You can get cleat covers for your speedplays. These are little small caps that you snap on when you need to be off the bike.
You can get cleat covers for your speedplays. These are little small caps that you snap on when you need to be off the bike.
Cleats are a wear item, meant to be replaced several times during the lifetime of the pedals. They're about $20 a pair for most brands.
I don't use cleat covers, and I just replaced my Look Keo cleats after about 3000 miles. (They were due a couple of hundred miles earlier, I was pushing it some) My usage is probably average. I don't use my road bike for in-town commuting, so it's only when I'm getting in and out of town on group rides that I'm constantly stopping at stop signs and lights. I only do a few organized tours a year (getting off my bike and walking a longer distance to a food stop, etc).
Personally, my pockets are already jammed full of enough junk that if I were to carry cleat covers, I'd have to get one of those top tube bags. Where they would be most useful IMO is in two places: very muddy surfaces (so you don't have to dig the mud out of your cleats before re-mounting), and very slippery surfaces like slate or flagstone walkways and stairs.
Speed comes from what you put behind you. - Judi Ketteler
I agree with OakLeaf - I have Speedplay zero's and find the coffee shop covers a hassle. I bought a pair last year, used them once, and said "this is a pain". I've had these for a little over a year and still no issues. I'll replace the cleats when/if necessary.
TrekJeni
thanks for the tips. I figured they would get scratched and worn...then at some point need to be replaced. I did not know there was a difference in design with mtn. bike pedals/clips.
Second ride today with the pedals. Ha....there is one spot where the incline is steep, traffic light and I need to go left. Well....that was interesting!!! I made it, didn't fall and was able to quickly clip in, but at some point the truck behind me probably thought I was going to loose it. He gave me safe clearance, thank goodness!!
I may invest in the covers. May be worth carrying for certain rides.
Thanks again!
Jean
I always use my cleat covers. I would rather protect them and feel like I have grip when I am walking someplace even if it is not that far. I use the Look system as well.
I thought I would give you my two cents.
Red Rock