Ledal

[Hybrid Theory]

With the dark evenings approaching, i was wondering if anyone has used LEDAL pedals and if they are any good?

 

[Arch]

We reviewed them in Velo Vision (Issue 29)and I think the boss reckoned they were good - not a sole lighting source of course, but one more "get yourself noticed" thing. I have a pair I'm going to fit to my winter hack, but I've not got round to it yet and anyway, that bike is still stored upstairs in the flat while I use my summer one.

Ok, I just dug the magazine out and the only downside he seems to see is that they aren't super grippy (and no way to fit clips). But cheaper than other illuminated pedal alternatives. Any help?

 

[domtyler]

They look pretty pointless and gimicky to me. Best to get a set of decent lights and some reflectives.

 

[ChrisKH]

Soory to hijack Arch, but how did the Cadenza fare in the review of the same issue? I've bought it now, but would be interested to know. Is it worth me getting the back issue? Thanks muchly.

 

[Hybrid Theory]

Thanks for the info Arch.
As i have a decent set of lights and have been nicknamed Captain Yellow by my workmates because of the amount of reflective gear i wear, i was just looking at further options to increase my noticeability on the dark roads i will have to ride along during my commute this winter.

 

[wafflycat]

*If* those are the same pedals as I saw at a Cycle Show, I was not impressed. Reason - it wasn't possible to guarantee a red light shining to the rear - the red light could end up shining to the front.

 

[Arch]

*If* those are the same pedals as I saw at a Cycle Show, I was not impressed. Reason - it wasn't possible to guarantee a red light shining to the rear - the red light could end up shining to the front.

You perhaps saw the Pedalites, which need to be the right way round I believe. These apparently adjust automatically.

Chris - well, I have to declare an interest, as an employee, I'd always say order a back issue! However... <flips to review> It was generally a very favourable review - I know I liked the feel of it when I had a ride. The Ed reckoned Dahon were onto a winner. Of course, if you bought a back issue, you'd find a pic of me riding the Cadenza in the review - I'll leave it up to you to decide if that's a bonus or not!

Back to the Ledals, I don't think you can have too many visibility options, esp in winter. As long as you also have decent lights etc, like Hybrid Theory does, and don't rely on them (which I suspect might not be legal anyway), they make a good back up - and there is the theory that pedal reflectors are good because the up and down motion attracts attention. For £20, unless you're one a very tight budget, they have to be worth a try I guess.

 

[wafflycat]

Personally I'd final a set of reflective ankle bands, often found for about 99p in local shops, to be more value for money

 

[BentMikey]

Thanks for the info Arch.
As i have a decent set of lights and have been nicknamed Captain Yellow by my workmates because of the amount of reflective gear i wear, i was just looking at further options to increase my noticeability on the dark roads i will have to ride along during my commute this winter.

Good cyclecraft and road positioning will probably have an order of magnitude more effect on your visibility.

 

[ChrisKH]

Thanks for that Arch; I will get a back copy.

 

[biking_fox]

The LEDEL seems to require 4xAAA per pedal! that's heavy (and bulky). I think the Pedalite is on the lithium coin cells. The Pedalite also has a toeclip version (no straps though?!)

EDIT:! Just remembered the Pedalite is dynamo driven, no battery weight at all.

 

[Arch]

The LEDEL seems to require 4xAAA per pedal! that's heavy (and bulky). I think the Pedalite is on the lithium coin cells. The Pedalite also has a toeclip version (no straps though?!)

EDIT:! Just remembered the Pedalite is dynamo driven, no battery weight at all.

True, but on my winter hack, the additional weight of 4 AAs is minimal...

Pedalite is more expensive, and has the problem of needingto be flipped round - so it just depends what you feel matters most. As I said, I haven't used the Ledals yet, and anyway, I got them as a freebie... But the boss seemed to think they were a good addition. As everyone has said though, decent lights, good riding and reflectives will do perfectly well...

 

[Pedro]

I have recently bought a pair of pedalites as I thought i needed to be more visible from the side, they seem ok to me (as a pretty ordinary commuter). The are plasticy and if you are a serious cyclist you wouldn't be impressed, but they do a job. As for flipping them etc, it isn't a problem as one side has a slight curve on and I think it is weighted so they are the correct way up 99% of the time (in my experience). My biggest issue with them is that I feel like a bit of a fool with lights flashing around my feet, saying that I would have thought they were the dogs ... when I was 8!