Speedplay X Series Cleats (Must Know Things)
There is hardly any road cyclist that doesn’t use a pedal while cycling, as these pedals provide comfort and flexibility when riding.
So little wonder bikers seek after the Speedplay series cleat. The Speedplay series cleat is one of the best road bike pedals available today.
They are clip-less road cycling pedals that have been redesigned to make them more sturdy and easy to set up and maintain for riders.
Speedplay series cleat is one of the few road bike pedals with options for adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune your fit and improve your performance through improved biomechanics. Many professional riders have used Speedplay for years, and bike fitters love them since there’s so much room for versatility.
Will Speedplay Zero Cleats work with X pedals?
According to the Speedplay website, the Zero cleats would not work with X pedals, and the X Cleats would not work with the Zero pedals.
Some people have tried to see if the Zero cleats will work on X pedals. Fixing this without delay, the Zero cleats click into place on the X pedal.
However, aside from the lack of a float limit, it unclips easily. Because they didn’t use this combination to ride on the bike, we can’t say what long-term consequences this might have.
Is Speedplay Discontinued?
Speedplay was discontinued for a while. After Wahoo Fitness bought Speedplay in 2019, the brand virtually vanished from social media, and they didn’t update the website in months.
They no longer sell any products, and there was no information from the brand.
However, in 2021, Speedplay announced the release of four new pedals and a power meter, discontinuing the former Speedplay pedals, which are the Speedplay Frog, Speedplay Syzr, and others.
The four new pedals are the Aero Nano, Zero, Comp, and the power meter known as the Powerlink Zero.
Originally, “Zero” referred to the whole product line; today, it solely points to the pedal’s stainless-steel spindle version.
The Comp is the least expensive and comes with a Chromoly spindle, while the Nano is the most expensive and has a titanium spindle.
The main improvements to the pedals are;
- Sealed bearings and Wahoo asserts that it reduces the need for regular servicing;
- Modifications to the pedal body, which Wahoo says makes it more durable;
- Refinement of the spindle eliminates the need for wrench flats in favor of hex key adjustment.
The new Speedplays maintains all the qualities that distinguish the original Zero, with the most noticeable difference being the pedal’s body.
A metal plate wraps around the perimeter of the pedal, replacing the previous design, which had a considerable portion of the upper side and bottom of the plastic pedal body in touch with the cleat.
This feature increases the lifespan and prevents the rocking that was a problem with the previous design as the pedal’s body wore down.
Before, the Speedplay Light Action cleats were not adjustable, providing only free float, whereas the Zero cleats provided adjustable float from 0 to 15 degrees.
All cleats in the revised, simplified range now have adjustable float from 0 to 15 degrees.
Wahoo’s pedals make use of “triple-sealed” bearings that are supposed to last the pedal’s entire life, unlike the original Zero pedals with a grease hole at the bottom of the pedal body, and cyclists had to put grease into it at various times.
Wahoo claims that the goal is to improve the whole rider experience. So while you should still apply dry lubrication to the cleats regularly, you don’t need any further routine maintenance.
Do All Speedplay pedals Use the Same Cleats?
No, all Speedplay pedals do not use the same cleat. The cleats on Speedplay pedals are not compatible.
The cleat choices available for the four different versions of the Speedplay pedals are the Standard Tension and Easy Tension.
You can use both with all four pedals. Aero, Nano, and Zero come with Standard Tension Cleats, while Comp comes with Easy Tension Cleats.
The Easy Tension Cleat has a built-in light-action feature for smoother pedal use and a solid and secure base for all-day comfort.
The Standard Tension Bike Cleat has an integrated cleat surround for greater aerodynamic benefit.
This design helps to accommodate the strongest riders’ needs. Standard Tension Speedplay Cleats are also more convenient to stroll with while you’re not on your bike.
These cleats also include rubberized protective covers to avoid slipping on flat surfaces. While riding, the walkable cleat covers stay on the cleats.
The covers enhance traction and safeguard the cleats from damage while walking.
Cleat Buddies covers are also handy rubber plugs that go on the cleats to shield them in muddy, dusty, and sandy conditions; they are also included with these Speedplay cleats.
These plugs keep the cleat clean, remove effortlessly and snap together for easy handling when you’re set to continue cycling.
What Is the Difference Between Speedplay Zero and X Series?
The Speedplay Zero is similar to the X series. One of the slight differences between the Zero and X series is that on the X series, you can modify the amount of float, giving you more flexibility, unlike the Zero.
The Zero is always fixed on a maximum float, leaving no room for modifications.
The adjustable float on the X series would appeal to someone with somewhat off physiology and sometimes weak knees.
How Long do Speedplay Cleats Last?
Speedplay suggests replacing your cleats every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, although this depends primarily on your riding style and how long you walk in them.
Cycling cleats, like brake pads, chains, and tires, must be replaced regularly. Regarding cleat replacement, factors such as riding style and distance play significant roles.
It is important to change your cleats before they fail or become impossible to remove owing to a hardware issue.
This anomaly can lead to injury or leave you deserted hundreds of miles from home, or in the worst case, be a major pain in the neck and may destroy your bicycle shoes.
No matter how much you preserve and take care of your cleats, you’ll have to replace them at some point, but there are some preventive measures you can take to increase their lifespan;
- After each ride, inspect your cleats for debris and remove any embedded rocks or mud.
- Check the three bolts that hold the cleat to the shoe’s sole regularly to ensure they are secure.
- Reduce the amount of time your cleat is in touch with the ground.
- Using a dry-type lubricant on the cleat springs and cleaning the cleats regularly will significantly improve the life of your cleats.
- To help shield your cleats from the ground, make sure you’re wearing cleat covers. Ensure that you have a pair on hand because it will extend the life of your cleats and make walking in your bike shoes safer.
Conclusion
Speedplay pedals have long been the preferred pedal of many road racers due to their low pedal stack, cornering clearance, and it’s lightweight.
As a result, they provide the highest efficiency, engagement, and comfort.
These features work together to create a direct connection between rider and bike, enhancing every stride with bicycle fit and float tailored to individual pedaling characteristics.
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