Reverence: Speedplay Pedals
I’m old as dirt. My first two race bikes employed toe clips and toe straps and that set-up was bad. For many reasons it was bad and any retro-hipster who thinks otherwise is wrong. When Lemond and Hinault started racing on the white Look clipless pedals, everyone but Sean Kelly quickly switched. Talk about a quantum improvement, it was long overdue change. Look made improvements to their models, like the notion of float, and other manufactures jumped in. The new paradigm was a cleat on the pedal, like the original quill pedal system but with a spring loaded snap-in, twist-out pedal. Everyone was happy.
Everyone is happy until you have to replace a worn out plastic cleat. Did I walk a lot in my cycling shoes? Did all liquor stores have rough cement floors with giant moving sanding belts in front of the cash registers? I don’t remember that but I do remember replacing cleats too often and the duplication of cleat position was tedious. I could live with that, practice makes perfect but it was the creaking that drove me to madness. No amount of wax could stop the occasional creaking the cleat and pedals would make while climbing. Rule #65 was being violated before it was a Rule.
Wiser friends had already switched to Speedplay pedals. I was a little wary; they looked weird. One day into using them I understood: total frictionless float, two-sided entry, mindless pedal release. There is no cleat alignment issue as the pedal has no fixed position in the cleat. I was overcome with regret. Why had I waited so long? Why did I stick with creaking Look French pedals? Life is too short for such rubbish and I wasted too much of my cycling life with them. I’ve been using the X-series stainless steel pedals and the original pair was happily going on eighteen-plus years until I replaced the pedal needle bearings and bodies…I don’t want to talk about it. If you employ the good aftermarket cleat covers, and use a little white lightning teflon on the cleat spring bales, the cleats can last a few years. The pedal bodies have grease injector ports. Inject, wipe clean and that is the maintenance routine, easy and fun.
I’ve never used another model of Speedplay so I can’t speak to the advantage of limited float. When riding my right foot does a weird swing out toward the bottom of each stroke. To my mind that is a good thing, the float allows my leg to do that, without that maybe some extra knee wear would occur.
Frank and I have discussed the great pedal switch and his major obstacle to switching pedals is having to switch the whole n+1 stable over and that is not cheap. For Frank and VHM that stable may be five bikes. That’s a lot of pedals. Inertia. Commitment. It’s a big problem. Or one takes Marko’s approach: different shoes for each bike.
I have brand loyalties but if another cycling product is superior in form and function I hope I will see that and move on. Campagnolo gruppos and Chris King headsets are two brands on my bikes that I don’t see moving away from but I would ditch either of those before I would stop using Speedplay pedals. I’m that convinced.
This film is from Peloton’s website. It’s an interesting look at some American cycling manufacturing including Speedplay.
[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/43771401[/vimeo]
Speedplay founder video was a great reward today.
I love my speedplays. Thanks for that Gianni. Teflon dry wax every ride is no hassle. One has to be careful not to get too much mud in them if wrenching at the side of the road mid-ride.
@snoov
or snow. yeah, I’ve done that too. They don’t like being packed with either. I’ve become a little more compulsive about putting on the cleat covers now but I don’t like to fill up my jersey pockets with them either so I usually don’t bring covers on rides. I’m going to see how many years I can make the cleats last.
I can certainly live without that creaking noise of Shimano SPDs but the cost of Speedplay pedals was a big impediment in the switch. I hope to cut down on my food intake and save some money from my measly graduate school stipend for these babies.
When my beloved Bianchi was returned to me by the fine people at the Cincinnati Police Department (perhaps I should make that a story–missing for 7 months, found on Craigslist) my pedals were gone. In their place were horrific platforms with clips and straps that appear to have never been tightened.
So, like any wise person, I first removed the saddle and vowed never to place my ass where unknown thieving ass had perched.
