Best 3-Bolt Pedals for FG?

Hi,

I have just picked up some too-cheap-to-leave 3 bolt shoes. I have always used MTB shoes and cleats to date and have used classic SPD's, a range of Crank Brothers as well as Time Atac and Look S-Tracks. All except for SPDs have been fine for back pedalling and those sick whip skids for extra fixeh pointz.

With regards to 3 bolts, is there a de-facto choice for a similar purpose? Are these ones to avoid to make sure my feet don't pop out?

Thanks in advance,

MF.

I used some older Look Keo Blade 16nm pedals briefly. You might not find them or they might be a bit expensive but there was no accidental pulling out of them. They were hard enough pulling out of intentionally.

A lot depends on the type of riding you are doing. I only ever use 3-bolt road shoes. I should recommend Speedplay but they have always had some minor or issues with wear and are more expensive as well as being a bugger off the bike. Offsetting those issues they are double sided so engagement is better. Go with Look is my advice as they are relatively cheap and easy to replace when worn. With all pedals remember to check for wear as that is more likely to be the cause for unexpected unclipping drama than pulling out. Oh, check tension on springs as well.

Pedal systems are a bit like saddles in that what works for one person might not do for the next but as with groupsets Look, Speedplay, Time and SPD-SL are all top quality systems so you should not be asking which is best!!!

Out of Look Keo and Shimano SPD-SL I'd recommend SPD-SL every time. Whilst tension for both is fine (I've used both systems in track league), SPD-SL cleats last longer and have more grip when walking. I've gone arse over tit trying to walk in Keo cleats in the wet before now.

Thanks all,

I was thinking either SPD-SL or some Keos, just due to the amount of them there are, but just wanted to check, having never used either before, if there was a 'better' pair for back-pedalling or if there's something I should look into that I haven't considered...

Time rxs

Keos wear out really quickly if you have to put your feet down regularly i.e. if you have a lot of traffic lights to contend with. Can’t comment first hand on SPD-SL because I’ve never used them, but most people say they’re better.

If you go SPD-SL the Wiggle Lifeline cleats are cheaper and more hardwearing than official

Speedplay Zero.

Double sided clip in and you just slam your foot on there, no weird foot movement needed like Shimano or Look. Strong retention with easy clip out. Adjustable free float without cleat replacement. Never replace cleats, just replace the "walkable" (https://goo.gl/4iuH4E) cover. The list goes on..

I've used them all, go for SPD-SL.
Keos hang weirdly and inconsistently making clipping in sometimes awkward, I've also snapped a carbon bladed one by standing on the underside of it. Speedplays are awful for any kind of walking in and the cleats cost £60, also the tension is not adjustable only the angle/float.
Time RXS snap, both cleats and pedals, I've done this to two pairs. Also the bearings are shit and develop play really quick.
SPD-SLs aren't perfect as if you increase the tension to unclip then it also increases the tension to clip in, but the cleats are the cheapest, longest lasting, the pedals hang nicely so they're easy to clip in to, the bearings don't seem to develop much play over time and even if they did the pedals themselves are the cheapest. As for tension for back pedalling, I use them for fixed crits so yanking against them on a big gear and they're solid.

Speedplays are awful for any kind of walking in and the cleats cost £60

I would agree with you on the old Speedplay cleats, but the new cleats are a lot easier to walk on, easier than SPD-SL IMO (lower profile). Never walked on Keos though. And haven't had to change cleats for 15000 miles, just the £7,50 walkable covers.