Speedplay Zero: Halp!

[bicyclulz]

My bf put a pair of Speedplay Zero's on my bike and I have had the most difficult time clipping in. He thinks that I may not weigh enough to properly clip in to use them. I have the screws on the cleats as loose as they can be. I can cllp in if I push down, jump on the pedal, and shift all my weight onto one leg--and only if my bf holds my handlebars to steady me. I have been using SPD's and was hoping to switch to these rad new Speedplays :(

Has anyone else had problems with using Speedplay Zero's?

[bicyclulz]

I am also aware of the Speedplay Light Actions but these pedals were free.

[DebW]

My Speedplay X2's clip in easily, and I weight only 125. With the cleat screws as loose as possible, there shouldn't be too much resistance to clipping in. Try lubing the cleats with a dry lube like White Lightning and move the springs by hand to see that they are free.

[Triskeliongirl]

There is a known problem with light women clipping into speedplay zeros. Emily in NC had to sell hers. Their solution was to introduce the light action pedal.

[emily_in_nc]

Yep, Trisk is right. I had the toughest time clipping in my second foot with the Zeros. I could clip in just fine on X-2s (had always ridden X-2s for years) and thought that Zeros would be fun to try as a step up, so I spent big bucks on the titanium model, loved them once I was in them, but clipping in became enough of a problem that I had to turn around and sell them on Ebay. I'm 5'2" (ish) and under 105 lbs. I haven't tried the light action (went back to X-2s), but even if something is free, it's worthless if it doesn't work for you!

Emily

[Beane]

I recently tried speedplays, thinking that they would be easier to clip into since they're double sided. And I figured that since I have clipless pedal experience I didn't need light action. Well, I was wrong. I've found the zeros very hard to clip into and certainly no easier than my Keo classics. I'll probably sell these and go back to the keos. One reason they (the keos) may have been harder toward the end of the year (or at least that's when I noticed) was that the cleats were completely wearing down. New cleats may really help.

[emily_in_nc]

I should also add that my DH, who is 5'10", 155 lbs., had no trouble clipping into Zeros and loved his.

Emily

[BikeMomma]

Hi Bicyclulz -- I use Speedplay Zero's titanium and love them like crazy. Won't try anything else.

I DO recall that when I first got them and for the first maybe 10-15 clip-ins they were pretty stiff and I would have a little problem. I think it's because they are so new. It's like a breaking-in period. I found that I really had to punch into them at first and put my weight into it. Rest assured that they will get easier to get into eventually, if you have the patience. After that, smooth sailing.

I do like the fact that they are double-sided. Clipping in is super-duper quick, which is handy when starting from stop lights or start lines, both. The fact that you have some play in side to side movement is nice too, especially on long rides when you may be getting a little fatigued. Getting out of them is easy -- just a solid flick outwards with your heel and you're good. Corner clearance is great too.

They're just awesome pedals, but pedals can be one of those things that is relative to each person -- you either like them or you don't. The biggest complaint I hear about these is the part you're experiencing, though.

Good luck & hope this helps,
Kim

[PinkBike]

ditto bikemomma - they do need a break in period, also i put grease around the spring on my cleat.

[Pedal Wench]

I'll add another version of: they take a few weeks to break in. If they're still a problem, Speedplay once offered to send 'pre-broken-in' cleats. I also second the suggestion to keep them lubed. I would do that every ride.

[NJBikeGal]

I went through the same thing when I initially got my Zeros! It was so frustrating to know that I was on the pedal and putting all of my weight down and unable to clip in. All I can do is reiterate what others have said...they take some breaking in to loosen up the cleats. And, make sure that they are lubed with something like a dry teflon lube. Worked wonders!

[bicyclulz]

Thanks, gals. it always helps to get a woman's view on things:-)

These were slightly used when I got them. Many of my fancy bike parts tend to be hand-me-downs. I am not quite so hard core as to need to splurge on new things (except clothing and shoes...sadly a reflection of my life outside cycling). i don't know how "broken in" they need to be. They are in great shape, barely used. Should I jump around on them more? I do manage to eventually clip in after a few tries.

I really want to try them because my bf loves his speedplays and as much as I love my SPD's, especially since I no longer tip over and can clip in like i've been doing it for years (it's only been a few months), I do like the double - sided-ness of the Speedplays. I will try try again. I'll update just in case I fail miserably!

[smilingcat]

Make sure your cleats are mounted flat on the sole of your shoes. Cleats should not be flexed. You may have to use some shims. If you don't have any, and would like to try some of the shims, send me a PM and I can send you some. It's white plastic thingies. And do use dry (teflon) lube. And use lock tights (the kind you can undue: not the permanent kind) on the bolts. That way, you don't have to tighten the bolts so tight.

Back when they first came out, I weighed about 125 pounds and had to stomp or jump on them to snap in. But I loved it cause I couldn't scrape the cleats on tight corner.

smilingcat

[sundial]

.....I may not weigh enough to properly clip in to use them.

That won't ever be an issue for me, lol!