Speedplay Pedals

[slowtwitch]

I'm considering buying speedplay zero's (currently on Dura Ace 7750's)

What are the pro's and con's

 

Do they last (I hate changing body covers(wear plate) on DA's all the time) or do they also wear out

 

Is the platform stability really an issue. Pro's don't seem to use them unless you're CSC and sposored by speedplay

 

Cleat system doesn't seem as robust as shimano/ Look cleats i.e. dirt getting in there, and much more expensive (do they last longer?)

 

Weight is approx same as other high end pedals if you incl cleats

 

They look cool and add bling to your bike

 

Please give me your thoughts and experience with SPEEDPLAY

[Christie]

I own 3 sets of Speedplay, all the stainless version. I got the first pair in 2005, imported them myself from the USA.

 

Pro:

Lots of adjustable free rotational float. If you don't like it, you can completely lock the float out as well. It works very well for me, because I pedal with my heels in.

The clipping mechanism does not wear at all during use, no/very little chance of foot unclipping during sprints.

Double sided entry.

Lots of cornering clearence. (Shoe will scrape before pedal)

Robust pedal body, does not damage easily in a crash. Pedal bearings are easy to grease and last a long, long time (2005 pair still rolling nicely.)

 

Con:

Expensive cleats.

Bottom plate of cleat should not be walked on! Its an aluminium plate, and wears out if you walk on them. Problem easily avouded with some cleat covers.

 

The clip spring thingie in the cleat fatigues from clipping in and out. I ride a fair amount, 5 - 6 days a week, a part of this clip have broken off twice now on the left cleat. Lasts me about 18 months. The cleat still works, but unclipping becomes harder. I dont know if you can get a replacement the clip - both times I just replaced the cleats.

 

Pro teams ride what they are sponsored with - don't read a lot into that. If few pro's ride them, it only means they don't sponsor a lot of pros. They are a much smaller company than Look or Shimano, won't have such a big sponsorship budget.

[slowtwitch]

Any other comments or experience from others...

[Anthony]

i changed from dura-ace to speedplay.

 

the adjustability of the pedals was key for me. i had problems with my itb for a couple of years and only after changing did i get over the problem.

 

all in all i'd say a really comfortable pedal with fantastic float adjustment system...

[slowtwitch]

And durability of your pedals and cleats?

[AndreZA]

Get the newer Shimano pedals where the body covers are stainless steel and never wears out. Cleat prices and durability was the deciding factor when I was shopping. Also availability. Every shop stocks Shimano cleats, not everybody has Speedplay cleats.

 

 

 

..

 

 

 

 

 

 

[slowpoke]

i went from look to speedplay and will never go back - the float is phenomenal and i've yet to "accidentally unclip"

[Spinnekop]

LOVE my time peddles and cleats.  No issues.  Cleats last about 3 years.

[Anthony]

i've had them for just over a year now and i'm still on the 1st pair of cleats.

 

the alu plate that you walk on is wearing but the parts that serve the function of clipping in and out still appear fine, so yes they do last longer than plastic cleats.

[Wolweseun]

Speed play are fantastic and way superior imho I had Look KEO Ti bfore and will never go back

it took a few rides to get used to the speedplay's but i love them

Cleats last for ages and you wont unclip by mistake I also use the track versions on my track bike

 

[APJ88]

im happy, used shimano dura ace pedals 4 3 years, no problems at all, but then i developed a left knee problem after a crash, and the speedplays sorted most of the problem out-because of the play, ive also not ever clipped out in a sprint, and it feels good, takes a while to get used to, but if you want play go for speedplay, if you dont go for shimano, theres very little cons on both...