Road cyclist keeps popping out of speedplay pedals - Project Sports
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Road cyclist keeps popping out of speedplay pedals

5 min read

Asked by: Patricia Johnson

The only reason you should be popping out of a Speedplay pedal is due to lateral foot rotation through your pedal stroke (which is really just an extension of knee/hip dynamics), or your cleat is not secured to your shoe correctly (angle of the cleat body to the release point of the pedal’s design), or your cleats are …

Do any pro cyclists use Speedplay pedals?

Speedplays have been used by many pro riders over the years and they’re popular with bike fitters because there’s so much scope for adjustment. They’re also pretty darned light and offer low stack height compared to some alternatives.

How do you tighten Speedplay pedals?


Quote from video: 5 by 8.5 millimeter screws are used center the base plate under the ball of the foot or wherever. Personal preference dictates then tighten down the screws.

Are Speedplay pedals easier clip out?

Once the pedals are set up, the advantage of the SPEEDPLAY pedal is clear, the cleats are easy to walk with and have dual-sided entry. That means clipping in the pedals is easy as you don’t have to worry about the pedal orientation.

What is Wahoo doing with Speedplay?

Wahoo spent the two years between acquiring Speedplay and releasing the new range in March 2021 refining rather than overhauling the existing Speedplay design. The result is a familiar-looking pedal with several subtle updates and one very noticeable change.

What pro teams use Speedplay pedals?

Look around the races, and you’ll see that Speedplay Zero pedals are now ridden by teams like Saxo Bank, Liquigas, BMC, Milram, Cervélo, Trek-Livestrong, Bissel, United Healthcare, Fly V Australia, Jelly Belly, and Peanut Butter and Co/TWENTY12.

What pedals do Tour de France riders use?

Whereas you’ll see a huge number of different saddles and handlebars used in the Tour de France, there are comparatively few different types of pedals. The vast majority of riders in the pro peloton use either Shimano or Look pedals because those two brands sponsor most of the WorldTour teams.

What happens if cleats are too far back?

Too far forward will overload the lower leg muscles, similar to standing on your toes for a long period, whilst too far back will strain the upper leg muscles. Both scenarios will fatigue the localized areas, often resulting in pain and cramping, and significantly reduce the power transferred during the pedal stroke.

How do you service Speedplay pedals?

Quote from video: First take the pedal. And give it a good clean with the rag mine filthy say you're a nice clean. Just wipe off any excess dirt. And mud and crap that's on there.

How do you align Speedplay cleats?

Quote from video: Long as the outer surface of the base plate is flat when secured to the shoe sole install. The v-2 base plate to the shoe with the correct snap shims attached.

When should I change my Speedplay pedals?

Speedplay (now owned by Wahoo) says, “Replace cleats at least every 3,000-5,000 miles or sooner if the cleat parts show advanced wear.”

How long do Speedplay cleats last?

3,000 to 5,000 miles

Speedplay recommends replacing your cleats every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, but as mentioned, it depends on your riding style, conditions and how much you walk around in them.

Do Speedplay pedals wear out?

To be fair they do last a long time. I’ve had to replace about three times in six years. I try and avoid walking on cleats, but I find that it is the metal spring in the cleat which wears away first. Speedplay are unique in having the attachment mechanism in the cleat itself rather than the pedal.

Do new Speedplay pedals work with old cleats?

THE TECH. One feature that made Speedplay pedals so popular was that they were dual-sided, and thankfully that feature remains (except on the Aero). The new design is also backwards compatible with previous Zero pedals, so your old cleats will work on the new design and vice versa.

Do Wahoo cleats work with old Speedplay pedals?

The new cleats are backwards-compatible with existing Speedplay Zero pedals, but Wahoo will not be providing legacy support for older models of Speedplay, including the Frog and Syzr. The Speedplay Zero Pavé has also been discontinued.

Does Wahoo own Speedplay?

Speedplay (stylized as SPEEDPLAY) is a brand of clipless road cycling pedals owned by Wahoo Fitness. Wahoo Fitness re-engineered the lollipop pedals for increased durability and easier setup and maintenance.

Do Tour de France riders use clipless pedals?

Tour de France winners Bernard Hinault and Greg Le-Mond were the first pros to use them, and the rest of the peloton soon followed. New riders needn’t fear them. Yes, you’re locked into the pedals, but it’s actually far easier to release your foot than it was with the old toe clips, requiring just an ankle twist.

Do pro cyclists clip in?

Although most professionals opt for clipless pedals, the type of pedal used usually depends on the rider’s preferred type of cycling. Road racers and mountain bikers tend to use different types of clipless pedals depending on the sport, while indoor sprinters might abandon clipless varieties for toe clips or straps.

When was speedplay invented?

History. The first Speedplay pedal, the X, was patented in July 1989 by Richard Byrne. The company was founded in July, 1991, in San Diego, California. In September, 2019 Wahoo Fitness announced the acquisition of Speedplay.

How long do Speedplay Zero cleats last?

3,000-5,000 miles

Speedplay (now owned by Wahoo) says, “Replace cleats at least every 3,000-5,000 miles or sooner if the cleat parts show advanced wear.”

Do new Speedplay pedals work with old cleats?

THE TECH. One feature that made Speedplay pedals so popular was that they were dual-sided, and thankfully that feature remains (except on the Aero). The new design is also backwards compatible with previous Zero pedals, so your old cleats will work on the new design and vice versa.