Reverence

Reverence: Speedplay Pedals

Speedplay: cleat, cover, pedal

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]

 

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321 Replies to “Reverence: Speedplay Pedals”

  1. @Buck Rogers

    @Steampunk

    @xyxax

    Now that’s just unkind. I have tenure.

    Yeah, but it’s a Canadian University, right?

    Yes. Which means I actually make a decent living and teach to better-than-semi-literate students, most of them able to breathe through their noses.

  3. @King Clydesdale

    Specialized shoes are amazing.

    No experience with Specialized shoes, but their BG foot beds did wonders for my foot pain. I switched from the foot beds that came with my Sidis to the Specialized BG Blue ones about a month before the Vermont Cogal and comfort was restored. I seriously doubt I would have been able to get very far in the 200 on 100 without them.

  5. @Steampunk

    @Buck Rogers

    @Steampunk

    @xyxax

    Now that’s just unkind. I have tenure.

    Yeah, but it’s a Canadian University, right?

    Yes. Which means I actually make a decent living and teach to better-than-semi-literate students, most of them able to breathe through their noses.

    Ha!  Well played!

  6. @ChrisO

    I also haven’t had time today to catch up and ouside the piss taking, I think there are a few points and then I’m closing the topic. You lot can keep chatting it up and I’ll read it all when I can, but here are my take aways, in no special order:

    • We are a site based fundamentally on passion and passion = bias. End of. We are biased, we admit to that openly, and I think that is really something people should be aware of. Good objective journalism can be found elsewhere (CyclingNews, VeloNews) and we really don’t need to add to their outstanding work; it is not something we have the resources or interest to differentiate ourselves in, so we will leave that to smarter people. I am very grateful that we are not journalists, we have the freedom to say and do what we want. Nothing against journalism, but that’s not what we do here. 
    • If you check out the categories, you’ll see there is a Product Review category in addition to a Reverence category. They shouldn’t intersect (some do, mistakes happen) but the intention is there to separate them. A product review is just that, and Reverence is something we love and use daily. Next time we ride together, I challenge you to find a product that I’ve reverenced not in use if conditions allow. If you see the word REVERENCE: in the article’s title, you can safely assume we’re spouting on about something we love and not something we’re asked to do. You’ll just have to trust us; if not, that’s your call but that’s the best I can do for you. In the end, you’re not obligated to connect with the Reverence series.
    • Of the two articles – the Fizik and DeFeet, our fandom clearly predates the sponsorship and you’ve been around here long enough to know that. I like a critical thinker, but you’re being overly cynical in this regard when it comes to tainting an entire series that has been going on for several years over your perception of timing regarding two articles and partnerships which have come about as a result of a shared passion.
    • This is only going to get messier and even before this topic came up, I was aware of it and considering how to handle it best; all the Keepers appreciate the input from the community. I haven’t made up my mind but will do so through collaboration with the other Keepers. When it comes to decisions about fundamental Velominati principles, I don’t do anything quickly as it has great impact on the site and what that means for us long term. Some decisions can’t be turned back, so I will not be rushing into anything. Expect more Reverence articles before any decision is made.

  7. @Steampunk

    Right on! And you had to manually push the lever over in order to clip in – and there was no release! You had to push it back over. I think I recall Olli saying he rode them, and they weren’t as suicidal as the seem, but they make my wee head hurt!

  8. @frank

    @Steampunk

    Right on! And you had to manually push the lever over in order to clip in – and there was no release! You had to push it back over. I think I recall Olli saying he rode them, and they weren’t as suicidal as the seem, but they make my wee head hurt!

    I guess that they were not too different from toe clips in that case where you had to manually tighten and release them.  I know that I fell over in toe clips one time b/c I could not get them released fast enough.

  9. @ChrisO I understand it when your original idea or intent becomes lost in the abyss (the thread). Your words are a valuable contribution and I admire your conviction. You articulate your thoughts well and have earned a great deal of merit. And you must be an incredible cyclist! @Buck Rogers Good for you Buck! Awesome cyclist! @Steampunk I see you as the fixer and that’s a good thing. And you are one badass cyclist to have here! @Marcus You tore me up once before too, but I needed that in some sick sense. And again, Marcus has paid his dues on the bike. Awesome! @frank You are a fucker! (Nooo, just kidding!) I have learned more from your tips and slips (since March?) and find myself enthralled with every article. You have the best impartial, lovable, smart-ass demeanor. Perfect cyclist.

    And I myself have fucked up here once too many times before. But stepping back from it all — I do admire and respect the cyclists here. I am one genuine cyclist as well that hopes to meet you all on the road. (@scaler911 Please don’t kill me)

  10. @sgt

    @roger

    Great.  Now what happens when someone Googles “Asian Asshole+Nipple Lube”?  Bang!  Right to here!

    That’s just great.

    Our traffic is very high this morning, as it happens.

