road or spdm pedals? which is most secure?

[anweledig]

I currently use shimano m520 pedals on my bikes and liked the advantage of being able to walk around and don't have 'hotspots' or other comfort problems with them.

however on Thursday I was riding with some friends and as we often do we started to sprint for a town sign, the next thing I remember is lying on the side of the road staring at the sky and a bit dented.
emergency services were called and I was taken to the local a&e with concussion and a good few bruises.
Talking to the other riders yesterday some of them suggested that the reason for the crash may have been my foot coming loose from the pedal as I sprinted out of the saddle. they recommended
that I switch to road pedals to increase security.

is this likely to be an explanation, are road pedals inherently more secure?

 

[HLaB]

Sorry to hear about your spill. I wouldn't say either was more secure than the other but perhaps you just needed to tighten the retention system up a bit (warning though don't do it too much, unless you enjoy clipless moments ;-) )

 

[smokeysmoo]

^+1. I've never had such an issue with SPD, SPD-SL or Speedpaly Zero's. If your happy with your pedals, (ie: no hotspots as you've mentioned), check the tensions/general maintenance and put it down to a riding incident.

Hope you heal quick and your back in the saddle real soon

 

[Fletch456]

I find road pedals (eg Shimano SPD-SL triangular shaped more secure) than the others in these images of cleats. Logically it makes sense as the cleat itself is much bigger and deeper. I've been using them for about 4 years now and remember them feeling quicker and more secure the moment I first used them.

 

[anweledig]

thanks for your comments. I'll try tightening the cleat fitting and see if that is more secure. I did have the tension set low to avoid 'clipless' moments so perhaps an own goal.

one of the guys I ride with is the same size as me so I'll try and borrow a set of road pedals to try as well.

 

[2Loose]

I found I could pull my foot out of my M520's when climbing hard if the retention clip was backed right off, less than half way tight and I can't unless I unclip properly.

All the way tight and I have trouble getting my foot to clip in in the first place...there is a happy compromise.

 

[fossyant]

I can pull my foot out of XT SPD's on the fixed - that's a real comedy moment as I end up bobbing up and down with the fixed in foot.

My road LOOKS are very tight, so don't come unclipped. I've managed to pull my feet out of the track bikes at the velodrome, but some of those pedals are knackered.