Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Road Cycling
Reload this Page >

Speedplay Zero review

Notices
Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

Speedplay Zero review

Old 04-23-13, 01:06 PM
  #1  
padawan
Thread Starter
 
snookanglr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Fort Myers, FL
Posts: 79

Bikes: Felt Breed 30, Bianchi Intenso, Trek Madone, Cannondale Synapse, Giant Anthem

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3 Times in 1 Post
Speedplay Zero review

Previously I used Shimano PD-5700 105 pedals but I started having knee pain and I hoped that the more float of Speedplays might alleviate this issue. Also, I was never entirely happy with clipping out on SPD-SL pedals because the process was somewhat sticky and jerky. I’m about 2 months into using chromoly Speedplay Zeros and I think I’ve used them enough that I can do a review.

My first few rides on these pedals was a heaven and hell experience. It was heaven when I was clipped in but hell when I was clipped out and trying to get back in. These pedals definitely have a break in period! At first, clipping in was so difficult and frustrating that I thought about selling them. I’m fairly lightweight (145 lbs.) and that’s probably part of the problem. Lighter-weight people are going to have more trouble and a longer break in period. For really light people you might want to have someone heavier break them in for you. I’m glad I stuck with them though because clipping in got much easier and I now see that this is a vastly superior pedal system.

Once you get through the break-in period clipping in becomes very easy. Keep the pedal flat, line up the cleat, push down firmly until you hear a slight click and then push down even harder and you will feel and hear a loud snap. Giving you foot a slight movement like you are squishing a bug helps too. One excellent feature of these pedals is that they are dual sided so you don’t really have to look at the pedal when clipping in. And lining up the cleat is easy because the cleat really grabs the pedal. In fact, you can pedal fairly easily while not clipped in because the pedal fits so snugly into the cleat even while unclipped. That was particularly helpful during my learning period and I had to pedal much of my time unclipped.. A little bit of dry lube on the cleat helps too but don’t overdo it because too much can muck them up.

Clipping out on these shoes has been easy from day one. A slight movement of your feet away from the bike and they pop right off smoothly. They’ve never inadvertently clipped out on me.

As I mentioned at the beginning, I bought these pedals in hopes that they’d be good for my knees. The flexibility of float certainly does help my knees. My old pedals had about 4 degrees of float. Speedplay Zeros can be adjusted from 0 to 15. I started with 8 degrees of float or right about in the middle. I liked that setting and felt improvement in my knees but just to experiment I did a few rides with 10-12 degrees of float. That was too much for me so I went back to 8 and I really think that’s perfect. Any higher than 8 and I feel less in control when out of the saddle. That’s one of the main selling points of these pedals, the adjustability. It really is great. As I said, the float has helped my knees but it’s not just the float that helps. These pedals lock in at the balls of your feet whereas other systems feel more like it’s your toes that are locked in, like with ski bindings. The position of Speedplay cleats and pedals feels very natural giving your legs a much more natural range of motion. Your legs move how they want to move without restriction.

These pedals are incredibly light and I also feel like I’m getting better power transfer and handling with these pedals. I don’t have a way to prove it but I certainly feel it during sprints and when cornering.

My only complaint with Speedplays is that they are difficult to walk in. However, I’m diligent about putting on Kool Kovers and those really help. I keep them in my jersey pocket and snap them on if I’m going to walk in grass or dirt or any farther than 10’. Using the Kool Kovers has keep my cleats clean.

I can’t speak to the durability of these pedals and cleats because I’ve only used them for 3 months but so far they still look great. I also can’t speak to ease of cleat installation because I had the store that I bought them from do the install. They did a great job and I haven’t had any issues with them loosening up.

Overall, I’m enamored with Speedplay Zero pedals and can’t imagine going back to SPD-L or trying anything else. If you have any sort of pain issues you have to try them but really anyone and everyone is going to benefit from these pedals.
snookanglr is offline  
Old 04-23-13, 01:36 PM
  #2  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 16

Bikes: 2011 Tarmac Expert

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I've been riding SS Zeros for two years. They've held up well, but they do feel "loose" now compared to when I first got them. I've never come out, though, so I wouldn't call that an issue.