  11. Team America is worth breaking your TV ban for. On the reverance stuff, for me, the clue is in the name. Reverance. Not only are they great articles, but the comments just add to the whole thing. I have just bought bottom of the range Shimano clip ins, so while speedplays may be better, I haven’t been influenced by the article, just enjoyed reading it.

  12. @RedRanger

    Whoa! This place is having regular mood swings now a days. Lets not forget this is for fun.

    Do not worry. I just smoothed everything out with one heartfelt post.

  13. @Steampunk

    @xyxax

    Now that’s just unkind. I have tenure.

    Dear Sirs,

    xyxax has entered the witless protection program and will not be available for further comment.

  16. @Steampunk

    @Buck Rogers

    I hear you, mate. And I don’t disagree (and remain in great admiration of your own self-control after I jokingly called you out a few months ago). The point I was making, though, was that I’m tiring of the negativity directed at the entire site and its premise. I’d hate to think that we’d need to police this community to the extent that we were all walking on eggshells and the irreverence I referred to earlier was relegated to the background (Rapha kind of has that gentlemanly etiquette thing cornered, and that doesn’t appeal). I’ll be a Rule-worthy gentleman on the bike; off the bike, I like to come here to learn, laugh, and engage. The bottom line is that a playful community is one that can razz its members without giving offence, backing off when things go too far, and moving on. It’s the disparaging site-wide attacks and critiques that drag everything to a shuddering crawl.

    Nicely put. I agree with this, and I also agree various people around here do get into this from time to time, and that some are more prone to it than others, and that it does seem to be happening more.

    I know how hard it can be to let go and I wish I was better at it than I am, and I wish the community was better at it than we are. That said, on balance its funny around here and since Chris and Marcus have been called out, specifically, I’ll say that they’re not the only ones and while they both do tend to get into it, they also consistently contribute positively and have done so for a long time. I appreciate their contributions, their input and they both make me laugh, so in the end that’s good enough for me, even if the personal attacks definitely are not appreciated (they’ve been made on me, too).

    I think a big part of it is that you can’t hear tone and you can’t see the mischievous glint in someone’s eye on the internet. The intent is not always how it comes across. Everyone on the internet is at least two shades more of an asshole than they are in real life, and every single person I’ve met from the community has been a class act. Cheers to that, that’s amazing.

    But a massive +1 on the message that everyone should try harder to keep things light, razz the hell out of each other, be open and, above all, fucking funny.

  17. @frank

    I think a big part of it is that you can’t hear tone and you can’t see the mischievous glint in someone’s eye on the internet. The intent is not always how it comes across. Everyone on the internet is at least two shades more of an asshole than they are in real life, and every single person I’ve met from the community has been a class act. Cheers to that, that’s amazing.

    One of the reasons I’ve been taught that if you want to say something on the internet, make sure it’s clear and concise. People don’t always catch the smilies or hear the tone in your voice.

    But a massive +1 on the message that everyone should try harder to keep things light, razz the hell out of each other, be open and, above all, fucking funny.

    I believe Rule #43 applies here. =)

    I, for one, am grateful this site exists. I’ve enjoyed reading the banter here and I’ve learned quite a bit about cycling in general from y’all.  Thanks, Frank, for making this possible. =]

  18. @Steampunk

    @Buck Rogers

    I hear you, mate. And I don’t disagree (and remain in great admiration of your own self-control after I jokingly called you out a few months ago). The point I was making, though, was that I’m tiring of the negativity directed at the entire site and its premise. I’d hate to think that we’d need to police this community to the extent that we were all walking on eggshells and the irreverence I referred to earlier was relegated to the background (Rapha kind of has that gentlemanly etiquette thing cornered, and that doesn’t appeal). I’ll be a Rule-worthy gentleman on the bike; off the bike, I like to come here to learn, laugh, and engage. The bottom line is that a playful community is one that can razz its members without giving offence, backing off when things go too far, and moving on. It’s the disparaging site-wide attacks and critiques that drag everything to a shuddering crawl.

    Couldn’t resist changing “learn, laugh, and engage” to “learn, laugh, and enrage!”

  19. @frank

    That response perfectly illustrated the kind of man Frank is. He’s a man who knows that when you put another man’s cock in your mouth, you make a pact. A bond that cannot be broken. He’s a man so dedicated that he will get down on his knees and put that cock right in his mouth.

  22. @frank

    Yep. Once the key is pulled, you’re stuck on the bike””even for an experienced cyclist, that seems like a pretty easy way to die. One of the great appeals of the Speedplays is how easily you can engage and disengage (and I’m guessing their lightness).

  24. @itburns

    @frank

    That response perfectly illustrated the kind of man Frank is. He’s a man who knows that when you put another man’s cock in your mouth, you make a pact. A bond that cannot be broken. He’s a man so dedicated that he will get down on his knees and put that cock right in his mouth.

