Shamefully copied from Cait's thread as everyone seems to be ignoring it...
I'm currently running Ritchey V3s, and they're great but very much in the style of ShimaNO's SPD and as a result have started to affect my feet / knees / lower back. This means that I'm in the market for something with a touch more float, specifically ATAC Aliums or maybe some Candys. My only reservation is that I've heard that Aliums are notoriously difficult to clip out of, especially in a "time critical" scenario (such as just before you reach the event horizon of a phenominal stack). Any comments, boys and girls?
The fat copilot and I have never had a problem with Time pedals. Some people claim a cleat modification which is easily found via google makes the release even easier. This modification mimics wearing of the cleat. Ie as the cleat becomes older, release becomes easier - the exact opposite of SPDs and their clones.
I think this knee thing is vastly over-stated. Current Shimano (and Shimano-style) pedals have ample float unless you've got very strange leg articulation. You do have to set them up accurately, though.
But leaving that aside, if you want lots of float then inevitably they're going to be harder to release.
That's me, I'm afraid! Basically, my knees are properly horlicks'd as a result of tendonitis in the achilles tendon leading to a shortening of the calf muscle leading to the patella tendon flicking over some random boece of cartlidge / bone. Chuck into the mix a partially torn calf muscle and the job's a good'un. Strange knee mechanics akimbo-agogo.
Running - The above Cycling - Dislocated shoulder resulting in tendonitis Rugby - Twisted knee resulting in ligament damage Cricket - Concussion and cracked cheek bone Asault course - Hairline fracture to the heel
Attempting to get back on subject. Probably failing to.
If you have knee problems think about Speedplay Frogs. I was lucky enough to pick up a pair for £20 from ebay and never looked back. Plenty of float without too mush setting up. Clear all but the thickest mud with ease. Clipping out does pose probelms as it is one way release but you get use to it. Fell over only once last year.