I've installed cleats for myself and several friends who I've talked into going Speedplay. It's not hard, but it is a two step process (unless you have SP specific shoes). You have to attach the base plate to the shoe, and then attach the cleat to the baseplate...still takes only a few minutes...but if you need to adjust the position of the cleat, you have to take it off, then adjust the baseplate.

Walking was an issue for me too...my building has marble floors that don't agree with metal cleats. I also had to get some rubber cleat covers to put on to walk through the lobby.
LamontC is offline  
Old 04-23-13, 01:47 PM
  #3  
Certifiably crazy!
 
Carloswithac's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 503

Bikes: Felt Z5, Edict 9

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Get some of these!

https://www.keeponkovers.com/Product.html

I love mine!
Carloswithac is offline  
Old 04-23-13, 01:48 PM
  #4  
Powered by Borscht
 
ovoleg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SoCal
Posts: 8,342

Bikes: Russian Vodka

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Been riding Zero's for like 5 years. I dont get why more people dont just switch to Zero's. They're the best...
ovoleg is offline  
Old 04-23-13, 01:52 PM
  #5  
Powered by Borscht
 
ovoleg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SoCal
Posts: 8,342

Bikes: Russian Vodka

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Carloswithac
Get some of these!

https://www.keeponkovers.com/Product.html

I love mine!
useless and add weight when carrying around while riding. I've never had issues with my pedals but then again I don't run 5k's with my cycling shoes on.
ovoleg is offline  
Old 04-23-13, 01:54 PM
  #6  
Lula Mae = 15 lbs.
 
bike_boy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: I keep hitting <Escape>, but I'm still here!
Posts: 766

Bikes: 2011 Trek Madone 6.5 w/SRAM Red 22

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I find that it takes 2+ months of use to break in Speedplay cleats. Gotta keep 'em clean from debris, too.
bike_boy is offline  
Old 04-23-13, 02:11 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
I <3 Robots's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: So Cal
Posts: 1,657

Bikes: Cervelo S2, Workswell 062, Banshee Spitfire

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by ovoleg
useless and add weight when carrying around while riding. I've never had issues with my pedals but then again I don't run 5k's with my cycling shoes on.
You don't carry them. They allow you to clip in without having to remove them.
I <3 Robots is offline  
Old 04-23-13, 02:22 PM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
ARPRINCE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: 38° 53' 51.635" N 77° 2' 11.507" W
Posts: 863

Bikes: 2021 Tern Verge X11 + Cannondale 2016 CAAD12 eTap + 2011 Synapse Alloy 5 Ultegra

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 150 Post(s)
Liked 24 Times in 16 Posts
Originally Posted by I <3 Robots
You don't carry them. They allow you to clip in without having to remove them.
lolz....I guess he was referring to the other cover. I have this cover too. Won't use a SP without one.
ARPRINCE is offline  
Old 04-26-13, 06:00 PM
  #9  
squatchy
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Denver
Posts: 428

Bikes: S-works Roubaix, S-works Tarmac, Gary Fisher Promethius, Tommasini Competion, Eddy Merckx Corsa 01

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I liked mine so well I decided my GF should ride in them too. I weigh 100 lbs more than she. I clip in and out with total ease. She had a hard time for a while when they were new I'm sure due to her weight. I used dry lube on them for a while while they were new. They work great for her now after breaking them in for a while. I wouldn't ever want to ride in the "toe in first" style again. No comparison
squatchy is offline  
Old 04-26-13, 06:54 PM
  #10  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 4,243
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 343 Post(s)
Liked 15 Times in 9 Posts
jdon is offline  
Old 04-26-13, 08:16 PM
  #11  
Banned
 
BoSoxYacht's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: take your time, enjoy the scenery, it will be there when you get to it
Posts: 7,281

Bikes: 07 IRO BFGB fixed-gear, 07 Pedal Force RS

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by ovoleg
Been riding Zero's for like 5 years. I dont get why more people dont just switch to Zero's. They're the best...
maybe because some people have been riding Speedplay X-type pedals, long before Zeros came around.
BoSoxYacht is offline  
Old 04-26-13, 08:50 PM
  #12  
SuperGimp
 
TrojanHorse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Whittier, CA
Posts: 13,346

Bikes: Specialized Roubaix

Mentioned: 147 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1106 Post(s)
Liked 64 Times in 47 Posts
Originally Posted by Carloswithac
Get some of these!

https://www.keeponkovers.com/Product.html

I love mine!
+1.

