I have decided to change over to speedplays on my bike.
Can someone tell me what they think the advantages and differences are in the types of speedplay pedals. x1/x2 vs the zero's vs the light action series. Im confused in that I do not see much difference between them. I like the x series for ease of use and the amount of free float but as a speedplay noob Im pretty clueless. Any help is most appreciated.

There isn't much difference between them.

I believe zero's are much better than the x1 in terms of problems with dirt... and since you don't have X1's on your other bikes, you don't have a cleat compatibility problem (going from memory, but you would never go with x1 instead of zero unless you had a compatibility problem).

Light action has a less-stiff spring, easier to get into, easier to get out of. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're less than 130 lbs.

Forget the Light Action. They're just a marketing solution to appeal to a recreational market. And you can pull out of Light Actions unintentionally, which defeats a big advantage of Spedplays.

Between the X series and the Zeros, to me it comes down tow hether you're comfortable with the wider range of free float in the X's. Some people do not like how the X's feel because of the huge amount of float. Other's adjust to this in a ride or two and its no issue.

If you don't like the wide amount of float, the zeros allow you to dial down the amount fo float.

As to x/1's versus X2's he difference is a Ti spindle versus stainless steel and about 48 grams. Personally I ride X/2's. My wife has X/1's but on because I picked them up used on Ebay cheaper tha new X/2s

I would not opt for the X/5's unless money is a real issue because the cro mo spindles in the X/5's can rust, and the bearings are not as good as the x/1's or x/2's

Zeros are newer than the X's. Personally, I don't see any point to the X's anymore except I believe that they are cheaper. The Zeros are adjustable and have a better cleat spring design that doesn't get fouled as easily.

Merlin, I don't believe that the LA's are much different as far as clipping out but they are much easier to get into. Also it was pointed out here a little while ago that LA's and Zeros are interchangeable, that the difference is in the cleat. I tried it with my wife's pedals and my zero cleats and it did work.

LA pedals and zero cleats work fine together, I'm actually that combination right now. There really isn't much of a difference between light action and zero cleats, I've raced with Light Action cleats and have never accidentally unclipped, they're just slightly easier to clip in to.

I can't speak for the X's but the zero's are light, stiff, and easy to get in and out of.

I have the Zeros. Really like the ability to dial in the inward-float and outward-float on each cleat.

I agree that being able to set the float on the Zero's is the way to go.

I switched from Speedplays to SPD-SLs to see if the change would help some hot-foot and knee issues. I was riding (and still have on my commuter bike/shoes) Zero pedals, and the difference when I go back to them vs. the SPDs is amazing. They are very easy to get in/out of (as long as you stay clear of sand/dirt), but the Speedplays have so much play in the mechanism it's crazy. Not just float, but side-to-side rocking, etc... I really don't like them anymore. Also, placebo or not, my knees/feet have been better on the SPDs as well. Only downfall is that I find them 3x as hard to clip into.

Of course YMMV, just wanted to offer an informed opinion.

What he said.

i went from SPD-SL's to the Speedplay Zero's and now i have a knee problem. I dialed in the float to what feels the same as the SPD's but i can't figure it out. I also changed bikes so i'am not really blaming the pedals...

who knows..but as far as ease of use and dialability (not a word?) they are great.

I have used the Light Action pedals since they were introduced three years ago. I have never, not even once, pulled out of them unintentionally. They were really meant to replace the X series. They have the same spring as the Zeros but with less tension so they are easier to get and out of. Since I don't race and do not need to adjust the float, they are fine with me. Also, I am 220 lbs.

I know the the CEO of Speedplay and most of the staff at Speedplay rides with the LA pedals when they are do recreational rides.

I would say, if you are competitive or need to remove the float, buy the Zeros. Otherwise, I would consider the LA pedals. They are easiest pedals to get in and out of.

I admit I've got no experience with the Light Action pedals, but the only stories I've heard of people inadvertantly pulling out of speeplays have been with LA

Now, pulling the cleat off the shoe is another story

been on Zeros for a while now and probably wont' go back to anything else. Adjustable float, low stack hight, good cornering clearance, and double sided. I sell the LA pedal to new cyclists all the time and have never had anyone come out of one. Also, I have never had an issue with the zero "rocking" or feeling unstable in any way.

I have but it took about 30k miles without ever greasing them. Fail

I use Zeroes on 1 bike and LAs on another bike. Never pulled out of the LAs accidentally. The LAs are very easy to click in and out of - Zeroes I find require a little more deliberate to unclick and for some reason, clicking in to them is also a bit more finicky compared to the LAs (just a little bit - still overall easier than SPD-SL).

V.