I've been using Speedplay pedals since 2004 and will never change ever. Love the float which takes some getting use to in the beginning. It kinda feels like learning how to ice skate to me. But after that, it is so comfortable and easy to use with the double-sided entry.
I switched from Look pedals to Speedplay mainly because I was tired of one side in and missing the pedal at a redlight . I have used Look for years and people have used Speedplay when racing criteriums for years with no problem. The cleats are expensive is one of the arguments I have if you have to replace them other than that I love them.
Speedplay cleats can be tuned for float, each side independently, whereas Shimano are not adjustable (but swappable). Also Shimano spd-l have an little known 'issue'- they float laterally under power when aligned in middle of the float range, but most folks are unaware of it. So speedplay will eliminate this lateral (unwanted) float and help to get dialled in for float preferences.
It took my a while to dial in my speedplays. I had the four mounting screws (the small one's) too tight and it was hard to clip in. I loosened them quite a bit and there is no problem now. Also, I have had to step in mud on more than once occasion which caused difficulty clipping in. Now I carry a small toothbrush to brush them out if that should happen. Compared to the Shimanos, these are much safer for me since I can clip in easily without looking (always a challenge when going up hill) and clip out more easily in an emergency. I am one of the oldest riders out there and I have had enough Biden falls to want an easier clipping out when I need it. I've got my float almost at zero, though. Just a little heel out with no heel in works for me.
It's so interesting to me how many people seek out additional float on their pedals. I've always been the opposite - I try to get as little float as possible. I don't like the feeling of "stepping on a banana peel" that I get when there is a lot of float. But that's just me. Double-sided entry is always a plus though!
@@JackFou I can certainly see that. I didn't mean I want zero float, rather that I like my feet to feel centered. Shimano pedals seem to work well for me by giving me some float but with a good centering action to prevent my heels from going everywhere, if you know what I mean. I did try their zero float cleats though -- but only for like one ride!
I always run Shimano blue’s for my cleats. 2* float. I used to run the yellows which is 6, which is good for starting off with to allow you to hone in for a few years. I’d never run the reds. Ever. (0 float). I don’t know why anyone does except pros…
I swapped to speed play for ankle clearance 59mm and honestly they have transformed my riding thw q factor, they are move comfortable more quality supwr easy to put in shoe base plate i have at back the second part allows inner or outer then the cover not much to it brilliant and ive just left the float
I use (grey) Look cleats / keo max2 pedals. Never failed me yet. I set them up a few sessons ago and forgot them. That's what i like most. Set it, n forget it 👍. I'm pretty rough on them and they're really rugged..also the bolts never come loose etc. I have the rubber covers for walking but never use them. They never make any noises either. Just a very reliable setup imo👍
That's interesting, I don't know many people that use those but I've only heard good things. Never tried them myself but that does sound pretty good. It looks like I need to be a bit more ontop of the maintenance on these speedplays ones! Maybe I can give those a go in the future
@@alexreader From my experience i totally recommend them. They're pretty lightweight too. But again for me them being hassle free thus far after a few years is the major big plus.
@@TboneTenEighties yeah huge plus, I'm slowly releasing I'm pretty poor on the bike maintenance 🙈 unless I have loads of spare time. So does seem like a sensible option cheers for watching and commenting!
@@alexreader they work a treat outdoors - it’s amazing what figures I put on outdoor climbs as compared to Zwift…some of the hills I either match indoors or some I’m holding 350+ watts for less than 5 mins. My recent spectacular was peak hill in 10:30 mins (with a 2 min walk halfway up due to legs stiffening up)
I’ve just done the same as you. I love speed play!! When they’re brand new it’s so hard to clip in. It takes about 100 times in and out on the turbo before I dare go outside.
🤣 I heard that from a lot of people but mine always seemed fairly easy to get in and out. Work like a dream, but I do have some maintenance to do ha. What shoes did you go for?
@@adammillsindustries. awesome I had the Northwave Ghost XCM with my previous pedals and they were great. It's a shame there aren't many 4 bolt options 😭
I have speedplay pedals but I have a problem on some occasions on clipping into the pedal. Is this a common occurrence or am I doing something wrong. Thanks
I've found them to be really good actually although someone else I know had to glue his on because they kept falling off for some reason. Do you have the original speedplay pedals or the wahoo ones?
