Speedplay Zero Stainless Pedal
Longevity
Obviously after just 6-months – even if it is longer than we usually take to review a product – talking about longevity is a tenuous exercise. There is some wear to the metal outer of the cleat and to the pedal itself but there are certainly no issues so far. So its probably better to get the opinion of a long-term, high mileage Speedplay user…
So what do long-term users of Speedplay pedals have to say about them? During this test period I consulted with lots of my fellow riders some of whom used Speedplay others who had used them and had switched back to their original pedals. When I asked my team-mate, Elite rider John Veness (who was riding 60 miles everyday by way of a commute) about his experiences he was sporting a pair of Ritchey pedals but had this to say about his Speedplays:
“Once you are over the shock of the purchase price, you then discover on opening the box and taking out the metallic lollipops just how light and simple in design the actual pedals are.
All the clipage is taken care of in the cleats, which due to this carry some hidden weight in the set-up over a typical plastic Shimano unit. It also makes them a little bulkier, especially noticeable when walking, which I would avoid as much as possible to preserve the functionality. Additionally replacement costs are higher than expected due the built in actuating mechanism.
I was pleasantly surprised at how simple cleat position was to set-up, helped I’m sure due to the 15 degrees of float. Once on the bike engagement is flawless, very positive and secure; twisting out just as intuitive. Ground clearance is excellent when pedalling through a corner, the best I’ve ever had. Great for circuit races with fast, tight cornering.
I have used a set for three years, after all this time and heavily worn cleats from normal use and walking, they still clip in and out, and hold the foot securely. They seem to resist the slackening to wear that most other pedals suffer from with time.
Eventually the bearing on the right side succumbed to the high mileage and bad weather conditions from 3 winters of commuting 60 miles most days. This would spell the end for most pedals, but here the bearings can be replaced.
Given that the apparent high initial purchase price may be a little off putting, looking long term they represent an excellent investment. Beautifully engineered, light weight, reliable and high performance. In fact I think I just persuaded myself to get another set!”
The minimalist Speedplay Zero Stainless
Conclusion
Writing this is therapeutic; admitting that I am now a Speedplay user and that I am not just testing them with a view to returning to my previous pedal system. It may seem like I am making a big deal out of a trivial thing, a mountain out of a mole hill, but to me it was a big step, one which initially I had no intention of taking. I was perfectly happy with my other pedals.
However, from initially being sceptical, I now really like the Speedplay Zero Stainless pedals; so much so that I do not want to give them back. In fact I will be swapping the pedals out on my whole collection of road bikes, not a cheap undertaking, and I’ll also be using them on the track as well.
It could easily have gone the other way. Elsewhere online you can read other reviews which are less favourable. I am certainly not saying that my previous pedals are bad, because they are not; if it were not for this test, I would still be using them. However, due to circumstance and personal preference, I am a Speedplay convert.
And that is the real conclusion: its impossible to say you will like Speedplay pedals, but it is possible to say that they are superbly designed and engineered, are robust and offer outstanding functionality. If you choose them and can master the float, you will not regret your purchase.
Speedplay Zero Stainless RRP. £149.99
You must be logged in to post a comment.