Speedplay Zeros vs. Speedplay Light Action

I put this in the equipment section, but I'm not sure that section gets too much traffic, so I thought I'd try here.

I'm 95% convinced I'm going to try Speedplay, but I can't make up my mind between these two. My partner says, "Why don't you just try them and if you don't like them switch." Which is a good point, but Speedplay aint cheap and I'd like to avoid switching if I can help it.

The Zeros have adjustable float, but I hear they can be a bear to get into and that's part of the reason I'm switching. I'd like a dual sided pedal so it's easier to get into. With my SPD-SLs I have to look down to make sure the pedal is flipped the right way. The other thing is with the SPD's I have to use a fair amount of force even on the easiest setting and I'd like to give my knee a break on that.

The light actions are supposed to be the easiest to engage and disengage, which is a plus, but they don't come in my preferred color like the zeros do. Which shouldn't be a factor, but if all things were equal it could make a difference.

My fitter says he'll install the cleats for me, so I'm happy about that :)

Just my opinion, but I think you should get the Light Actions. Color just is not that important to me; you are looking for less trouble getting in-out of the pedals and I can honestly say the Zeroes won't do that. I've known a couple of people who were more racer types than me who stopped using them after difficulty unclipping.

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Originally Posted by Crankin

Just my opinion, but I think you should get the Light Actions. Color just is not that important to me; you are looking for less trouble getting in-out of the pedals and I can honestly say the Zeroes won't do that. I've known a couple of people who were more racer types than me who stopped using them after difficulty unclipping.

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Thanks! That's exactly what I wanted to know. Most of my club members use the zeros, but I was leaning towards the light action. Black goes with everything and they all come in black. Once my feet are engaged you can't see the pedal anyway.

I've used both. I do prefer to just push down and clip in without the need to look or think about it. I prefer light's and frogs for long distance, casual riding and zero's for climbing. There is a slight difference in clipping in and out but not enough to make it a big difference to me. I'd say it would depend on a persons pedaling motion and riding preference. Has your fitter looked at and talked about your pedaling style to see which one would be better regarding float?

Now just to confuse you :)...have you thought about eggbeaters?

Unfortunately I have road shoes that I like a lot and spent a fair amount on, so two bolt pedals are out. My partner uses eggbeaters and likes them a lot.

My fitter said if I wanted to try speedplays he recommended the light action for ease of use. I'm no racer so I don't need zeros per se.

While I understand that a lot of people like speedplay, I'm here to be the Devil's advocate.

In my experience as a fitter, speedplay cleats are much harder to adjust and when the cleats wear out they are much more expensive to replace. Having said that, the cleats do not need replacing as frequently as other types of cleats.

Candy eggbeaters are very easy to get into and are multisided, they do require regular maintenance. Eggbeaters get a bad rap because when they fail the pedal comes right off, but if you maintain them, they work just fine for as long as you want them to. Cleats are cheap and have loads of adjustment.

SPDs are 2 sided, cleats have loads of adjustment and are cheap to replace. Many models of Shimano SPD pedals need regular mantenance like the Eggbeaters. Interestingly enough, the XTR pedals seem to be most prone to failure if you don't maintain them. I use Shimano SPD for my mtn bikes and my commuter.

I personally use Look style pedals and cleats on my road bike. I like them for the larger platform, weight, cheap cleats and a lot of adjustment. They are one sided but it certainly didn't take long for me to get used to that.

Just in case you wanted input about other options.

Thanks Wahine, but MTB pedals are out of the question because I have road shoes with the 3 bolt system. Out of your suggestions that leaves Look, but I'm not sure I'd be gaining anything going from SPD-SL to Look since the thing I dislike the most is that my SLs are single-sided.

I really appreciate all the help.

That definitely limits your options.

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Originally Posted by Wahine

That definitely limits your options.

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True, I went all over town and picked the shoe that was most comfortable, without knowing anything about pedals. Now I might do it differently, but maybe not. I really like the shoes.

It's really important to have a shoe that is comfortable. I would say that's your first priority so you did well. Pedals can be worked around.

I have the speedplay light action on both my road and tribike and I love them. I originally tried the Looks but found them too much of a hassle to get in and out of. I went with the light action as they were recommended for smaller/lighter riders. The cleats are more expensive but I found that I only have to replace them every 3 years or so and I ride about 2500 miles per year. My DH has Ultegra but with less riding needs to replace every year, so I think that it evens out.