So first time using these. I’ve always been using SPD’s. I was having a hard time clipping in on my first ride especially on the left side. While riding today, it was so frustrating that I could not clip in the left side. Right side was fine. Any tips?
Ah thats frustrating. Maybe try to lossen the tension screws. Also I've heard people saying the first few uses are tough to clip in and out and then it eases a bit. Mine were fine out the box but it could be a good idea to just clip your shoes in and out using your hands a few times, just so they've gone through a few cycles of that and everything beds in.
@@alexreader is there an adjustments for the tension? Its weird because half of the ride was fine but after I clipped out in a stop, I could not clip back in even if I start on the left side at a full stop.
@@alexreader This was my first ride. It was frustrating bc it happened before the climb. So pretty much I climbed the hill clipped on the right side and un clipped on the left side. I just ordered the easy tension cleats, out of the box, mine came with the standard cleats. I wish they added two different cleats in the box. BTW, I have the Zero.
loosen the four screws holding the clip to the shoe adapter. They need only about 1 nm torque, less than you can get with a standard bicycle torque driver, so only tighten them until you first feel resistance and then no more than 1/4 turn. The difficulty is caused by flex of the clip against the sole of the shoe. The right spacer shims will also help but you can't get them perfectly flat unless you buy a shoe made for Speedplays.
Good information Alex. I’ve been using Shimano pedals for about 10 years now. I’ve contemplated switching to speedplay but most of the issues I’ve had with hot foot or something else were solved by other adjustments like adding shoe inserts or a slight pedal clip adjustment. But a lot of people I know, love the speedplays. I’d be interested to see how you like them after an extended ride. Everyone is different and I’m always of the thinking that, “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it”…😆 Carry on mate!👍
Cheers James! Yeah I know shimano road pedals are great for most people, my mtb ones had a platform as well so there were on the heavier side and the shoes I had weren't great for long rides. So making the switch it was between these and the road spds but being able to clip in both sides won it for me. If I didn't have any issues I would have kept things the same, it's all minor stuff really. That's good to know, I've heard mixed stuff about the speedplays, but love them so far :D
@@alexreader you gotta do what’s best for you! And as long as you’re happy with them, that’s all that matters..I’m wondering how much more power transfer there is into the pedal between the two types. Might be worth buying if it will make me faster..😆 Cheers
I just got these installed on my bike and they feel way too easy to clip in and out. Are they supposed to feel like that or should I adjust the tension?
I have the easy tension cleats. For a couple months..I feel my left foot clips out too easily. My guy tried to adjust it but it’s exactly the same..clipping IN on the right foot sometimes takes several tries. It seems like a monkey could use these but so far I’m not totally in sync.
@@alexreader and sir I used to race with sh56 mtb cleats multi release one as I was afraid of falling off my bike. Want a full road setup so I am asking can I go for it? Bit afraid of road cleats so thought for speedplay? For me unclipping quickly is nightmare.
@@sangampattnaik5944 I don't find them as scary. Since you can use both sides and adjust the tension using the easy cleats. But they are probably more scary than your current ones
I've got the Bont's with the direct speedplay mount (4hole) and the super low stack is a feeling you cannot get with other pedals. Very stable and as a bonus you can lower your saddle by minimum 5mm compared to a dura ace pedal.
That's awesome which model are they? Can't get much better than that. I kept looking around for the direct fitting ones but couldn't see much stock of anything. Also seemed more pricy.
One thing you forgot. When using speed play 4 hole shoes. You need a thin metal shim between the shoe and the cleat or it will tear up the carbon. It sucks that Wahoo doesn't make. The plate. Has far has mantance, you only need to dry lube the cleat spring every few months. The old speedplays need a lot of mantance. You had to grease the pedals also.
@@scottbaker5851 I've actually just started to experience a lot of clicking type noises from the right pedal. Definitely need to get on the maintenance!
They're not as good as the original Speedplay imo. They are a nice pedal but the cleats are hopeless and the masses of float seems to make the situation even worse. Be careful if wearing overshoes as you can get a lot of rub on crankarms if you go for unfettled amounts of float.
