From Platforms to Clipless: Newbie needs your input on Speedplay pedals...
 

I've been riding my road bike 4-5 days a week for a couple of months and now that I am used to the bike, riding in traffic, etc, I am excited about making the switch to clipless pedals. A friend suggested Speedplay citing easy in/out, dual entry, lots of float, cornering clearance, etc. After doing some reading I was ready to make the leap, however when I asked my LBS guy (who I respect) what he thought of Speedplay he said he hated them (their design, problems installing, cleat wear/cost, etc). He said the dual sided thing wasn't really that big of an advantage since non-dual entry pedals are weighted so that the pedals are "right side up" and therefore easy to get into...

My questions for you:

1. Is there a true advantage to dual entry pedals?
2. On average are Speedplays (light action) easier to get in/out of compared to other pedals?
3. Are Speedplay pedal systems really that fragile or will I be OK if I do the recommended care/maintenance (cleat covers, dry lube on cleats, re-grease as directed)?

Thanks in advance,

-Mike

I've tried every pedal (well not every pedal, but have spent a LOT of time on Look, Time, and Shimano pedals). I currently ride Speedplay.

1.)yes, absolutely IME. I never look down when I clip in anymore.
2.)About the same. I prefer Zero cleats to Light Action cleats myself (Light Action pedals and Zero pedals appear to be same pedal - only the cleats are different)
3.)Not really more fragile - cleats can be a little bit of a pain to set up initially.

to add to #1. you dont need to look down for the other brands. it just takes some muscle memory and you can quickly find the pedal.

to add to #3. loctite on cleat bolts. about once a year i see someone whos bolts got loose and couldnt unclip a foot.

Thanks, ravenmore. What do you prefer about zero cleats and are you using them with zero pedals (I thought remember reading something about people using zero cleats with different SP pedals??)? Is the "action," that is getting in/out the same feel between the zeros and light action? What's the case for Zeros over Light Action? I understand you can adjust the float on Zeros but do a lot of people end up doing that? I don't know if it's true but I thought I heard that the owner of SP used (or even raced with) light action.

Good to know about the loctite, UC223. I know that Speedplay suggests reapplying it under certain circumstances but I hadn't hear of using it yearly. Makes sense... Thanks.

I loved mine until I got mud on them. After I cleaned them they were awesome again! Just keep the cleats clean.

#1 : Certainly usefull, but not a must.
#2 : They are hard at first, but quite easy after, just put some weight and it's done.
#3 : No problems with mine yet, but I had them for less than a year.

Many thousands of miles on the other brands. Frequently when you kick off the pedal rotates causing you to have to look down. Even pro's miss with single sided pedals some times. I recall Lance losing a couple seconds in a TT because he missed a clip at the start and had to look down.

I have a set of Light Action pedals on one bike and Zeros on the other. I frequently use Light Action cleats on the Zero pedals and vice versa with no issues. Light Action cleats on a Zero pedal essentially turn it into a Light Action pedal and, again, vice versa. I prefer the more positive disengagement of the Zero cleat, and I also like limiting the float vs the crazy amount of float the Light Action cleats have.

Thanks everyone... I am feeling pretty good about the Zeros. A couple more questions...

a.Is the "Wear Protector" shim that Speedplay offers a worthwhile investment?

b. How long do cleats last?

c. Finally, I am going to have my LBS install the pedal system. I understand that set up of the cleats can sometimes be frustrating and there are differences of opinion on adjustment/tightening of screws and so forth. Is there anything that I should communicate to or request of my LBS as far as the installation?

I'm hard on cleats. Real hard. My light action cleats need to be replaced right now - they're about a year old. The rubber cleat covers for walking around in are worthwhile - Speedplay cleats suck to walk on them bare and they can damage floors due to the metal. Don't be afraid of installing cleats. Maybe have your LBS show you the first time. I use a drill with a phillips bit on it and I can remove/replace my cleats in a couple minutes now. The thing you want to watch out for is overtightening the final 4 screws. If you do it can make it very hard to clip in/unclip.

1) Little advantage to dual side - once you get used to any system, it's instintive
2) About the same
3) Speedplay cleats do wear out faster and require much more attention/maintenance

The longer answer is you need to find out for yourself. Most cyclists end up changing/trying out multiple bike parts over time to find out what works best for them. If you're a newbie, it's a good idea to find a LBS that you know and trust. Listening to their advice and posting here for opinions gets you no where - you'll get advice all over the place

wrong. He actually pulled his foot out of the pedal at the start of the time trial. At a time trial you start out already clipped in with someone holding you at the line.

1. you mean coffee shop covers? If you like to walk around a lot, yes.

2. How much do you ride? If you ride 2-3 times a week, probably 1.5-2 years.

4. If you have a proper bike fitting, the fitter should do this for you, otherwise, it's easy to do on your own. I'm sure there are youtube videos or blogs explaining how to do it. As far as torque for the screws, it's pretty universal, do it to spec. The important thing is to get the positioning right which a fitter would help you with.

Finally, zero's are pretty frustrating at first, but certainly worth it. Just practice because it's a bit of an art getting your cleat in just the right position. When I switch my cleats out, I find it's a bit of an adjustment trying to get the cleat into the pedal even though I've done it thousands of times.

reallly? watch it again.

pros, easy to clip into, very secure feel, lots of float for easy on the knees riding. cons, extremely clunky cleat. i have speedplays x2s on my dedicated training bike, ie, riding for ridings sake. forgot them if you are even thinking about commuting with them or intend on alot of stop and go situation. if thats the case, just go with crank brothers or spds and a shoe with a recessed cleat.

In 05?

Yeah he pulled out.

c. Try to get the LBS bike-frame fitter to watch you ride on a trainer. There are adjustments they can make, like installing little wedges for foot alignment and the obvious fore and aft location of the cleat.

Are you blind?

SD...

--By wear protector I mean the shim below. Does this come with the SP pedal systems or is this something extra?

http://www.probikekit.com/us/contact...him-13290.html

--I ride about 4-5 times a week 7 months a year.

--I've had my fitting but they said I could come back to tweak my fit when I get the pedal system. I think they' said they'd install my pedals/cleats, which is good since I am not mechanically inclined. Maybe I'll watch though if they'll let me.

--Zero's are more frustrating than LAs at first? Would you recommend Zeros over LAs for the reasons that ravenmore lists above?

Thanks...

This one?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOQfl...02EFB206B42682

Looks to me like he wasn't clipped in properly

My experience exactly.

Keep 'em clean, and they're excellent pedals.

I have used Light Action pedals since they were introduced in 2006. I love them. They are extremely easy to clip in and out of. I have heard that it takes about half as much pressure to engage the Light Action pedals as it does with Zeros, but I have no experience with Zeros.

I started with SPD-SL pedals and I had a hard time getting in and out of them especially on hills when the pedals would hang close to upside down. Also, I do not use coffee covers anymore. I coat the cleats with Shoe Goo which makes them easy to walk in and appears to extend the life of the cleats. I am on my second set of cleats since 2006. However, I missed a year of riding due to surgery.

1) Yes.
2) Yes.
3) No.