Shimano don’t do flashy but this is as close as they get. The new Dura-Ace SPD-SL pedals have a body made from injected carbon composite to cut the weight by some 30g and tickle our scales with a mass of just 248g – exactly as claimed. Of course, true to form, Shimano haven’t used a ‘look-at-me’ carbon weave on the outside to shout about the advanced construction.
Aside from the material, this is the same Dura-Ace pedal we know and love, creating an extremely positive connection between you and your bike that you don’t necessarily know you’re missing when riding other pedals.
The very wide 64mm platform provides superb support and prevents any sideways rocking movement, which feels especially good when working hard out-of-the-saddle. The slight resistance in the 6° of float is enough to ensure you feel secure laterally too, whereas rivals – Speedplay in particular – can feel like you’re trying to stand on two ice cubes.
Dura-Ace pedals have never been the lightest and, while this is a step in the right direction, the weight weenies will still be drawn to the likes of the significantly skinnier Time i-Clic Titanium and alternatives from Look and Speedplay. What’s more, the higher price of the Dura-Ace Carbon pedals puts them well above mid-range models from those brands that are still slightly lighter.
But there’s a very good reason why so many amateur racers choose Dura-Ace pedals: reliability. When you don’t have a sponsor paying you to use something else or a mechanic to keep a fickle system running smoothly, the absolute reliability and peace of mind these pedals afford is worth the extra 70g.
The fully serviceable triple bearings and stainless steel axle and contact plate all ensure excellent long-term durability. The contact plate isn’t currently replaceable, although the spare part is in development and will be available before anyone can wear out the original.
The lower weight isn’t a reason to buy these pedals. Rather, it’s less of a reason not to. There are plenty of lighter pedals on the market and quite a few of them are cheaper too, but nothing works as flawlessly as Dura-Ace. The appeal of the performance and reliability is the same as ever, only now there’s less of a weight penalty.
 |  |
No comments:
Post a Comment