Then, I bought Speedplays. Just because I felt like it. I didn’t comparison shop. I didn’t even test them first. I just walked into my LBS and said, “Speedplay.” Again, after saying Selle Italia.
Wow. Reverence doesn’t quite cut it. These pedals are fantastic.
only time I ever had noise from my LOOK pedals was when I made the newb mistake of installing without greasing the threads.
I was anti Speedplay for absolutely no good reason at all. Then when I needed an upgrade from my old Time Equipe Pros for #1 (’cause turns out finding new cleats for them is near impossible), I was talked into giving SP a try. What the fuck was I thinking for holding out so long? Simple, really easy to snap into for those super fast 0-60 crit starts, low maintenance, easily adjustable float (both heel in and heel out). Really high clearance for pedaling thru 90deg corners at speed (I have yet to catch a pedal in a crit tho part of that may be attributed to the higher bottom bracket on compact framesets). Easy to get out of, but not so easy that you get the ‘accidental release under power’. Once you go SP, you’ll never go back.
A friend of mine let me try his Speedplays out. It felt like standing on ice cubes. I was told that that feeling goes away quickly. I’m not anti-Speedplay. It’s just that I ride a LOOK and a LOOK with anything other than LOOK pedals on it would be akin to a Colnago running Dura Ace, Toyotas in NASCAR, putting A1 sauce on a perfectly grilled T-bone. The world would cease as we know it. The next thing you know a Brit would be winning the Tour.
@scaler911
I hear ya brother, much regret over not switching sooner. I love Jensie saying he sort of chooses teams by what pedals they use. That is an endorsement.
@Cyclops
The ice cube effect does go away after one or two rides but everyone notices that. I guess you have some commitment to Look but if they start a-creakin’ , ditch ’em.
@RedRanger
The threads on the cleat screws? Faaaaaaaaack, I never did that, I don’t think. So long ago though, I hope I tried that. Yeah, that would be an idiot move not to grease them, sounds about right for me.
Bought my first pair of Speedplays for $200 in the summer of 1992. They are currently on a 2010 Merckx.
I bought another pair of the exact same vintage this spring off of ebay for $10. They are on my Colnago WC for summer training.
Only the second pair of cleats in 21 years. Cleat covers are worth the money!
@Gianni
Live and learn right? Only had to make that mistake once.
@Gianni I meant the pedal threads that go into the crank. For what ever reason greasing the screws came natural but not the pedals them selves.
@Gianni
My cleats lasted a little longer than two years before the retaining spring broke and i had to replace them.
I don’t carry cleat covers often, but I think the wear and tear came from two years (and 8,000 kms) of urban riding, lots of stops and unclipping from the side that finally broke.
I’ve alway liked the look of the speedplay and I’ve always heard good stories about them, but I’ve to walk too much for those cleats.
I’ve always mounted shimano pedals on my bikes even when using campagnolo…
Reverence, again timely (!) I love my Speedplay Zeros. I made the switch when they sponsored Floyd, and while yes, that was in my PV (pre-velomiatus) naiivite period, I was looking for a reason to try something new. I never had any luck with SPDs, and was always fumbling clipins on uphill starts with Look. 30 seconds into a first SP ride, and I was sold.
I recently overhauled my zeros. Interestingly, they were the source of a clicking noice I could never track down. SP apparently has been rather…uncooperative…with folks over overhaul parts and services, even apparently legally threatening folks offering overhaul services. I purchased factory bearings at a premium price, but even at $40/set, it was cheaper than replacing the stainless zeros. There is a set of pictures on the internet to show you how to do the straightforward replacement. I had about 5000 miles on them, but fairly, wasn’t real punctual on greasing them. They are now totally silent.
Sadly, I often forget my covers, so I have to replace cleats about once a year. $40 for a set. I set them to no float. I’m lucky, for now, kneewise.
