Getting speedplay pedals. what are the differences?
 

looking to get some speedplay pedals, trying to figure out which model to go with. zero, x series, or the frogs. forgot light action

this would be my first clipless experience.

I'm happy with my cr-mo X/5. You can still find them in some places.

The real point of speedplays for me is boatloads of float and double sided. I would buy the set that gives the most amount of float but within budget. For me, that is the white Zero cr-mo pedal.

the reason i'm getting them is i hear they don't unclip on accident and i need the float.

what i need to know is what the differences are. the frogs are the only ones that actually look different.

don't want to pay for a feature i don't need.

I assume you have been to the speedplay site and used their own pedal feature comparison matrix...

Wait wait wait. Please don't start another rumor that will take years to undo (yeah, BF has a LONG memory for false rumors).

No pedals unclip on accident when used properly.

All pedals unclip on accident when not used properly.

how about don't unclip on accident as frequently.

just ran through the comparison chart. is it safe to assume that the zero is the best? the others have free float while the zero is adjustable? or that just different, not better or worse.

The idea is that if you use them properly, you will never unclip accidentally.

(Though one might say that brakeless FG on the street is an improper use of any clipless design)

To answer your question:

Speedplay Zeros are the most popular and what I would suggest, especially for fixed-gear use. You can adjust the float range from 0 to 15 degrees. The engagement mechanism is in the cleat, not the pedal. This makes the cleat relatively big and just about impossible to walk on. The float system is amazing, though. It feels like you aren't even connected.

Speedplay has the most sophisticated fit system of any brand. Wedges, extensions, stacks, etc...It's amazing if you take advantage of it.

That being said, Shimano SPD-SL seems to be the predominant pedal on the race scene, especially among sprinters. I use Dura-Ace. I used Speedplay last season. Speedplay seems to be most popular on the road scene.

my next question is about shoe compatibility. the road shoes i've looked at all have 3 bolt patterns.

The cleats fit 3 hole shoes. Comes with an adapter. No need to worry.

+1 those are the ones I use personally on all my bikes.