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Clipless Pedals with back weighting?
Hello there,
I have a pair of Shimano R540 Clipless pedals (their entry level clipless pedals). However, I have problems clipping into them sometimes, as they just don't sit easily for me to slip the cleat in.
Looking at some of the higher level SPD-SL pedals, as well as the Look Keo pedals, they seem a lot easier to clip into, as they appear to have a lip which makes it easier to clip into.
R540: 
vs R550 
Also, which clipless pedals have back weighting, so that they sit a bit better and are easier to clip into?
From reading reviews, even here, it seems the back weighted pedals are easier to clip into, and the lip these pedals seem to have makes it look like they would be better.
Can you guys recommend something which might be easier than the R540 pedals? 
Thanks
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10 comments
The Time pedals certainly look like they have a much better front lip, which looks like clipping in is easier. The cleats are much bigger on the Time pedals? I guess they are easier to clip in too.
It's a shame you can't trial run these things, as I feel each person likes different things about pedals!
I might have to order 1 of each, and try the Time and Look Keos indoors, and see how I feel with them. Probably the best option.
Cool thanks.
I am thinking I am going to change my pedals, as I don't like the way the R540 pedals are. I find it quite hard to find the area to clip into, because of the lack of any rise at the front of the pedal.
Can anyone recommend any specific pedals? I like the look of the Look Keo pedals. I have read that people find them easier to clip into than the SPD-SL pedals, plus they have grip cleats available.
You might want to have a look at Speedplays. I loved my Times for the ease of clipping in over SPD-SLs (and their float) but after a sort of forced move to Speedplay, prefer them over both. Double sided, easy to clip in (especially with KeepOnKovers) and brilliant float - might not be your cup of tea but could be worth a try.
Time are great pedals, a bit less ice skating than speedplay I've heard. Does that depend on how you set them up?
IME they are less ice skating than Speedplay, as there is the (slight) resistance on the footplate, but although the Speedplays felt a bit odd at first I really don't notice it now. I'm using the Zeros, so you can wind in (limit) the float on either foot, adjust it on either or both of the inside or outside rotations, or even lock them out completely (hence the name). TBH i'm not conscious of any twist at all during normal riding, perhaps my pedalling and/or ankle has adapted - I do do it deliberately sometimes to shake out my legs a bit but that's about it.
I did really like the Times - started with iClic2 Racers and went onto Xpresso 4 when I trashed the Racers. The only thing is that they didn't hang particularly well, the Xpresso basically not at all which made them a little less easy to clip into (well for me anyway) - but the Xpresso had a noticeably better foot plate with loads of support. I'd personally recommend them over the SPD-SLs i've tried, never tried Looks or the top-notch Shimano ones so can't comment.
(edit) Meant to say - the thing with the Speedplays that I really like is that you don't really deliberately clip in like a lot of other pedals i've used, you just sort of stomp down on them and the pedal slides into the cleat and aligns itself. The KeepOnKovers (very useful) add the ease of doing that.
http://photos-h.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xfp1/10261263_14573933611634... like so
Imagine those but with the back hanging down almost vertically.
Can anyone provide a photo of how exactly the pedals should sit when they are settled in properly?
I cannot seem to find one online
Pretty much any pedal will fall backwards if the weight is at the back as per the Look style pedal. A heavily greased axle in a new pedal will have too much resistance for this to happen though, it'll break in after about 6-12 months.
The lip is a really helpful feature, but when you get used to the angle of approach, you should have few problems with any pedal. Generally the lighter pedals have more problems with sitting incorrectly, as there is less mass, though most pedals will naturally fall at the back as that's where the mechanism is. I get on very well with Time pedals.