I saw a report that Clenbutador uses significantly modified Speedplays. Apparently, his personal mechanic has set them up so they will spin on the spindle for some period of time if you flick them with your finger. I’m guessing this comes at some cost of durability, but since his pedals only need last for about 200kms at a time, who cares?
Y’all remember my sheared SP shoe plate story from a couple of weeks back?
Fixed by LBS with new cleats under warranty – therefore on my second pair of cleats in under 21 weeks @trustnoone.
Still don’t know why it sheared – I spoke with the LBS today and they’ve just sent the whole mess back to SP. I had a minor off when I unshipped my chain at a junction (trying Franks Capagnolo Double Shift using the Go Buttons) – fell over gracefully in to grass verge at around 1 kph. Basically the four screws that stick out of the sole adaptor and hold the cleat mechanism on came out of the plastic moulding that they are part of. A one legged cycle home ensued.
Some very kind people on here put it down to the mightyness of my guns overstressing the SP’s but if Syrup and Jensie use them then I doubt it. Factory defect perhaps?
My Looks are mediaeval – roughly Elvis LeMan vintage (one of the few things I ever bought new(ish) back in the day). They still work perfectly apart from creaking like the Black Pearl in a storm.
@eightzero
Out tonight and have a big clunk coming every rev under load from the BB area. Will head to the LBS tomorrow – I need a new chain and shoes anyway (Giro’s its gonna be). Can’t work out whether the BB needs grease – unlikely at 3,500 or so k’s or the SP’s need a shot of lube. Hopefully an easy fix.
Around here has been spectacularly wet this “summer” so I guess no surprise that some bits are starting to be affected by the Flemish style grinding paste that our roads throw up in the wet. After a couple of long rides in monsoons even new Capagnolo BB’s and SP pedals might need TLC sooner than expected.
@mcsqueak
You are the only person I know who has broken a spring. The spring does wear with time as it slides over the pedal during clip-in but that is unusual.
@Pedale.Forchetta
So you use SPD pedals and shoes? My wife’s set up is the same, campagnolo with shimano pedals. Even she won’t switch over. Yes, walking with those cleats on is awkward at best. I try not to. I can’t imagine how the riders walk up the steep section of the Koppenberg with speedplays.
@Gianni
It’s his massive guns. Tore out his bottom bracket too.
@Gianni stay tuned for the next Lombardia on the 29th of September, I think that on the Muro di Sormano we’ll see a lot of walkers!
@the Engine I’ve become obsessed with the Principle of Silence. The noise I finally traced to the pedals was very, very slight, and I only got to it by process of elimination. Even destroyed a BB cup using the wrong tool taking them off to regrease and reset. It was clearly in the crank, but maddening.
I just got new Sidis with new SP cleats. The former was purely a vanity item, as my old shoes are still fine. I’ve given some thought to going with the Titanium Speedplays, but alas, they have a max rider weight limit that I exceed. Have dallied with a Ti stem as well, but Seven wants $500 for one – yikes! But choosing SPs has been easy. Love ’em.
@the Engine Out tonight and have a big clunk coming every rev under load from the BB area. Will head to the LBS tomorrow – I need a new chain and shoes anyway (Giro’s its gonna be). Can’t work out whether the BB needs grease – unlikely at 3,500 or so k’s or the SP’s need a shot of lube. Hopefully an easy fix.
I was having BB30 issues. Clunks, clicks etc. Took the cranks off, regreased everything then bought a torque wrench. I thought it was tight enough but I was way under what it should have been – 50NM. It was a bit scary torquing something up that high, but everything is now just fine and . . . quiet. Alas, I now have torque wrench I’ll only use for one job, but at least I know I’m doing things right. I have another, lower calibrated torque wrench for all the other smaller bolts etc. Worth a shot.
@Gianni, thanks for the tip about the white lightning teflon. How often do you apply it to the cleats? I have been using chain lube on the cleats. The only issue I have had with the pedals is that they do become noticeably difficult to click into if I do not lube the cleats every 2 or 3 rides. Does the teflon last longer?
