Speedplays

Speedplay pedals are imminent... Almost certainly some Zeros.

Any recommendations for shoes? I think my brand choices (from Giant Dave) are Giro, Sidi, and Mavic.

Also do I need to worry about cleats patterns or will adapters (if needed) sort all that out?

Fizik.

Buy Speedplay specific shoes or have fun reading the manual that comes with the pedals. Your mind would love the manual.

Check the Speedplay website before you buy the shoes to ensure they are compatible.

They work with pretty much everything. I've not had an issue with: bont, fizik and sidi

Whatever 3 hole shoes float your boat. I really rate my fiziks but have only ever worn them, sidi and some cheap ass pearl Izumi.
Don't get 4 hole shoes as you lose fore/aft positioning.

Yeah always thought that was odd. The 'native' bolt pattern shoes have inferior adjustment.

Useful tip on the 3-bolts. I was working on the assumption that I should go for 4-bolt seeing that I would never use the shoes for a non-Speedplay cleat.

Does going for 3-bolt mean I have to use an adapter, and if so, are there any negatives to doing that? Or do I just get a 3-bolt Speedplay cleat (rather than a 4-bolt)?

Adapter. No problems here. Make sure the 3 bolt screws are torqued correctly

Cool. I reckon I will go for that then.

No negatives Will.

I have never had a problem on Specialized, Fizik, Spiuk shoes ... Lake do Speedplay specific shoes as do Suplest I think...

You're a Giro fan aren't you? I do quite like the look of their shoes.

Buy what fits best

Sidis are best.

IMO.

Did you done get some Speedplays Will?

Yes. Still faffing with them. But going ok.

So, the Speedplays are going ok. It's taking a bit of a while to get used to their wibbley-wobbleyness (i.e. their float being friction-less). That will probably come in time...

At the moment I am finding that their slippery-ness means that when starting off it takes me a few revolutions before I feel that I have enough solid contact with the pedals to start to "put the hammer down". However, with SPDs that happens immediately (which I like).

So, as an experiment, I was thinking I might try out some other pedals. The other obvious option would seem to be Looks. I don't know much about them... I understand they allow float, but am guessing there's a bit of resistance to it? And, I gather the extent of float is determined by the type of cleat?

That's correct Will. Try Time as well, they are also known for good float.

I've had:
Time atacs
Look Keos
Shimano Spd MTB
Shimano Ultegra Road

Atacs and SPDs from memory felt the same
I prefer Shimano road vs Look Keos.

I think my box of shite may have some keos knocking around.
Do you want to try?

I was looking at pedals on Fri night (rock 'n' roll), thinking what is best for cross? Love the Speedplay Frogs, but they are unsealed and very expensive. Will probably copy Mr P and get Ritchey's, but I would like more float.

Speedplay SYZR, £200, that is crazy.

I have your 105s Damo.

Why not SPD-SL? Cheaper and virtually unbreakable; think all the GB sprinters use them now.

Which pedal types have resistance for their float?

I think I might prefer to have some resistance.

Do you want to let @Will have a go? If you're not using them?

spd m520.

Aren't Time ATACs good for off-road? Good mud clearance and decent float etc.