Speedplay "Lollipops" are great pedals.
Written: Jul 30 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Free float (easy on the knees). Lightweight. Two-sided entry. Corner clearance.
Cons: Vulnerable cleats.
The Bottom Line: I recommend the Speedplay X/2 to anyone who wants lightweight high-performance road cycling pedals or anyone with knee problems.
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| andylibby's Full Review: Speedplay X/2 (X-Series) |
Background - As a rider with a local road cycling team who puts in around 600 miles per month and who also is a (young) grandfather, my knees have been known to protest from time to time. My knees are the reason I switched to Speedplay X/2 pedals.
Sad story - Eighteen months ago I encountered my first serious episode of knee pain related to cycling. A trip to the Orthopedist and an MRI later revealed a malady called Chondromalacia Patella: slight roughening of the underside of the kneecap. Without going into detail about the physiology, treatment, and therapy for this ailment, one item of the Doctor's prescription was for me to change pedals to a type with a "free float" system. Float is the term used to describe the rotational movement of the foot and lower leg around the ball of the foot where it contacts the bicycle pedal.
Why Speedplay - Previously and for years I had used Look bicycle pedals and cleat systems. For those not familiar, cycling shoes these days have an arrangement similar to ski bindings wherein a cleat of varying design is attached to the bottom of specially designed shoes and the cleat is then "clicked in" to the matching pedal to allow a firm connection of the rider to the bicycle. (To exit the bike, a rider rotates the heel to the outside and the pedal releases the cleat.) The Look pedals I had used for years had adjustable "float" of 0 to 6 degrees. In other words, as I rode a bicycle, my feet and legs and knees were locked into a somewhat rigid right or left position on the bike. This can spell disaster for vulnerable knees, as it did for mine. What the Orthopedist prescribed was that I get pedals that did not lock my feet and knees into a rigid position on the bike. The next step was clear: switch from Look to Speedplay pedals.
Which one to buy - I looked at all the different models of Speedplays. Their free-float (35 degrees) pedals come in three quality levels: the X/3 is a chromoly shaft model made in China or Taiwan, has bushings instead of sealed bearings in its axle, and is reputed to be less durable than the other models. The X/2 and X/1 are stainless steel and titanium shafted models respectively and are made in the USA, have sealed bearings, and are reportedly very durable. I selected the X/2 because I wanted a durable pedal, but I didn't want to spend the extra money on titanium since I didn't know if I would like riding with Speedplay pedals.
First experience - My first reaction to riding on the Speedplays was that it felt like I was balancing my foot on a ball bearing. This was an illusion owing to the generous float of the pedal that I wasn't used to. Instead of just clicking in and letting the pedals keep my feet and legs in line, I had to actually put forth effort to keep my toes pointed forward when I pedaled. This was particularly evident during standing pedaling. After the first few rides, I realized that the skill of riding with the Speedplays was becoming second nature and they were proving to be quite comfortable.
A success story - In the course of riding with the Speedplay X/2s for a period of about 3 months, the pain in my left knee slowly faded into memory and has not returned. I have no doubt that I owe my recover at least in part to the common sense design of the Speedplay pedal.
Big bonus from switching - The even better news is that, in addition to helping my knee, the Speedplays have many features that make them really great pedals and I have become a devoted fan of them for more than just their free-float design. At under 200 grams (7 ounces) per pair, these are the lightest pedals on the market. They are also two sided which means that the cleat on the bottom of the cycling shoe will engage -- click in -- to either side of the pedal. This enables "no-look" clicking in. The Speedplays have a very small profile which means that in steep cornering there is much less chance of dragging a pedal on the pavement. The Speedplays have sealed cartridge bearings which are long-lasting and also owner serviceable. So, when I switched to Speedply for my knees, I not only helped cure my knee, I got all these other benefits and features as a bonus!
One minor complaint - If there is one chink in Speedplay's armor it is their cleat. The Speedplay X/2 cleat is a fairly elaborate and delicate mechanism that can be damaged if the wearer walks too much on pavement or rocks. For this reasons, I purchased and carry with me some Speedplay produced rubber slip-on covers called Coffee Shop Caps which I put on when I get off the bike. The cleats are also very persnickety if you get mud or dirt or rocks in them. If you get caught in rainstorm and have to walk your bike, DO NOT put your foot down in a mud puddle or you might find it impossible or very difficult to click in the next time you get back on your bike.
Conclusion - Speedplay X/2s are the best fair weather pedal on the market today for my money. They don't do great in rain and mud, but in reality, that doesn't come up very often in Texas and I can easily overlook that minor shortcoming. Tyler Hamilton and the European CSC-Tiscali Team must agree because they ride Speedplay pedals. Other prominent American racing teams also proudly use the Made in America Speedplay pedals.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
andylibby
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Location: Keller, Texas
Reviews written: 16
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Husband, GrandDad, Bicyclist, Vegetarian, Republican Activist, Marketing Rep
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