed to fit in between the 150mm Spectral and the 100mm Lux in Canyon’s range, and it’s their ‘everything for everyone’ bike. It’s not designed for maximum radness, or for posturing, gnar-filled energy drink commericals. It’s not a nose down, arse-in-the-air lycra-clad speed monster. It’s supposed to be a bike for, well, riding stuff, and for having a hoot while doing so. It’s neither overly long nor short, neither steep nor slack; Canyon is aiming for a real Goldilocks machine. And during the presentation it seems like it’s almost tailor made for the terrain around here: weather notwithstanding, it strikes me that riding tomorrow will be something of a blast.