Bits and Pieces: Looking At My Parts

Since returning from Seattle I have hardly logged any saddle time, but there are things that need to get done. One of the things I did do while I was in Seattle, was buy a new set of pedals.

I picked up the Crank Brothers Eggbeater 3 pedals to replace my Candy SL set. I was very pleased with my Candies, but I was ready for something different.

What I really like about the Crank Brothers system is its simplicity. The four sided clip makes for easy clipping and unclipping. I think the latter may be the most important. I have actually seen a few people struggle with popping out of the typical Shimano-style pedals. This is good for mud, dirt, areas with heavy traffic, and especially for beginners. The worst is watching someone run out of gas on a hill and panic to unclip or fall over. The CBs are intuitive. The clipping process can also be done back to front or front to back. If you over step, slide back or under-step, slide forward. The CBs provide plenty of float to allow the rider room to adjust for comfort and position.

I chose the Eggbeater over the Candy because I felt the plasic platform was unnecessary. It is actually easier for me to clip-in when there is only a clip and no platform to slide on.

Crank Brothers has released all new redesigns this year with more rigid construction and bearings that are sealed from water and dirt. Bike Radar has an excellent article about the redesign and the entire line of CB pedals.

From my initial testing I have found these pedals to be an excellent replacement and would implore anyone interested in SPD pedals to use Crank Brothers.

Update: 

Over longer term use I have found Crank Brothers pedals to be unreliable and very high maintenance. Crank Brothers offers a rebuild kit... and for good reason. You're gonna need it. The down side is that you are constantly riding without peace of mind. and when you send pedals in to be repaired, you are out of action for however long it takes to repair the pedals. 

The second piece of equipment I would like to gush over are my Chris King hubs.

I noticed my rear wheel wasn't spinning like I wanted and thought I would have Rocky at T-Mosaic take a look.

I guess I have been busy riding and using my bike, so my hubs were in sore need of servicing after 3 years of use. Rocky cleaned out all the crud, re-greased and my wheel is rolling like a brand new wheel.

Chris King has a reputation for being expensive and light, but not the lightest components on the planet. The difference is that King components are made to last and are completely serviceable. Many component companies make parts that may last three years, but once they are done... they're done. Replacements can get expensive and the spent parts sit in a landfill.

I'd rather spend the money up front than take an unexpected hit in the wallet down the road.

Unfortunately, King hubs are hard to find in Taiwan. a lot of people just can't or don't want to front load a purchase with more expensive gear. Hubs are usually a weak point of a complete bike purchase and that is where companies feel they can skimp and move bikes. I actually had to order my hubs from Aspire Velotech. They have free worldwide shipping and I had my hubs in 5 days. Kings are worthy of serious consideration and are well worth the price.

Clipless Pedals

Time to go CLIPLESS... please!

I have seen too many riders out there who are still using grubby old athletic shoes and pushing away at old platform pedals.

Platform pedals were great when I was when I was a kid and I would just leap off my bike and let it coast down the hill into Mr. Anderson's new Berlinetta.

Time Atac

Now that cycling has become, for me, both recreation and serious exercise, the pedal becomes a serious and essential piece of equipment to get right.

I am not just bringing this up to dump on people for not looking "pro", but rather, with clipless pedals (pedals you clip a cleat into) you can deploy more muscles and take advantage of your entire stroke to get better, more efficient performance.

The perfect stroke

The most efficient pedal stroke should be, as it has been described to me, like scraping dog shit off your shoes. Nice even strokes with the foot being generally flat at the bottom stroke (or pointed up for climbing). I have seen some guys who have pointed their toes down for years, so much so, that it has changed their frame size requirements. Old habits die hard. I could only imagine how awesome they would ride with a corrected stroke.

A lot of people are afraid of being locked to the bike, but the clipless pedals essentially turn the show into the pedal. It isn't so scary with a little practice and becomes second nature. (I fell down my first time out... in front of some cute girls who happen to be there whenever I look like a total boob.)

Speedplay Zeros

For shoes in Taiwan, I made a fashion faux pas and bought SIDI mountain bike shoes for NT8000. Mountain bike shoes have a bit more tread and you can pretty much walk on the street as if you are wearing regular shoes.

Look Keo

I paired the shoed up with Crank Bros. Candy SL pedals because they have a small platform and are easy to hook in and out. They use the CB SPD style cleat. They are small and pretty universal. For roadies, a lot of guys like Speedplay Zeros, which have a huge clip that attaches to the shoe. Look Keo and Time Atac are also great pedals.

Crank Bros. Candy

No argument.... If you don't have 'em... get 'em!!!