One would think that a speedplay with float would somehow detach while the rider is spinning. It doesn't. I have both the X-3 and Zero's with a cumulative total of about 20,000 miles on them. They did not detach, even when the 4 little screws got loose from time to time.

On pedal stroke: I vary my pedal stroke depending on the climb and on starting acceleration. I literally pull up very aggressively to get the power and then the spin going. The speedplays can handle my pedal style.