I'm trying to stretch 'em out a little longer with some shoo goo but I love those things. Speedplay really missed the boat not making some available.
TrojanHorse is offline  
Old 04-26-13, 08:55 PM
  #13  
Still kicking.
 
Dannihilator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Annandale, New Jersey
Posts: 19,678

Bikes: Bike Count: Rising.

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 159 Post(s)
Liked 46 Times in 32 Posts
Originally Posted by ovoleg
Been riding Zero's for like 5 years. I dont get why more people dont just switch to Zero's. They're the best...
I went from Speedplay zero's to shimano and am much happier with the shimano set up.
__________________
Appreciate the old bikes more than the new.
Dannihilator is offline  
Old 04-26-13, 09:20 PM
  #14  
Maud Magnet
 
antmeeks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 765

Bikes: 2012 Specialized Allez Comp, 2001 Kona Stuff

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Dannihilator
I went from Speedplay zero's to shimano and am much happier with the shimano set up.
There's always a contrarian in every crowd ^^^
antmeeks is offline  
Old 04-26-13, 09:51 PM
  #15  
Senior Member
 
Dunbar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SoCal
Posts: 3,079

Bikes: Roubaix SL4 Expert , Cervelo S2

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 85 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by TrojanHorse
I'm trying to stretch 'em out a little longer with some shoo goo but I love those things.
I couldn't justify spending ~$25 w/ shipping on those things to protect $40 cleats that I toss every year or so. You can pretty badly mangle the bottom of Speedplay cleats by walking on concrete without affecting their functionality. Not that you'll want to do much walking with Speedplay cleats.
Dunbar is offline  
Old 04-26-13, 09:53 PM
  #16  
Banned
 
BoSoxYacht's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: take your time, enjoy the scenery, it will be there when you get to it
Posts: 7,281

Bikes: 07 IRO BFGB fixed-gear, 07 Pedal Force RS

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by Dunbar
I couldn't justify spending ~$25 w/ shipping on those things to protect $40 cleats that I toss every year or so. You can pretty badly mangle the bottom of Speedplay cleats by walking on concrete without affecting their functionality.
I wish someone would make a Speedplay cleat with a Ti or SS plate.
BoSoxYacht is offline  
Old 04-26-13, 11:32 PM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
Will Goes Boing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 234
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I just got the SP zeros too and my experience was pretty similar to yours except I wasn't able to get clipped in AT ALL. Turns out I over tightened the four bolts on the cleats. I loosened them up, added some oil on the C clip and now they clip in every time. Still a tad stiff but that's expected as there is a break-in period, but I must say I am never going back to shimano/keo type pedals/cleats.

As for the keeponkovers... I ordered a set of those too. Initially my logic was the same as one of the posters.... why spend $30 on covers when a replacement cleat is $40? Well..... that question was answered when I slipped and almost fell on my arse when I was walking my bike out of the garage. Those cleats are slippery! Aside from the grip that the keeponkovers provide I also like the fact that if the screws start loosening they won't fall off completely. That was another huge selling point for me since the screws aren't suppose to be tightened down too much.
Will Goes Boing is offline  
Old 04-26-13, 11:37 PM
  #18  
Senior Member
 
Dunbar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SoCal
Posts: 3,079

Bikes: Roubaix SL4 Expert , Cervelo S2

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 85 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by Will Goes Boing
I also like the fact that if the screws start loosening they won't fall off completely.
You can use Locktite on the screws once you get the cleat positioning squared away. The screws will back out over time if you don't. I believe Speedplay is OK with using Shoe Goo around the edges to prevent slipping. Those covers look like they'd be pretty slick on smooth, wet concrete.
Dunbar is offline  
Old 04-26-13, 11:43 PM
  #19  
Banned
 
BoSoxYacht's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: take your time, enjoy the scenery, it will be there when you get to it
Posts: 7,281

