Originally Posted by platypus
Speedplays and Bebops are pretty similar.
Bebops have an advantage in that they use a 2 bolt cleat attachment (more shoes to choose from without having to use adapters).
Speedplays have an advantage in that just about every bike shop in the universe will have them on the shelf if you need replacement cleats or pedals in a pinch.
I ride on Speedplay zeros mainly due to being able to find em on the shelf at my LBS. If there had been Bebops, I would probably be riding em today. Bebop's marketing and distribution suck.
Yes they are so similar that Speedplay sued the crap out of Bebop. Bebop survived. As to the advantage of the 2 bolt(SPD cleat system) that Bebop uses. I think on the road shoe, for spd, end they are getting harder and harder to come by. I still use and like Bebops. Cleats for Bebops are few and far between as few shops carry them. Bebops however have a minimalist design that just works.