Road Cycling - Look and Speedplay differences

I'm thinking seriously about trying some Speedplay pedals (once I get past the price shock :eek: ). I've been using Look pedals for the last 3-4 years. What is the difference in the "feel", float, cliping in/out, cleats, shoe hole patterns (can I use them with my current shoes?), etc.
Thanks.

I went from Look to Speedplay and I thought it was easier to get in. Getting out was about the same.

To get in, it seems like I just start pedaling in a natural motion and it engages without thinking.

I also think it was easier to align the cleat with the speedplays.

There is a lot more float with the speedplays than the 5% I got out of my looks. I don't notice it much except when I strtch my ankles by wiggling them back and forth (I don't pop out).

My cleats have lasted longer with Speedplay (metal vs. plastic?). I'm still like a fish out of water off the bike.

They fit my shoes no problem. A stiff shoe is great with them.

I had regular speedplay's but my heels turn inward so I tended to pop out. so I changed to the frogs. they keep my heel from turning in so far and yo ucna walk in shoes with the cleats if you get mt shoes.

I'm thinking seriously about trying some Speedplay pedals (once I get past the price shock :eek: ). I've been using Look pedals for the last 3-4 years. What is the difference in the "feel", float, cliping in/out, cleats, shoe hole patterns (can I use them with my current shoes?), etc.
Thanks.

I have SpeedPlay X2s on both my road bikes. They're the only pedals which allow me to ride after 30 years of destroying my knees as a runner. Due to the large amount of float, you have to rotate your heel outward more than with other pedals to unclip. The cleats should fit your current shoes. Some people find the float disconcerting at first, but quickly acclimate to it. You'll love them.

I haven;t ridden the Looks, but instead switched to Speedplay X/3's from some SPD's... the Speedplay have way more float.. and after about 2-3 rides, you get the hang of the release point (which seemed way out for me), and the "slippery" feeling of the pedal... I love them though... I'll probably never go back to SPD's

jeff

I have both the Zero's and the newer Ultegra's (Look compatible) on my bikes. The Zero's are adjusted with approximately the same amunt of float - 9 degrees - as the Shimanos.

Honestly, it's impossible for me to tell which set I like better - they both are great. I'd say the Shimano cleats are easier to walk on, but that's it. Getting in/out and overall performance are very similar.

If you go with the free-float Speedplays (X-Series) then it'd be a different story.

55/Rad

Be sure to lower your seat a tiny bit as the Speedplays allow your feet closer to the spindles.

I'm thinking seriously about trying some Speedplay pedals (once I get past the price shock :eek: ). I've been using Look pedals for the last 3-4 years. What is the difference in the "feel", float, cliping in/out, cleats, shoe hole patterns (can I use them with my current shoes?), etc.
Thanks.

I have both Look compatible (Shimano 600) and Speedplay (X-1 and X-3) on my bikes. I prefer Speedplay even though they are harder to walk in (I almost always forget my cleat covers).

Better float, easier in/out.

The X-3 release earlier than the X-2 or X-1 so if you are pigeon-toed, you could have issues with unintended release with the X-3s as steveknight seems to have had.

The Speedplays may feel funny (especially while sprinting) for a while. I would say after 200 miles you start to get the feel for them. I have been riding Speedplays for about 2 years now and I will never ride anything else.

I have Speedplay Frogs on my road bike, I wanted the recessed cleat for easier walking).

Cleat setup is a snap believe me. Getting in is no problem. You have to turn your heal a bit more to get out, but you adjust quickly.

You'll get use to the slipperyness in a few rides.

When these wear out I'll be getting another set. Advice to Speedplay - DO NOT CHANGE ANYTHING!

dIGGER

I'm thinking seriously about trying some Speedplay pedals (once I get past the price shock :eek: ). I've been using Look pedals for the last 3-4 years. What is the difference in the "feel", float, cliping in/out, cleats, shoe hole patterns (can I use them with my current shoes?), etc.
Thanks.

I went from Looks to Speedplay Zeros and would never ever go back. They're so far superior in every way it's just not a fair comparison. I personally like everything about them.

The "Float" is frictionless unlike Look and 100 percent adjustable on the Zeros

Clipping in and out is just as easy as it is with Look with the added feature of two sided entry although that was never really an issue with me with the Looks.

Your current Look compatible shoes will work fine with the provided Speedplay cleat adapters

The Speedplay Zero's float adjustment is very nice because you can adjust the heal in and out float independently. If you are pigeon toed for example, you can open up the heal out screw only, without creating more heal in float. I tend to have my toes pointed in slightly, so I can set the float to be very small, but still allow for my toe in position.

I have the X3s and love love love them. Light, two-sided entry and very comfortable with the free float. I find getting out of them very easy once you master the little turn out trick. Will likely never ride anything else. May upgrade to X1s when I get a new bike.