It is probably too late now given that this video is at least a year old now but either the chain or the chain rings are very worn, hopefully the worn part has been replaced by now. Can see how worn the chain/chain ring is from the gap that can be seen between the chain and the chain rings as you pedal.
Have you tried loosening the tension on the cleats? I've heard others find it difficult to start with bit after the first few rides it becomes easier. I've always found mine easy for some reason
The tension in the meddle in both side but i tried to lose it’s only help to move foot , but to clip in i have to jump 2 or 3 times to clip into the paddle its my 5th ride and still the same
I like your review but (constructive crticism here) i just couldnt watch the multiple arm movements you make all the time. It actually distracted me and i had to rewind once or twice. Try making a video with both your hands on a table in front of you. I have to speak to groups quite often and one of the things we learn is not to gesticulate so much. Try it! Also just listen to this video at 2 times the speed and with sound off: you'll see what i mean.
Thanks WarLokk! That's really helpful, watching it back I can see that, should be an easy fix too :D I do think it's annoying, however I have heard in the past lots of movement/body language is meant to be more engaging, but I think you right, less will be better.
@@alexreader Yes to be more engaging but your body movements are there to supplement your subject or what you're talking about.And if you "engage" too much and too often it does the exact opposite! Try using just ONE arm if you must; you'll see its not easy but it'll help. You musnt look like someone who's reading the news on TV but also dont overemphasize too much or you'll look like someone who doesnt posess hi subject. English isnt my natural tongue so i'm probably a bit unclear here... :))
You guys talk soo much but not the right point .. the most important point is clip .. how easy it is to clip out ... most accidents happen when a rider tries to clip out at a slow speed or try to stop
Hi mate I recently changed over to speedplays. From my experience clipping in is easy once you get adjusted. It's more of a stomping action than toeing it in compared to Shimano and so far Ive had less slips off the pedal from trying to clip in at the lights. Saying that Shimano still great pedal system which I still have on my other bikes. I just got speedplay for the power meter which is more suitable for my main bike set up. Hope that helps
I've been using Speedplay pedals since 2004 and will never change ever. Love the float which takes some getting use to in the beginning. It kinda feels like learning how to ice skate to me. But after that, it is so comfortable and easy to use with the double-sided entry.
I switched from Look pedals to Speedplay mainly because I was tired of one side in and missing the pedal at a redlight . I have used Look for years and people have used Speedplay when racing criteriums for years with no problem. The cleats are expensive is one of the arguments I have if you have to replace them other than that I love them.
Yeah I've been using them for a little while now and can't complain. They just work really well. Few subtle benefits but worth it I think
Speedplay cleats can be tuned for float, each side independently, whereas Shimano are not adjustable (but swappable).
Also Shimano spd-l have an little known 'issue'- they float laterally under power when aligned in middle of the float range, but most folks are unaware of it. So speedplay will eliminate this lateral (unwanted) float and help to get dialled in for float preferences.
Yea much more adjustable!
It took my a while to dial in my speedplays. I had the four mounting screws (the small one's) too tight and it was hard to clip in. I loosened them quite a bit and there is no problem now. Also, I have had to step in mud on more than once occasion which caused difficulty clipping in. Now I carry a small toothbrush to brush them out if that should happen.
Compared to the Shimanos, these are much safer for me since I can clip in easily without looking (always a challenge when going up hill) and clip out more easily in an emergency. I am one of the oldest riders out there and I have had enough Biden falls to want an easier clipping out when I need it.
I've got my float almost at zero, though. Just a little heel out with no heel in works for me.
Love your wallpaper.
It's so interesting to me how many people seek out additional float on their pedals. I've always been the opposite - I try to get as little float as possible. I don't like the feeling of "stepping on a banana peel" that I get when there is a lot of float. But that's just me. Double-sided entry is always a plus though!
Yeah it kinda seems counterintuitive to have a clip in system with lots of float but I love it. I do know people that like it with 0 float too.
Having zero float is asking for knee issues down the line. I think that's the main reason why people like a bit of float.
@@JackFou I can certainly see that. I didn't mean I want zero float, rather that I like my feet to feel centered. Shimano pedals seem to work well for me by giving me some float but with a good centering action to prevent my heels from going everywhere, if you know what I mean. I did try their zero float cleats though -- but only for like one ride!
