Speedplay vs SPD-SL vs LOOK vs the World...Speedplay is SUPERIOR!
08-04-13, 07:40 PM
#51
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08-04-13, 07:58 PM
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How about a different question of Speedplays v. the others? I have used Speedplays for more than 20 year, averaging maybe 4k/yr, and peaking at around 7k/yr. during double century training for the last several years. Needless to say, I love Speedplays. However, I have developed Neuropathy in the balls of my feet. No overweight or diabetic issues that are most common to cause Neuropathy. I have been through Neuro tests, scans, nerve biopsies, etc., and they all come back negative. My Podiatrist is a Cat 2 racer, so he knows cycling. He says that my Neuropathy is probably caused by lots of miles on Speedplays because of the pressure exerted in a small area (pressure = force*area), and suggested I switch to a larger platform pedal. He also casted my feet and I have custom orthotics in my shoes. I am riding the Sidi Genius 6.6 shoes to dissipate the pressure as much as possible. I have put several thousand miles on the Sidi's (mega wide) and orthotics. They have helped a lot, but, the balls of my feet are still numb all the time. Surgery is not an option and I may have to live with the nerve damage.
I see my Podiatrist this week. If I have to, I will reluctantly part ways with Speedplay to lessen the neuropathy advancement, so I will be interested to read your recommendations for a larger pedal platform.
I see my Podiatrist this week. If I have to, I will reluctantly part ways with Speedplay to lessen the neuropathy advancement, so I will be interested to read your recommendations for a larger pedal platform.
08-04-13, 08:28 PM
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The pedal may be small but when the large cleat is locked on the small pedal they become one. So your foot steps on a larger area compared to a Look or a Shimano.
I think your podiatrist hasn't really understood how Speedplay works.
By the way I used to ride on Look keo classic and a year ago I switched to Speedplay zero. Easier engagement and disengagement, more efficient pedal stroke and I actually find the free float as more friendly for my knees. The only drawback is the need for frequent lubrication, but that doesn't take more than 5 minutes and its something I can live with since I am OCD about bike maintenance. I'm definitely not going back to Look.
@ovoleg: I agree that Speedplays are great pedals but I think you are annoying people. Take it easy. Let people find the right product for them by trial and error. I may like Speedplay but I think they are not for everyone like Shimano, Sram and Campagnolo respectively are not for everyone.
08-04-13, 08:58 PM
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The company is a US company but they are made in Taiwan? yeah.
Crank Bros are in Laguna Beach..... but their stuff is also made in Taiwan.
I started with crank bros Candies, which eventually caused excessive pressure in the middle odf my foot. switched to Look and they offer better distribution.
Crank Bros are in Laguna Beach..... but their stuff is also made in Taiwan.
I started with crank bros Candies, which eventually caused excessive pressure in the middle odf my foot. switched to Look and they offer better distribution.
08-04-13, 09:10 PM
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But they're not!
I have heard that some spindles like the Chromoly ones are made in Taiwan but SS is in USA baby.
Speedplay is a brand of clipless bicycle pedal manufactured by Speedplay Inc. in San Diego, California
08-04-13, 09:45 PM
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So why don't all track cyclists use Speedplays? Show me pics of the pedals that top track cyclists use.
08-04-13, 10:21 PM
#59
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I enjoy SPD-SLs when I am not track sprinting with slotted cleats and straps.
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"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
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"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
08-04-13, 10:25 PM
#60
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Had a debate with a friend yesterday and he borderline started to PMS(probably because he's confused by all the marketing BS). I wish I could help him understand that Speedplay is the best cleat/pedal system out there and that the competition is living in the stone age with systems that were derived from skii'ing. Instead I'm going to make this thread and later show him clear proof that the best pedal/cleat system is SPEEDPLAY.
-Great idea in 1984...no doubt! cough: It's 2013 cough: :l ol:
-Great idea, lets improve downhill snow skiing technology and make it easier to walk around in(you guys skii on your bikes right?)
Fast forward now to modern civilization -> -> (warp mode engaged)
-So what do we have here? Oh an American company producing the best quality pedal known to cycling mankind and it's designed specifically for Cyclist and not a derivative of Skii'ing? INSANITY!!!
LOOK
[img]https://www.rutlandcycling.com/productimages/fullsize/look_keo_2_max_white_pedals.JPG[/im g]
SPD-SL
Speedplay
[img]https://www.wigglestatic.com/images/speedplay-zero-pedals-ti-zoom.jpg[/im g]
[B][U]Now lets look at some cleats and this is where the insanity really kicks in. [/ U][/ B] :tw itchy:
LOOK
[img]https://fcdn.roadbikereview.com/attachments/general-cycling-discussion/154191d1233355082-cleat-wear-cleat-life-interrogatives-cleat.jpg[/i mg]
[SIZE=5]GROSS!!!^^[/SI ZE]
SPD-SL
[img]https://www.bumsonbikes.com.au/bikes/images/C/501_cleats_worn_shimano_2.jpg[/i mg]
[SIZE=6]Double GROSS!!! ^^[/S IZE]
So what does this mean for your cycling efficiency? OUT THE DOOR! It means you will unclip when pulling up and potentially cause a crash(don't sprint kids). It can also mean that you are losing efficiency by jumping around on the pedals.