@wiscot
My best guess is that it’s the BB – the monsoon has got in to it somehow – I’ll go to the LBS as I’m now a complete bufoon with tools.
Back in the day I could strip my Raleigh to its basic components in a freezing garage – but I was 14 and knew no better.
And nothing was made of carbone.
And there were no Allen keys.
Or QR’s either.
@Duende
SP recommends using the teflon. I just bought a can of the spray and spray both cleat springs liberally before every ride. I’d avoid chain lube as it tends to pick up bits of dirt and whatnot easier in my experience.
been a speedplay convert since 2005. Only problem I have is if I need to dismount (to pee- I am a girl remember) and there is any mud/dirt/sandy soil etc it clogs up the cleats…I am the rare speedplay wearer here in Belgium
@Gianni with you all the way . My attraction to Speedplay started when Tyler used them (in his Hard Man from Marblehead Days, prior to his Monkey Blood Doping Denial Days). Anyhoo, I loaded in and save for about the first few tries to click in (they are different to begin with) have NEVER looked back. They hold my shoe so much better than any other system I have used.
@Cyclops
I hear what you are saying on the need for LOOK pedals with a LOOK frame. However I now run Speedplays and LOOK. The world didn’t end, but not long after I started this combo, an Australian won the Tour de France – so not far off. As for your call on Colnago and Shimano? They go together OK. My picture of Freire rocking a rainbow Mapei kit, Colnago C50 and Dura-Ace isnt uploading, so this will have to suffice.
Try Speedplays – for more than a few minutes. With the power you obviously generate in your sprints (as your photos attest), you need a solid power transfer…
@Pedale.Forchetta
I hope you will be there with camera and press pass. Maybe it’s time for Fabian to book end his season with another Classic. The Muro di Somano, I can’t wait.
And by the way, if anyone is looking for a fairly rare, barely used (like new) set of Speedplay stainless pedals that come with a slightly narrower q-factor than the standard issue (courtesy of a bike fit that ended up not being the answer for me), they are available – free to a good home.
Let me know here – or go through one of the Keepers…
Oops – uploaded the wrong Rabo picture (anyway, they used to run Colnago/Shimano – but try these ones on
@Pedale.Forchetta
Glad to know I’m in such good company running the same set up.
@Duende
I don’t use it very often, every few weeks really. A few drops on the cleat springs and a few drops on the pedals. 80% of my riding is dry so perhaps I’d use it more if I was living in, say, ENGLAND. And @scaler911 is right, those oils hold too much grit. A little wipe down and a little teflon lube and that works well.
@farzani
That’s interesting you don’t see many SP users in Belgium. Too much mud and cow shit to step in and jam up the works? Maybe because Boonen doesn’t use them. Enough pros do use them one would think they would have finally made it into cycling crazed Belgium.
oh, don’t worry, we are not forgetting you are a girl. Guys don’t forget these things.
@scaler911 @Gianni Thanks for the tip guys. I will head out to buy myself some teflon tomorrow.
@Gianni
Yeah I’d upload a photo but I’m on vacation with only a iDevice, so the photo upload feature is disabled. Noticed one day that clicking in was difficult, and upon inspection discovered that the end had snapped off. Not that surprised, I think the manufacturer states that they are to be replaced every 5,000km, so I had clearly gotten my use out of them.
Speaking of walking up steep hills in them, on the PDX Ronde I lost speed in the last 3/4 of the ride going up a ~20% grade and it was impossible to get started again obviously. Had to walk like 100-200 feet in them, and it was the worst. Hurt more than riding up the hill did.
I’ve been thinking about switching to Speedplay and after all the comments here I will probably get some next year when I get a *real* bike. When I bought my Sidis this year I bought Look pedals and cleats and I HATE them! Ugh! Worst purchase ever.