@@dperreno The advantage of Speedplays is that with the same cleats you can have as much or as little float as you want
I always run Shimano blue’s for my cleats. 2* float. I used to run the yellows which is 6, which is good for starting off with to allow you to hone in for a few years. I’d never run the reds. Ever. (0 float). I don’t know why anyone does except pros…
I swapped to speed play for ankle clearance 59mm and honestly they have transformed my riding thw q factor, they are move comfortable more quality supwr easy to put in shoe base plate i have at back the second part allows inner or outer then the cover not much to it brilliant and ive just left the float
What language is this comment in?
I use (grey) Look cleats / keo max2 pedals. Never failed me yet. I set them up a few sessons ago and forgot them. That's what i like most. Set it, n forget it 👍. I'm pretty rough on them and they're really rugged..also the bolts never come loose etc. I have the rubber covers for walking but never use them. They never make any noises either. Just a very reliable setup imo👍
That's interesting, I don't know many people that use those but I've only heard good things. Never tried them myself but that does sound pretty good. It looks like I need to be a bit more ontop of the maintenance on these speedplays ones! Maybe I can give those a go in the future
@@alexreader From my experience i totally recommend them. They're pretty lightweight too. But again for me them being hassle free thus far after a few years is the major big plus.
@@TboneTenEighties yeah huge plus, I'm slowly releasing I'm pretty poor on the bike maintenance 🙈 unless I have loads of spare time. So does seem like a sensible option cheers for watching and commenting!
Hey Alex thinking about getting these are you still using them.? See your video on the clicking noise 😅
Hey mate, yeah I'm still using them and happy with them! Clicking noise just disappeared after a while 🤣 no idea what it was
I’ve got 3 pairs….2 pairs plain sets & 1 left pedal power set.
Brilliant set, they work so much better than plain pedals and previous clip in sets
(3 wahoo pedal sets)
Yeah completely agree, you got the new power link ones!? Oooo
@@alexreader they work a treat outdoors - it’s amazing what figures I put on outdoor climbs as compared to Zwift…some of the hills I either match indoors or some I’m holding 350+ watts for less than 5 mins.
My recent spectacular was peak hill in 10:30 mins (with a 2 min walk halfway up due to legs stiffening up)
@@BAKPDLPaul they look like the dream pedals! Yeah must be interesting to compare. Peak Hill in sidmouth?!
@@alexreader yep back on Oct 16th
I’ve just done the same as you. I love speed play!!
When they’re brand new it’s so hard to clip in. It takes about 100 times in and out on the turbo before I dare go outside.
🤣 I heard that from a lot of people but mine always seemed fairly easy to get in and out. Work like a dream, but I do have some maintenance to do ha. What shoes did you go for?
@@alexreader Northwave Extreme Pro Road Shoes. Just wish they were 4 hole speed play pattern.
@@adammillsindustries. awesome I had the Northwave Ghost XCM with my previous pedals and they were great. It's a shame there aren't many 4 bolt options 😭
I have speedplay pedals but I have a problem on some occasions on clipping into the pedal. Is this a common occurrence or am I doing something wrong. Thanks
Those newer shoe cleat covers look way better than the full cover ones for walking I bought a few years ago.
That said, i do like them
I've found them to be really good actually although someone else I know had to glue his on because they kept falling off for some reason. Do you have the original speedplay pedals or the wahoo ones?
Do Wahoo zero cleats fit original Speedplay zero...?
So first time using these. I’ve always been using SPD’s. I was having a hard time clipping in on my first ride especially on the left side. While riding today, it was so frustrating that I could not clip in the left side. Right side was fine. Any tips?
Ah thats frustrating. Maybe try to lossen the tension screws. Also I've heard people saying the first few uses are tough to clip in and out and then it eases a bit. Mine were fine out the box but it could be a good idea to just clip your shoes in and out using your hands a few times, just so they've gone through a few cycles of that and everything beds in.
@@alexreader is there an adjustments for the tension? Its weird because half of the ride was fine but after I clipped out in a stop, I could not clip back in even if I start on the left side at a full stop.
@arempee26 actually I'm thinking of the float. But I have the easy tension cleats. That's weird, how many rides have you done with them now?
