Road Cycling - First Ride on Speedplays

Because this has been a terrible week for riding--first week of classes where I teach, major difficulties in my wife's family for which she has needed me around, I decided that if I couldn't ride, I could at least work on being a roadie purist: I picked out some speedplay pedals and Diadora Ergo road shoes. I had been riding SPD pedals on my Fuji, and though they have been fine, I've just been itching to switch to road pedals.

This afternoon I took my first ride on the Speedplays. They are wonderful pedals. The comments I have read about a disconcerting amount of float did not hold true for me. The float was perfect. The only time it felt a little weird was in the transition from sitting to standing, and that was so minor I suspect I'll not even notice it next time. Clipping in without looking was easier than with the SPDs, and clipping out was about the same as with the SPDs on the lightest tension. I wish I had started using these when I got the bike (but then I would have had nothing new to try on the bike today).

i have speedplay pedals too and love them. the float is excellent and getting in and out is a breeze. its a shame others don't find out about this little gem!!

jf

Argueable the best pedal system out there!

The transition things goes away real quick. How do you like the combo of Speedplay w/ Diadora Ergo? Have the X2s w/ some older Diadoras and I been eyeing the Ergos or I might just wait to see if I can't get some Sidi Genuis 4 on sale.

The only way I've ever been able to explain the feel of Speedplays is to call them a carefree feeling pedal. As for the shoes, matched them with Lakes, only shoe I'll wear.

Later, Rutt

I absolutely love my speedplays. They are the only pedals I'll use now!

I just got some 'Look' pedals and I like them better than the SPDs that I had (more of a platform and all that...) but I've fallen down at least 5 times trying to clip out.

A little bit because they're probably a bit too tight and the motion is a tad different, but mostly because I'm an uncoordinated boob...

I will never buy anything other than Speedplay.

Originally posted by Bobsled
The transition things goes away real quick. How do you like the combo of Speedplay w/ Diadora Ergo? Have the X2s w/ some older Diadoras and I been eyeing the Ergos or I might just wait to see if I can't get some Sidi Genuis 4 on sale.

I like the Ergos, but they are the first road shoe I've worn, so I have nothing for comparison. I have been using Diadora Habaneros and SPD pedals, and the Habaneros have been comfortable shoes. I like the ventilation slots on the soles of the Ergos.

I'm very happy with my Speedplay X3's!! I don't think they have excessive float either. For me, I played sports for 10+ years and wanted a pedal that would be easy on my knees and would be easy to enter and exit....I certainly found them!

I'm using Speedplays (X2s) with Sidi Genius and the
match is perfect. I also used them with bottom of the line
Shimano shoes and the sole was definitely too flexy, hot spots
etc.
Took a few rides to get used to the standing on icecube thing,
now I can't imagine riding any other pedal.
I'd be interested to hear what folks think who have gone
from X pedals to Zeros.

Marty

I have owed a pair of X-2's for about 4 months now and initally they were a nightmare. (Too much float). Now I couldn't think of cycling without them!

As I have stated elsewhere on this site X2s are great and I have them on Genius 4s. I still contend that the "walking on ice" is just so much BS by competing companies or those who haven't tried them.