I’ve been running Speedplay zero stainless since 2005 and don’t see myself changing anytime soon. I’m on my third set of cleats and have honestly had no issues whatsoever with them. Just a bit of lube and I try to limit my walking in them. I’ve tried a number of friends/demo bikes during that time and feel completely uncomfortable in a non floating pedal system. Nothing against them but they’re just not for me any more.
Plus – If Jens swears by them what other incentive do I need?
Darn it all! You guys got me jonesing for some speedplays! I run cheapo shimano pedals. They work fine, as I do suck. But still….. I initially wanted speedplay and my LBS pushed me away from them fairly hard. My connection at this shop knowing I’m Rule #9 compliant and the nastiness of northern new england weather, felt we were a bad match. Reading all of your reports has me second guessing. Was my friend just overreacting? They don’t sound that fragile by your accounts.
@graham d.m.
As with any bike part, the cleaner and more in tune you keep them, the longer they’ll last.
Living in So Cal we don’t get a ton of Rule #9 days. I however do love riding in the rain and make a point of doing it whenever possible and it hasn’t caused any issues with mine. I dry them off after a wet ride using my mini compressor and then hit them with a light spray lube as I do my derailleurs etc. I always recommend them to those that ask about road pedals. I know they are not cheap, but the chromoly version runs about $125.00 US which isn’t too crazy.
@Gianni
…but we think it’s kinda cool when you remind us. “Hardman” is a gender-neutral descriptor.
Float is bad for form and efficiency, leading to diminished power and bad habits. I like the idea of an easy clip-in at the start of a fast crit, but not sure that justifies the awkward platform. I too have a Look with Look pedals, not to mention 2 other bikes with Look Keos. Not gonna happen, bit I respect the different opinions.
@Skinnyphat
Whilst (you say) float may be bad for form and efficiency (compared to a perfectly straight “piston-like” action), it can help a rider stay comfortable and injury-free. Anything less than a perfectly flat back in a TT is bad for form too – but you might not be able to hold the position for more than a short time. And anyway, isnt the theory behind float that your leg/foot gets closer to finding its most natural/powerful position – which has to be good for everything?
Speedplay isnt an awkward platform. Not sure where you got that idea? And LOOK pedals allow for float too… DOnt think you can pass (meaningful) comment until you try them. Having used many different pedal systems, I would say LOOKs are as easy if not easier to click into than Speedplays.
@LA Dave I agree $125 is not bad for a contact point that you like. I probably will try them then and just not be lazy with caring for them (not a given for me). I was looking at iClics or some other such pedal change, but it may have to be speedplay. Thanks!
@Marcus
I should have clarified, I meant “excessive” float. And I have tried them, the float was “excessive” in my opinion. I’m pretty sure all of these comments are opinions, I apologize if mine wasn’t “meaningful” for you. If everyone agreed with everything this would be a pretty boring website.
I would have to say that is unsubstantiated nonsense. Not that I have any proof to the contrary, I just don’t believe it. I can’t see how it would be bad for form or efficiency. I think float lessens the risk of knee injury, has no effect on power or bad habits.
@Duende
Sure. Hopefully this goes without saying, but don’t spray it in the house on wood floors (or tile etc). The shit is super slick and your unsuspecting Great Aunt will go down like a sack of potato(e)s breaking her hip.
@scaler911 my great aunt had it coming…..
@all regarding float vs power…..sorry it’s a link from a tri-dork site, but interesting nonetheless
http://multisportscience.blogspot.com/2009/07/effect-of-pedal-float-on-power-output.html
@Skinnyphat
OK, I was formulating while you were clarifying. My pedals have a lot of float but I bet my left foot tracks pretty straight, you don’t use it just because it’s available. That would be bad form. I’d agree with that.
@Marcus
How about Anna Meares ? That was the high point of the whole track Olympics. Her doing a track stand way up at the top of the track and forcing VP to the front for a thrashing. Fucking magic move, ballsy, just plain great.