And now to Speedplay! Keep in mind here that the only portion that engages the pedal is the center piece and it does not see contact with the road unless you decide to go to the beach and start jogging in your cycling shoes(For you special people).
[img]https://roadcyclinguk.com/wp-content/uploads/old_images/news/images/speedplay_2_hi.jpg[/im g]
[img]https://www.bikesportmichigan.com/reviews/speedplay0/new-vs-old-cleatlg.jpg[/i mg]
[B]My god these guys are good!!![/]
[B]American company with great QC and keen insight into cycling![/] [B]Perfection![/]
[img]https://www.speedplay.com/newsimages/goldpedals.jpg[/im g]
-Great idea in 1984...no doubt! cough: It's 2013 cough: :l ol:
-Great idea, lets improve downhill snow skiing technology and make it easier to walk around in(you guys skii on your bikes right?)
Fast forward now to modern civilization -> -> (warp mode engaged)
-So what do we have here? Oh an American company producing the best quality pedal known to cycling mankind and it's designed specifically for Cyclist and not a derivative of Skii'ing? INSANITY!!!
LOOK
[img]https://www.rutlandcycling.com/productimages/fullsize/look_keo_2_max_white_pedals.JPG[/im g]
SPD-SL
Speedplay
[img]https://www.wigglestatic.com/images/speedplay-zero-pedals-ti-zoom.jpg[/im g]
[B][U]Now lets look at some cleats and this is where the insanity really kicks in. [/ U][/ B] :tw itchy:
LOOK
[img]https://fcdn.roadbikereview.com/attachments/general-cycling-discussion/154191d1233355082-cleat-wear-cleat-life-interrogatives-cleat.jpg[/i mg]
[SIZE=5]GROSS!!!^^[/SI ZE]
SPD-SL
[img]https://www.bumsonbikes.com.au/bikes/images/C/501_cleats_worn_shimano_2.jpg[/i mg]
[SIZE=6]Double GROSS!!! ^^[/S IZE]
So what does this mean for your cycling efficiency? OUT THE DOOR! It means you will unclip when pulling up and potentially cause a crash(don't sprint kids). It can also mean that you are losing efficiency by jumping around on the pedals.
And now to Speedplay! Keep in mind here that the only portion that engages the pedal is the center piece and it does not see contact with the road unless you decide to go to the beach and start jogging in your cycling shoes(For you special people).
[img]https://roadcyclinguk.com/wp-content/uploads/old_images/news/images/speedplay_2_hi.jpg[/im g]
[img]https://www.bikesportmichigan.com/reviews/speedplay0/new-vs-old-cleatlg.jpg[/i mg]
[B]My god these guys are good!!![/]
[B]American company with great QC and keen insight into cycling![/] [B]Perfection![/]
[img]https://www.speedplay.com/newsimages/goldpedals.jpg[/im g]
The SPD-SL is a very good pedal and doesn't have that annoying float to deal with.
BTW, your OP is an excellent demonstration of the effect of subtle marketing. You demonstrate the competitors in bad light by showing designs that are a decade old (and way down from the top of the line as well), and you show the favored design with a whole constellation of duplicate products in various colors. The use of fake theatrics using fonts and smileys is also effective, if a little obvious. So, kudos. I have no idea of why you have your panties in a bunch over a debate you had with a friend we all don't know, but it's an interesting study in marketing. Just curious, how much did Speedplay pay for this little viral marketing scheme?
__________________
Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
Last edited by Brian Ratliff; 08-04-13 at 10:34 PM.
08-04-13, 10:30 PM
#61
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How about a different question of Speedplays v. the others? I have used Speedplays for more than 20 year, averaging maybe 4k/yr, and peaking at around 7k/yr. during double century training for the last several years. Needless to say, I love Speedplays. However, I have developed Neuropathy in the balls of my feet. No overweight or diabetic issues that are most common to cause Neuropathy. I have been through Neuro tests, scans, nerve biopsies, etc., and they all come back negative. My Podiatrist is a Cat 2 racer, so he knows cycling. He says that my Neuropathy is probably caused by lots of miles on Speedplays because of the pressure exerted in a small area (pressure = force*area), and suggested I switch to a larger platform pedal. He also casted my feet and I have custom orthotics in my shoes. I am riding the Sidi Genius 6.6 shoes to dissipate the pressure as much as possible. I have put several thousand miles on the Sidi's (mega wide) and orthotics. They have helped a lot, but, the balls of my feet are still numb all the time. Surgery is not an option and I may have to live with the nerve damage.
I see my Podiatrist this week. If I have to, I will reluctantly part ways with Speedplay to lessen the neuropathy advancement, so I will be interested to read your recommendations for a larger pedal platform.
I see my Podiatrist this week. If I have to, I will reluctantly part ways with Speedplay to lessen the neuropathy advancement, so I will be interested to read your recommendations for a larger pedal platform.
