Originally Posted by
HillRider
I believe what JTGraphics meant was the X-series and it's cousins are intended for racers who do not walk on their cleats routinely. Those who use them for casual riding either have to use the covers religiously or plan on frequent cleat replacement. Look and Look-alike road pedal systems have the same cleat wear problems so it's not just Speedplay.
For those who do walk on their cleats a lot (commuters, tourists, those who ride where frequent stops for traffic, etc. are required) are far better served by recessed MTB-type cleats that aren't damaged by walking. I use Speedplay Frogs on my most used bikes and they fill the bill of light weight, ease of entry and exit, security and double sided accessibility while not beating their cleats to death with moderate walking.
Originally Posted by
Al1943
That may be what he meant but it isn't what he said. He seemed to imply that if I wear cleat covers I'm using the wrong pedals. I haven't raced in several years. I ride 4000 to 5000 miles per year on pavement. In bike shoes I walk very little. The cleat covers keep dirt and rocks out of my cleats and protect floors. I was very surprised to hear concern about cleat plate wear. In 15 years I've never needed to replace any part of my Speedplay X-1 pedals or cleats.
Al1943 I actually was agreeing with you and your post.
HillRider got it correct.
Did not mean to hurt your fillings OK Sorry you took it wrong.
By the way I commute everyday with my SpeedPlays so mine see a lot a pavement also (but I try not to scrape the plate as much as I can), and ride 1 weekend day so I use mine at least as much as you. I change the cleats maybe every other year maybe so I get 2-3 years per set.
My friend rides only weekends and I'd say he replaces a set maybe every 5 years. I wear the heal pads more these get replaced about once a year, I use the covers when I walk but thats not much.
OP I might add they are not made of
aluminum at least not mine.