Bikes: 07 IRO BFGB fixed-gear, 07 Pedal Force RS

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by Dunbar
You can use Locktite on the screws once you get the cleat positioning squared away. The screws will back out over time if you don't. I believe Speedplay is OK with using Shoe Goo around the edges to prevent slipping. Those covers look like they'd be pretty slick on smooth, wet concrete.
Maybe it's because I learned how to walk in ski boots before I turned 3 years old, but i have no problems walking with Speedplay cleats.
BoSoxYacht is offline  
Old 04-27-13, 07:15 AM
  #20  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 86
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
A lot of the guys I ride with are quite vociferous in their dislike of Speedplay pedals. Interestingly, however, this only comes from guys who don't ride them.
Taipei325 is offline  
Old 04-27-13, 09:58 AM
  #21  
Senior Member
 
DGlenday's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Frederick, MD
Posts: 1,248

Bikes: Cannondale, Trek

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 33 Post(s)
Liked 2 Times in 1 Post
I found that it took a while to 'break in' the Speedplays. But later, when I got new pedals for a new bike and replaced my cleats at the same time, they clipped in with no problem.

So I think the 'break in' is really just a matter of the rider getting used to the motion.

Originally Posted by bike_boy
I find that it takes 2+ months of use to break in Speedplay cleats. Gotta keep 'em clean from debris, too.
Bear in mind that - regardless of how well you protect the cleats - you will have to replace them from time to time. They're cheap, though.

Another consideration:

I find that the 4 mounting screws come out too easily. I once did a fast 130-miler and couldn't understand what was wrong with the cleat on one foot. Took the shoe off at the end, and it was being held in with one screw! Now - every time I lube my chain, I also lube the cleats (with chain lube) and check the screws, and I keep a few spare screws that I was able to order from my LBS. About once a year I dismantle the whole thing, clean and lube and re-assemble them. Definitely improves the performance (clipping in/out, staying clipped in, float, etc.)

Originally Posted by Dunbar
...Not that you'll want to do much walking with Speedplay cleats.
I once crashed out about 4 miles from the end of a long ride. No SAG service, and I had to walk the remaining 4 miles, carrying the bike. I had coffee-covers in my back pocket, and had no problem with that walk.
DGlenday is offline  
Old 04-27-13, 10:02 AM
  #22  
Senior Member
 
DGlenday's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Frederick, MD
Posts: 1,248

Bikes: Cannondale, Trek

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 33 Post(s)
Liked 2 Times in 1 Post
Originally Posted by Carloswithac
Get some of these!

https://www.keeponkovers.com/Product.html

I love mine!
Not for me - sorry. I don't want that extra weight going around every pedal stroke.

I just throw a pair of coffee-covers into my pocket on longer rides, and do without on shorter, faster rides.

$10 at Performance :

DGlenday is offline  
Old 04-27-13, 03:21 PM
  #23  
Randomhead
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 24,335
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3,643 Times in 2,485 Posts
given the number of people that have switched to Shimano from Speedplays, I don't think it takes a contrarian. I bought 3 pairs of used speedplays from one guy that was switching, only way I would have so many because they aren't cheap.

Originally Posted by DGlenday
Bear in mind that - regardless of how well you protect the cleats - you will have to replace them from time to time. They're cheap, though.
I don't think $45 is cheap, particularly for the X series cleat which is a very simple object. I've thought about fabricating the wire, which is basically all that wears out

Last edited by unterhausen; 04-27-13 at 03:35 PM.
unterhausen is offline  
Old 04-27-13, 07:03 PM
  #24  
Senior Member
 
Broid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Half Moon Bay
Posts: 326

Bikes: Parlee Altum R, 85 Eddy Merckx Professional

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times in 4 Posts
Love my Zero's. have any of you tried these...?

https://www.keeponkovers.com/Product.html

Attached Images
File Type: jpg
a6473b713cdb268fce6b24_m.jpg (4.3 KB, 11 views)
Broid is offline  
Old 04-27-13, 07:11 PM
  #25  
Roubaix for me !!
 
TANC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Central NC
Posts: 101

Bikes: Specialized Roubaix and Allez

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Dannihilator
I went from Speedplay zero's to shimano and am much happier with the shimano set up.
+1
TANC is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.