    + fucking 1!  Man, I need to see that movie again, and again, then one more time.

  26. @Buck Rogers

    @itburns

    @frank

    That response perfectly illustrated the kind of man Frank is. He’s a man who knows that when you put another man’s cock in your mouth, you make a pact. A bond that cannot be broken. He’s a man so dedicated that he will get down on his knees and put that cock right in his mouth.

    + fucking 1!  Man, I need to see that movie again, and again, then one more time.

    What movie? Is it a Guy Ritchie flick?

  28. @RedRanger
    Why, “Team America” of course. And the scary thing is that is not even that rough for that movie. Definitely not one for the kids.

  29. @Buck Rogers

    @RedRanger
    Why, “Team America” of course. And the scary thing is that is not even that rough for that movie. Definitely not one for the kids.

    I have been shamed, Ill have to get the movie in some kind of format to watch at least once. Dont worry, I dont have kids.

  30. @Xyverz

    People don’t always catch the smilies or hear the tone in your voice.

    I just hired a Velominati assistant (pictured here) to communicate on my behalf and give me all the good vibe and inflection that this cycling community can stand.

  31. Apologies.  People were referencing Team America so I thought the iconic “Brian Piccolo” hero praising speech would be obvious.  I didn’t mean to come across as Australian.

  32. @itburns

    Apologies.  People were referencing Team America so I thought the iconic “Brian Piccolo” hero praising speech would be obvious.  I didn’t mean to come across as Australian.

    Actually, I chalked it up to your being a Texan.

  33. @itburns

    Apologies.  People were referencing Team America so I thought the iconic “Brian Piccolo” hero praising speech would be obvious.  I didn’t mean to come across as Australian.

    yeah, fuck you, too, you Texas Asshole

  35. @Buck Rogers

    @itburns

    Apologies.  People were referencing Team America so I thought the iconic “Brian Piccolo” hero praising speech would be obvious.  I didn’t mean to come across as Australian.

    yeah, fuck you, too, you Texas Asshole

    Just because the great Republic of Texas has high standards and kicked you out doesn’t mean you have to be bitter.

    You doing any rides before you leave this greatest of states?  Bike Around the Bay (I’m already signed up), Tour de Gruene, Hotter than Hell 100, other?  I defer to your “job skills” into the best method of kidnapping JiPM to bring him along.

  38. @itburns

    @Buck Rogers

    @itburns

    Apologies.  People were referencing Team America so I thought the iconic “Brian Piccolo” hero praising speech would be obvious.  I didn’t mean to come across as Australian.

    yeah, fuck you, too, you Texas Asshole

    Just because the great Republic of Texas has high standards and kicked you out doesn’t mean you have to be bitter.

    You doing any rides before you leave this greatest of states?  Bike Around the Bay (I’m already signed up), Tour de Gruene, Hotter than Hell 100, other?  I defer to your “job skills” into the best method of kidnapping JiPM to bring him along.

    Man, I am putting the “great” state of Texass in my rearview mirror on Wednesday morning and not looking back!  Any chance you can all ride this weekend?  I can meet up in Gruene for the 100 k loop early Sat or Sun if you want?  If you are able, I will give JiPM a shout and see if he can make it.

  39. @Buck Rogers

    Damn, already committed to a ride this weekend.  Just joking about JiPM – dropped by his shop a few days ago.  The non-cycling aspects of life are currently demanding his full attention.  I’ll just have to look forward to you effortlessly dropping me at a future Cogal.

  45. @itburns

    @Buck Rogers

    Damn, already committed to a ride this weekend.  Just joking about JiPM – dropped by his shop a few days ago.  The non-cycling aspects of life are currently demanding his full attention.  I’ll just have to look forward to you effortlessly dropping me at a future Cogal.

    If I am supposed to “effortlessly drop you”, it must be a cogal in a galaxy far, far away because I do not see that happening anytime soon, Brother!

  46. @sgt

    Surprise, cockfags!

    “We’re gonna what?” That has to be my favorite line from that movie. So simple, so plain, but so brilliant.

    Also, I was very disappointed when I realized it was Cockfags. I always thought it was Cockbags, which is better in my brain. On the other hand, that means I invented the word “Cockbag”, so that’s good.

    (I originally thought is was c*ntbag, which apparently was too far off the beaten path even for Parker and Stone.)

  47. @itburns

    @itburns

    “into the best”???   I just put some of our pedants into cardiac arrest.

    And I quote:

    “The pedant is he who finds it impossible to read criticism of himself without immediately reaching for his pen and replying to the effect that the accusation is a gross insult to his person. He is, in effect, a man unable to laugh at himself.”””Sigmund Freud, The Ego and the Id.

  49. @Steampunk

    There’s a (relative) absence of alpha-dog behaviour here (beyond @minion‘s reported sheep fetish, but that’s just sick).

    If you had sheep in your country that looked like this you’d hit it too.

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