08-04-13, 10:36 PM
#62
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Your picture is of a pretty old design for SPD-SL. It's a better pedal now. Here's the modern:
The SPD-SL is a very good pedal and doesn't have that annoying float to deal with.
BTW, your OP is an excellent demonstration of the effect of subtle marketing. You demonstrate the competitors in bad light by showing designs that are a decade old (and way down from the top of the line as well), and you show the favored design with a whole constellation of duplicate products in various colors. The use of fake theatrics using fonts and smileys is also effective, if a little obvious. So, kudos. I have no idea of why you have your panties in a bunch over a debate you had with a friend we all don't know, but it's an interesting study in marketing. Just curious, how much did Speedplay pay for this little viral marketing scheme?
The SPD-SL is a very good pedal and doesn't have that annoying float to deal with.
BTW, your OP is an excellent demonstration of the effect of subtle marketing. You demonstrate the competitors in bad light by showing designs that are a decade old (and way down from the top of the line as well), and you show the favored design with a whole constellation of duplicate products in various colors. The use of fake theatrics using fonts and smileys is also effective, if a little obvious. So, kudos. I have no idea of why you have your panties in a bunch over a debate you had with a friend we all don't know, but it's an interesting study in marketing. Just curious, how much did Speedplay pay for this little viral marketing scheme?
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08-04-13, 10:38 PM
#63
Senior Member
I agree with decycle that your podiatrist does not understand how Speedplays work. I would recommend, if you haven't tried it already, to get the fore/aft plate and move your cleats to a more rearward position. Unless your knees will secede if you aren't in perfect KOPS, that will help take the pressure off of the ball of the foot and move it more towards the midfoot.
Seriously though, don't *** with your bike position just because your pedal is killing your foot. There are other pedals and other shoes. Don't be stubborn. I would suggest going to a stiffer shoe. The pedaling platform for speedplay is indeed pretty small, and a stiffer shoe will help distribute the force.
__________________
Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
08-04-13, 10:39 PM
#64
Senior Member
My statement was about SPD-SL; why are you bringing speedplay into this? I've never ridden speedplay before. They are indeed probably good pedals. Are they "superior". Likely not. That's my only point.
__________________
Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
08-04-13, 10:46 PM
#65
Senior Member
Also, if I didn't want float, why in the world would I use a pedal designed for float with the float disabled by a couple screws jammed into the mechanism?
__________________
Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
08-04-13, 10:48 PM
#66
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never mind the speedplay. the 2 similar systems of spd sl and look...why is it that different? the look users i know all say it is way better. how is it better than spd sl?
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08-04-13, 10:49 PM
#67
Senior Member
One problem I've heard about speedplay is it tends to get a side-to-side tilt/wobble after a while. This simply doesn't happen on SPD-SL or LOOK style pedals.
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Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
08-04-13, 10:49 PM
#68
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why is it for pedals there aren't lots of other companies making spd-sl compatible pedals? how comes shimano hols onto this bike part better than others?
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coasting, few quotes are worthy of him, and of those, even fewer printable in a family forum......quote 3alarmer
No @coasting, you should stay 100% as you are right now, don't change a thing....quote Heathpack
coasting, few quotes are worthy of him, and of those, even fewer printable in a family forum......quote 3alarmer
No @coasting, you should stay 100% as you are right now, don't change a thing....quote Heathpack
08-04-13, 10:51 PM
#69
Senior Member
It's a good question. I changed to SPD-SL before the Keo because the old Delta LOOK pedals (my former pedal of choice) squeaked something mean. I have heard no good reason to switch back from SPD-SL to Keo. I've also heard the Keo pedal squeaks as well, so there's that too. The SPD-SL cleat is lower profile and locks into the pedal body better than the Keo, which is kind of a nice feature.
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Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
08-04-13, 10:52 PM
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So it certainly bears pointing out that if float is a feature you don't want, it's optional with Zeros.
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08-04-13, 10:53 PM
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There are other reasons why one might want to use Speedplays. Double sided entry being one of them.
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08-04-13, 10:58 PM
#72
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The rides I care about only have me clipping in maybe once or twice an hour. I understand that for some people though, this is an overriding concern.
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Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
08-04-13, 11:03 PM
#73
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i dont like one sided entry. i hate fiddling around with my foot at junctions.
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coasting, few quotes are worthy of him, and of those, even fewer printable in a family forum......quote 3alarmer
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08-04-13, 11:03 PM
#74
Senior Member
It appeared that you were discussing SPD-SL's lack of float in contrast to Speedplay, and then there was this: "Track cyclists don't normally use speedplay. Personally, I've seen two people unclip from speedplays on the track; one of which resulted in a rather bad crash. Turns out that free float is not really a good thing for bike control."
So it certainly bears pointing out that if float is a feature you don't want, it's optional with Zeros.
So it certainly bears pointing out that if float is a feature you don't want, it's optional with Zeros.
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Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
08-04-13, 11:04 PM
#75
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Seriously though, don't *** with your bike position just because your pedal is killing your foot. There are other pedals and other shoes. Don't be stubborn. I would suggest going to a stiffer shoe. The pedaling platform for speedplay is indeed pretty small, and a stiffer shoe will help distribute the force.