Speedplays

I started out with first-generation Look pedals (no float), then went to Shimano SPD (the MTB style) for several years, then to Speedplay (the X-series). I've been on the Speedplays for about 4 years now.

I've found that the Speedplays need a little more maintenance to keep clipping in easy, otherwise it takes a little pushing forward or backward to get the cleat to engage. But there is the definite plus of not having to make sure the pedal is "upright".

The free float is a strange sensation initially, but that goes away quickly (the sensation, not the float).

Thanks!!! 

Does the free float sensation, literally, allow your heel to sway with each stroke?  My foot stays fixed right now - I'm wondering if this type of freedom might make me feel more unstable, especially when I'm climbing!

Echoing what the above poster said...Speedplay Zero's are great for many reasons.

First of all...the float issue.  It's not "unlimited" float, but more of a wide degree of float that is completely adjustable.  You can screw the adjustments down to Zero float if you like.  I too came to Speedplay after developing a knee problem.  The Shimano SPD-L pedals were tearing me up.  However they're not just for people with knee problems. 

They're light.  They have a very high lean clearance, so the likelihood of you catching a pedal on the pavement when sharp cornering is lessened.  Clipping in and out is a piece of cake.  Stomp and go....twist and you're out.

At first you will notice a different sensation, as described as slipping on ice.  Your entire foot doesn't slide, but just your heal depending on how much float you've dialed in.

IMO:  Speedplay Zero is the end-all to road pedals.

You will feel unstable initially (don't try them for the first time on race day), and yes, they do allow your heel to move throughout each pedal stroke. But... Within 3 rides or so that sensations starts to dissapate very rapidly. Within 2 weeks you won't know the difference.

Okay, I guess I'm going to be the only one to say I didn't like Speedplays, the very reason being all the float.

I went from generic spd's to Speedplays, while admittedly a clipless newbie, and really tried to like them (since I got them based solely on all the Speedplay love here on BT), but I just could not get used to all the float. Regardless of how much time I spent riding, I still found that feet-slipping-on-ice feeling too disconcerting and distracting that it affected my pedal stroke and caused me to avoid standing on the pedals, so after almost an entire season I switched to Crank Brother's Quattro road pedals and found real pedal love.

Quattros have quite a few similarities with Speedplays: low stack height, good cornering clearance, no-look clipping in, and double-sided entry (but with 4 points of entry instead of just 2), with adjustable tensioned float that allow you to select between different release angles depending on which way you mount the cleat.

Where Quattros really trump Speedplays, IMHO, is they require no maintenance (cleaning/lubing) and you can actually run in the shoes - they have composite cleat adapters that sort of recess the cleat, allowing you traction so you don't have to walk like a duck or slip around, and the cleats DO NOT clog like Speedplays.

And just like Speedplays, they come in an assortment of colours to match your kit or bike, if that's important to you.

I also tried speedplays when trying to pick out pedals for my tribike. I have spd sl's on my  road bike (similar to look) and that is what I am used to. I did not like all the float on the speedplays. Hated it- seemed to make it harder to clip out of and I didn't like that.

So I went with Time pedals. Similar motion to clip in and out as my spd sl's. So far I've been happy with the Time.

I was brand new to cycling and have nothing to compare to, but I love Speedplays...3 main reasons, double-sided, very easy to get in and out of, float (nice to be able to move your foot a little bit if your feet are getting numb).  Your foot is totally secure when you're clipped in, so I don't notice the float at all unless I'm consciously wanting to move my foot.  Definitely not noticing float while climbing, all thoughts on quad burning and getting my a$$ up the hill.

 Good luck!

Bripod - 2008-08-08 1:34 AM So... those of you who had Speedplays and didn't like them, do you have a set you're looking to get rid of???

I think my coach has a set for sale that is $50. PM me if you are interested and I'll pass along her email...

Bripod - 2008-08-08 1:34 AM So... those of you who had Speedplays and didn't like them, do you have a set you're looking to get rid of???

 Bripod--I like the way you think!!!

Hi Folks,

  Resurrecting the thread here.  I just got a pair of Speedplay Light Action pedals.  They are my first clipless pedals.  I'm right handed/footed and I'm having a bit of a problem clipping in and out and haven't found it actually addressed.  I can clip in and out effortlessly with the right pedal but not the left.  With the left foot, I rotate the foot out to the left but nothing happens- still clipped in...  I have found a solution is to rotate the foot and then twisting the outside of foot to get the foot unclipped.  It "sometimes" works and seems very forced, a very different feeling than the right.  Does the position of the cleat on the shoe effect this?  Or would this be a case of operator error, which I admit may be entirely the case?   Thanks!