@@alexreader This was my first ride. It was frustrating bc it happened before the climb. So pretty much I climbed the hill clipped on the right side and un clipped on the left side. I just ordered the easy tension cleats, out of the box, mine came with the standard cleats. I wish they added two different cleats in the box. BTW, I have the Zero.
loosen the four screws holding the clip to the shoe adapter. They need only about 1 nm torque, less than you can get with a standard bicycle torque driver, so only tighten them until you first feel resistance and then no more than 1/4 turn. The difficulty is caused by flex of the clip against the sole of the shoe. The right spacer shims will also help but you can't get them perfectly flat unless you buy a shoe made for Speedplays.
Good information Alex. I’ve been using Shimano pedals for about 10 years now. I’ve contemplated switching to speedplay but most of the issues I’ve had with hot foot or something else were solved by other adjustments like adding shoe inserts or a slight pedal clip adjustment. But a lot of people I know, love the speedplays. I’d be interested to see how you like them after an extended ride. Everyone is different and I’m always of the thinking that, “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it”…😆 Carry on mate!👍
Cheers James! Yeah I know shimano road pedals are great for most people, my mtb ones had a platform as well so there were on the heavier side and the shoes I had weren't great for long rides. So making the switch it was between these and the road spds but being able to clip in both sides won it for me. If I didn't have any issues I would have kept things the same, it's all minor stuff really. That's good to know, I've heard mixed stuff about the speedplays, but love them so far :D
@@alexreader you gotta do what’s best for you! And as long as you’re happy with them, that’s all that matters..I’m wondering how much more power transfer there is into the pedal between the two types. Might be worth buying if it will make me faster..😆 Cheers
@@hammmer55 0 difference I reckon ahah. Any hint of extra speed though, I'm in 🤣
I just got these installed on my bike and they feel way too easy to clip in and out. Are they supposed to feel like that or should I adjust the tension?
Mine feel super easy to, but you can adjust it. Depends on your preference
Bro I bought wahoo comp speedplay pedals, will it be OK with 3 bolt road shoes?
I've been using Look pedals since 1990. Haven't had a compelling reason to use anything different.
They seem to be getting a lot of love in the comments! If it's not broken... 👌🏻
I have the easy tension cleats. For a couple months..I feel my left foot clips out too easily. My guy tried to adjust it but it’s exactly the same..clipping IN on the right foot sometimes takes several tries. It seems like a monkey could use these but so far I’m not totally in sync.
How are the pedals working? Any mechanical issue bro?
Still working extremely well to this day with pretty much 0 maintenance 🙌
@@alexreader that's a nice information to hear. Thanks bro
I have a road bike, I need a best pedal system for racing? Can I use speedplay?
Definitely! Do you race crits?
@@alexreader yes and some time long road
@@alexreader and sir I used to race with sh56 mtb cleats multi release one as I was afraid of falling off my bike. Want a full road setup so I am asking can I go for it? Bit afraid of road cleats so thought for speedplay? For me unclipping quickly is nightmare.
I am using sh56 mtb cleats? Sir can I upgrade to speedplay? Will it be easy to learn?
Yeah it should be a pretty quick learning process 👍
@@alexreader Sh56 is a multi release cleat? Speedplay is a multi or single release? Is it scary to use Speedplay? I'm afraid of awkward falls
@Sangam Pattnaik ohh I see! These are single releases. Absolutely fine once you get into the habit of it
@@alexreader are they scary like Shimano road cleats where we have to twist our ankle more?
@@sangampattnaik5944 I don't find them as scary. Since you can use both sides and adjust the tension using the easy cleats. But they are probably more scary than your current ones
I've got the Bont's with the direct speedplay mount (4hole) and the super low stack is a feeling you cannot get with other pedals. Very stable and as a bonus you can lower your saddle by minimum 5mm compared to a dura ace pedal.
That's awesome which model are they? Can't get much better than that. I kept looking around for the direct fitting ones but couldn't see much stock of anything. Also seemed more pricy.
@@alexreader Those are the semi-custom that you can order. But I think you can order the 4 hole without the custom plan...
@@celciuske oh right, didn't even know that existed, pretty cool. I still need to mould mine
One thing you forgot. When using speed play 4 hole shoes. You need a thin metal shim between the shoe and the cleat or it will tear up the carbon. It sucks that Wahoo doesn't make. The plate.
