want some new pedals for the XC race bike, and Ritchey WCS v4 or V5 pedals look light and reasonable cost wise, (lighter than XTR anyway). I need to stay with SPDs so my shoes fit all my bikes, so I don't want to go to eggbeaters etc.
What are the Ritchey pedals like - are they fragile with crap bearings or will they outlast the bike?
thanks
I've used V4s (two lots) and some Micro Road V4s too. Nice pedals, light, smooth. But when the bearings go, they're not user-serviceable. Return them to a "Ritchey Service Centre" and hand over £45.
Apparently, the V5s can be done yourself. I'm minded to try a set.
Ritchey cleats will fit Shimano pedals, but not the other way around. Given your desire for compatibility, that might be a decision point.
Cheers druidh, the compatibility issue wins the day - they're off the list!
I have run Ritchey V4 Pro pedals since about 2007. I believe that the only difference between the Pro and WCS version is that the Pro is a cast steel body while the WCS is Ti. I never had the $$$ to try the Ti ones. I love the ultra low profile of the pedals and mud clearance is pretty good too. I really noticed the difference from the low profile the few times that I switched to flats. The pedals do need to be greased periodically, as my first set died pretty quickly. Greasing them is easy to do by removing the end cap and adding grease. Put the end cap back on and you'll know you added enough grease when some comes out by the seal on the spindle. I have used both the Ritchey cleats and other brands (generic after market SPD, not genuine Shimano) without any issues.