todayilearned

So I've been using SPD pedals for a while and started liking them except for the fact the pedals I used are the ones that have flats on one side and the clip ins on the other. They would rotate once I take my feet off. I'm thinking about just applying lead tape to one side to make them heavier.

I got a pair of SPD-SL cleat and pedals (https://www.rei.com/product/710073/sh...sl-road-pedals) and even on the lowest setting they were a PITA. I never fell over learning how to use SPDs but on these I fell 3/4 into my ride. Also, since the clip side is heavier they become vertical to the ground... ALWAYS.

I'm thinking about just dumping SPD/SPD-SL. Should I either try out dual sided SPD pedals or just go to speedplay?

How easy are speedplay pedals to use?

climber7

never used speedplays so i can't comment on that. but before you ditch the spd-sl pedals:

1. make sure that when you're unclipping, you're pushing your heel straight outward and parallel to the pedal. if your foot is at some funky angle and applying force in any direction other than in the plane of the pedal, it won't come out.

2. they're supposed to hang vertically. when you want to clip in, you put your foot just behind the pedal and nudge it forward with your toe. it takes a little getting used to, but when you do it right, the front of the cleat hooks into the pedal and you push down and clip right in.

unterhausen

that is one of the nice things about speedplays

jmX

On my mountain bike I had SPD one sided pedals and I agree, it's kinda annoying having to keep rotating the pedal every time you clip in. I recently switched it to double sided SPD pedals and it is a "nice to have"

On my road bike, I use speedplay. Just as easy as the SPD's to clip in and out of...in fact, probably a little easier once its broken in. I use speedplay zeros, the float takes a little getting used to but feels perfectly natural after a while.

My take is, if you have a little money to play around with and you're in your first year or two of cycling it doesn't hurt to try out a few systems and see which one grows on you. Try the speedplays, chances are they'll be the winner.

MikeyBoyAz

I don't even think about locking into my 105 pedals. It's totally natural, sometimes I think about the proper way (putting your toe up to the pedal center and sliding forward) and it almost seems unnecessary

thump55

+1. Just get 'em and be done with it. I haven't thought about pedals in three years since I got mine.

jwill87ta

I have Speedplays and they are very easy to use once you get used to them and they break in a little, which only takes a few rides. There is no need to ever look down at your pedals, you just step in and go. They are very nice. And, the adjustable float on the Zero models is a great option for dialing in comfort.

Ghouse

If you want easy entry and exits get the Lightaction. they are very stable and entry is mindless. If you like a more secure feeling (read slightly harder entry/exit) get the zeros. but honestly, I use both, and after break in (a few days) they are both easy to get in and out of. On group rides I'm clipped in and across the road before all my spd brethren have clipped in.

ravenmore

Zeros and Light Actions are the exact same pedal - just the cleats are different.

spazzkid

Before you get rid of your SPD-SL's, have you tried lubricating (I personally use "armor all" per a recommendation from a site, some people use WD40) both the cleats and the pedals on the part they get in contact with? It makes clipping in and out quite easier

lpolliard

Definitely look into the Zeros. I love my two sets. Just step on it and go.

todayilearned

I feel stupid for not realizing this before. I kept trying to get them level then clipping in. It never occurred to me that the overall design should be like this. On my next ride I'll try this and see how it goes.

I'll try this also.

generalkdi

Speedplay's are a little hard to get on at first, but when you get used, they're great. It's kinda hard to walk with these, but that's not their purpose isn't it?

HokuLoa

Love Speedplay and have used (still do) SPD extensively on 'bout town and MT bikes. Speedplay are my go to road choice. Soooo easy and efficient. By far my favorite cleat system. If they recessed for use with my casual, walking/bike shoes I'd use them in a heart beat...

blastississimo

I love my speedplay pedals. I had 105 spd-sl's for a bit... and I fell almost every time. I havent fallen once with my speedplay.... I've put over a hundred miles on it already Definitely time for you to switch it up!

Clip in and out a couple of times before you go on an actual ride with them. They loosen up a bit and things get a whole lot easier.

Good luck!

Minion1

Don't forget you need to lube the cleats regularly and keep them in good condition. Also you might need to lower your seat a touch because of the lower stack height.
Also, 2 things to consider:

Cost of replacement cleats.
The adaptor plate to accomodate the four bolt pattern needed for most 3 bolt shoes.

hshearer

I've used both Speedplays and 105s. Both are a piece of cake to get in and out of... I wouldn't say Speedplays have any advantage there.

However, 105s are my preference, because they:
1) May require less maintenance (speedplay recommends you lube your cleats before EVERY ride, you need to shim the bottom of your shoes perfectly to get the adapter to sit flat, and you need to check that the screws that hold the cleat on are tight at least once a month... and I lost one screw almost right away). I abused and neglected my 105s, and they always worked fine.

2) Are easier to walk in. The speedplay cleat/adapter on the bottom of your shoe is relatively huge. Walking is tougher, and pushing off from a dead stop your shoe can slip (all metal on the bottom, rather than plastic), so you'll have to push off more tentatively.

danvuquoc

I just came back from riding my rain bike today and was reminded how much I dislike the speedplays zeros on it. <3 Look Keo Blades

halfspeed

If you just want easy to use, dump the "road" shoes and pedals and just get Speedplay Frogs and MTB shoes with a carbon sole. I get a lot of flack for saying this, but it's true: For most riders, road pedal systems are just plain overkill while being harder to use.

Minion1

todayilearned

??

dpeters11

It's funny, I mentioned using Frogs on my road bike to one bike shop and they looked at me like I was crazy. They said they'd never heard of such a thing. I mention it to someone at another shop (this being a fairly high end one, they made my wife's custom wheels), and they said they do it all the time.

Minion1

The name of the plane is ol Flak Joe. Halfspeed said he'd cop flack for using frogs.

halfspeed

Of course they do. Tons of people who ride predominantly road use MTB pedal systems. That doesn't mean road systems are worthless. I use Zeros most of the time. I just think they are way oversold to people who don't really need them.

halfspeed

I'm either not cool enough or not drunk enough to understand that post.