Has far has mantance, you only need to dry lube the cleat spring every few months. The old speedplays need a lot of mantance. You had to grease the pedals also.
@@scottbaker5851 I've actually just started to experience a lot of clicking type noises from the right pedal. Definitely need to get on the maintenance!
They're not as good as the original Speedplay imo. They are a nice pedal but the cleats are hopeless and the masses of float seems to make the situation even worse. Be careful if wearing overshoes as you can get a lot of rub on crankarms if you go for unfettled amounts of float.
You should have tried Pitbull bike pedals they have 360° of Entry
That sounds cool! For road? Il take a look
How is the clipping and unclipping in traffic?
It's the best system I've used personally when it comes to that 👍🏻
@@alexreader Is it like mtb or bit different?
@Sangam Pattnaik it's similar to mtb yeah 👍🏻 you can clip in and out both sides.
@@alexreader thanks bro
Thank you
It is probably too late now given that this video is at least a year old now but either the chain or the chain rings are very worn, hopefully the worn part has been replaced by now. Can see how worn the chain/chain ring is from the gap that can be seen between the chain and the chain rings as you pedal.
Thanks, turns out it was the crank. Completely bust - one of the recalls 😂
Sorry also additional i feel more secure when locked in i get weird play in the spdsl
How to clip in so easy like that mine so hard to clip in
Have you tried loosening the tension on the cleats? I've heard others find it difficult to start with bit after the first few rides it becomes easier. I've always found mine easy for some reason
The tension in the meddle in both side but i tried to lose it’s only help to move foot , but to clip in i have to jump 2 or 3 times to clip into the paddle its my 5th ride and still the same
@@موسيقارالازمان ah man thats annoying! Have you tried any cleat lube that's the only other thing I can think of doing!
@@alexreader Mine feel way too easy to clip in and out! Is there a way to tighten the tension?
I had less pain in my foot too
They are easily clogged by design, spds have enough float and are self cleaning as well.
Yeah I haven't done any maintenance at all with these so far but I can tell they need some cleaning now.
I like your review but (constructive crticism here) i just couldnt watch the multiple arm movements you make all the time. It actually distracted me and i had to rewind once or twice. Try making a video with both your hands on a table in front of you. I have to speak to groups quite often and one of the things we learn is not to gesticulate so much. Try it! Also just listen to this video at 2 times the speed and with sound off: you'll see what i mean.
Thanks WarLokk! That's really helpful, watching it back I can see that, should be an easy fix too :D I do think it's annoying, however I have heard in the past lots of movement/body language is meant to be more engaging, but I think you right, less will be better.
@@alexreader Yes to be more engaging but your body movements are there to supplement your subject or what you're talking about.And if you "engage" too much and too often it does the exact opposite! Try using just ONE arm if you must; you'll see its not easy but it'll help. You musnt look like someone who's reading the news on TV but also dont overemphasize too much or you'll look like someone who doesnt posess hi subject. English isnt my natural tongue so i'm probably a bit unclear here... :))
@@warlokk600 that's okay, completely understand. The English is good 👌 Il give it a go
You guys talk soo much but not the right point .. the most important point is clip .. how easy it is to clip out ... most accidents happen when a rider tries to clip out at a slow speed or try to stop
Hi mate
I recently changed over to speedplays. From my experience clipping in is easy once you get adjusted. It's more of a stomping action than toeing it in compared to Shimano and so far Ive had less slips off the pedal from trying to clip in at the lights.
Saying that Shimano still great pedal system which I still have on my other bikes. I just got speedplay for the power meter which is more suitable for my main bike set up.
Hope that helps
I'll stick with SPD off road shoes, don't walk like a duck and still have actual traction when walking.
Yeah I do miss mine sometimes!
You’re not a real Rodie then. You can walk well with the new speed play surrounds.
@@adammillsindustries. that is true the rubber cleat covers are pretty decent!
Hardest cleats in the world to clip into....
🤣 you mean the easiest! Not get on with them well? I find normal road ones much harder
Put your hands in your pockets
Don't buy this garbage
This float is rubbish and make it worse for knees .The cleat are rubbish and expensive ,they rock side to side …