The SPD-SL system is the absolute best out there. I have tried Speedplay and Look (though to be fair I have never tried Time pedals) and nothing compares to these. Light, easy to use and durable. If the price tag is too high, take a look at the Ultegra version. They work equally well and are only slightly heavier.
I have used Look pedals for a long time (since they became widely available late 80's early 90's). On my spouse's most recent bike she had DA pedals. This required different back-up cleats for each of us when we traveled with our bikes. My Look pedals were ready for replacement so I decided to try the DA. I have been very happy with the change so far. The DA pedals feel like they have a wider platform that the Look pedals and a lower profile.
I'd been using Speedplay Zero for many years on all my bikes. When my shoes needed replacing I started to research pedals to see if I've been missing out on anything. These caught my eye and after reading the tech & reviews decided to make the switch. Years ago I had a set of Look pedals but was frustrated with the constant need to look (no pun intended) down at every stop light to reengage my shoe. That's when I gave up on them and went to Speedplay. This new Dura Ace set is awesome. On the first ride I could feel the difference in the overall support of my foot. They have a noticeable larger platform and are much stiffer for the out of saddle efforts. The price point was good and I have to say I don't think I'll ever go back. I also like the cleats much better...no worries about stepping of the tarmac onto the side of the soft dirt road where the debris or mud would often clog the Speedplay cleat. At stop lights when you clip out the pedals naturally swing to the position for easy entry. Although there's a slight relearning curve to toe in vs. step down...so far they have been flawless. Highly recommend them.
I've used Dura-Ace pedals for years, and I happened to get these a while back when the price was far lower. The durability is excellent, much better than the Ultegra pedals, which I do not recommend based on experience. You can beat these things, and they still look great and work perfectly. I use mine on a gravel bike, and they get a lot of rock strikes which leave no marks.
The build quality is first rate, and they require almost no maintenance. I've cracked mine open a number of times, and the inside is always clean. On the negative side, I've owned pedals that are a bit easier to clip into (Speedplay, for instance), and the pedals are a little heavier than they should be. Given the current price, there are other very good pedals for far less, so unless you can get a 50% off sale, move on.
Always have used SPD pedals, road or off road, and never disappointed. Although not the lightest, the bearings last forever and they provide years of trouble free service.
Never consider anything else!
I bought my first pair of these almost 15 years ago. That pair survived 3 bike vs. car encounters before finally, and slowly, wearing out. I don't think I ever maintained them, other than regular cleaning. Nope, no oil or lube, nothing. They just lasted. And, I never adjusted them either. I rode them in the rain, cold, and heat. I believe they lasted close to 100,000 miles.
The reason I went with Shimano in the first place is that I have size 13 (48 Euro) feet, and they're a bit wide. As such, I wanted the widest possible platform under my feet. Shimano pedals did the trick. So, I bought them again.
I've been a Look pedal guy since they first came out. (I'm old). But the new Keo's don't rotate when you unclip which makes getting into them again a pain. Additionally, the cleats wear out very, very quickly. The Dura Ace pedals have long lasting cleats and they rotate like normal pedals. They also seem to have a larger platform so overall, I like these much better. The only downside is the tangs at the edges of the cleats make getting intoout of booties difficult. I can live with that, though.
Shimano pedals are super durable. My last pair of Ultegra lasted 7 years. I only replaced it for this Dura-Ace simply because i wanted to upgrade and get something lighter in weight. Shimano pedals are the best of the bunch, no other brand comes close in qualify, functionality and durability.
Light and durable. Not sure if the added cost over the ultegra pedal is worth it. I get about 25k miles before they wear enough to feel sloppy. Bearings are buttery smooth and never need servicing. I run the tension as light as possible and have never had an issue with accidentally unclipping.
I was a lifelong Time pedal user - but Time's poor durability and expense at their high end is absurd. I switched to these Dura Ace pedals this year and absolutely LOVE them - solid, precise no noise - never going back to Time!
