I couldn't even clip into the pedals at all when I first started. I clipped in and out repeatedly to loosen them up. Clipping in and out is still pretty stiff, but no longer near impossible.

Speedplay recommends some dry lube on the inside of the cleat so that can help also.

But repeated clip ins and outs, both sides, both pedals, is really the best way to loosen them up. ZS

Zero's are by far the stiffest cleats to clip in and out of by far of all the systems I've tried. Ironically, frogs are just about the easiest to clip in and out of.

I think looks are easier and more intuitive to clip in and out of, but the free float, light weight, double sided design are strong selling points: and the fact that not every other rider lends a coolness factor as well.

It's really not clear to me why speedplay designed the pedals to be so stiff in engagement/disengagement, but I suppose they had their reasons.

Speedplays are far from perfect, and slightly quirky, but I feel good supporting an american company and I do think it's cool to be riding a system that not every one else uses (shimano, spd, look).

I would have no problem trying look in the future: they have free float and very easy engagement/disengagement at a low price.

But speedplay's abundant free float differentiates them from the competition.