My first clipless were Frogs (LBS suggested) since I was new at it they said they were the easiest. Got use to them but wanted a larger platform. Went to Look and really like them. Someone next to me on a goup ride "accidently" clip in with Speedplay Zero's when at a light, wish I could have cought her on her way down. But she was blonde so maybe that's not fair to Speedplay. Sure the Look cleats dont last as long but sure cost a lot less, can get them online on sale very cheap. What's a few bucks every summer anyhow.

Thanks for the replies. I was going to go the "cheap" route and get some X-3, but after reading some of the comments and features/differences between the X series and Zeros, I may break the bank and get the Zeros instead.

Ron,

I've been riding X-2's for the past 3 years or so, went from clips n straps so a huge
jump for me. The X-2s due to slower release point are a bit more stable (in my case)
than the x-3's (my wife has 3s).
The price difference isn't all that much when you consider the X-2 and Zero (stainless),
about $20.
It will take some time to get used to the standing on an icecube feeling, probably 2 or
3 rides and you won't notice it.
When you do get them, make sure you do not over tighten the plate cover on the
cleat, or clipping in/out will be difficult.
Koffee kovers work well if you remember to take them with you when you ride.

I wouldn't trade my speedplays for anything (well, maybe for Zero's or a Serotta
Ottrott, but thats about it :D )
Marty

I just switched to the x3s from pp247s found the found the sole to center of spindle difference to be about 1cm. You will definitely have to lower your seat.

Thanks for the replies. I was going to go the "cheap" route and get some X-3, but after reading some of the comments and features/differences between the X series and Zeros, I may break the bank and get the Zeros instead.

good call on the zeros. i have both shimano pdr-600, which are the same design as look, and speedplay zeros. both are very good pedal systems but i prefer the speedplays. easily twice the amount of float as the shimanos, and the float is pretty much friction free. zeros over the x-series is also a good call. not only the independent, micro-adjustability of the float, but if you have or if possibly in the future you buy wider, carbon sole shoes (like shimano) the x-series doesn't give you enough lateral adjustment on the cleats for the shoes to clear the crank arm. zeros work great with my shimano carbon shoes.

Thanks for all the info. Now on to a new question.
Who has the best price on Zeros? I checked Nashbar, Performance, and CC and they are all $185. Bicyclebuys.com has them for $170
Also, do the cleats come with the pedals or must I purchase them separately?

Thanks for all the info. Now on to a new question.
Who has the best price on Zeros? I checked Nashbar, Performance, and CC and they are all $185. Bicyclebuys.com has them for $170
Also, do the cleats come with the pedals or must I purchase them separately?

if you want to save some money you can get zeros now in chromoly for $155 but not everyone carries them yet. i know performance has them. they come complete with pedals and cleats. getting the koffee shop covers is also a good idea to protect the base plates when you're walking around in them. they're about $9-10.

Thanks for all the info. Now on to a new question.
Who has the best price on Zeros? I checked Nashbar, Performance, and CC and they are all $185. Bicyclebuys.com has them for $170
Also, do the cleats come with the pedals or must I purchase them separately?

Get them at Performance and use a 20% off coupon. Try code # 6000374 which should be good for 20% off purchases over $50.00 until 4/15/04.

Good Luck

Get them at Performance and use a 20% off coupon. Try code # 6000374 which should be good for 20% off purchases over $50.00 until 4/15/04.

Good Luck

Good call! $176 to my door, pedals and cleats. :beer:

Good call! $176 to my door, pedals and cleats. :beer:

What color did you get?

55/Rad

What color did you get?

55/Rad

Black chro-mo.

I have both Look compatible (Shimano 600) and Speedplay (X-1 and X-3) on my bikes. I prefer Speedplay even though they are harder to walk in (I almost always forget my cleat covers).

Better float, easier in/out.

The X-3 release earlier than the X-2 or X-1 so if you are pigeon-toed, you could have issues with unintended release with the X-3s as steveknight seems to have had.

the frogs work great for me. they keep my heels from turning in so much. plus you can walk with them (G)

I prefer Speedplay even though they are harder to walk in (I almost always forget my cleat covers).
Cleat covers? Do I need them?
I'll be walking out my front door, across the carport, and across the grass to the road. Will that screw up the cleats?

Cleat covers? Do I need them?
I'll be walking out my front door, across the carport, and across the grass to the road. Will that screw up the cleats?

You should be fine. I very rarely use covers and don't have a problem.

Cleat covers? Do I need them?
I'll be walking out my front door, across the carport, and across the grass to the road. Will that screw up the cleats?

LOOK make inexpensive cleat covers that are easy to put on/off. They come in a small pouch and are easy to slip in the back pocket of your jersey.