Speedplay is back! About a year and a half after being purchased by GPS computer maker Wahoo, the only dual sided road pedals are back with some updates to their design, cleats, models, and a new power meter pedal. Read on to learn more about the updates and the new models.
Speedplay has always taken a different approach to their Zero pedals. Instead of the locking mechanism being in the pedal, it is built inside of the cleat. It has a semicircular spring that not only locks into the pedal body, but also manages the float for the system. While other systems that used a plastic cleat to lock into the pedal, the Speedplay cleat will not wear down, other than the walkable cover. As long as you keep them clean, the cleats will last many, many thousands of miles, and stay buttery smooth.
Comparing the old with the new pedals, you’ll see many similarities, but also a modern, updated design. While previous Speedplay pedals had a metal bowtie plate in the middle surrounded by a nylon composite body, the new Wahoo Speedplay pedals have a medal plate that surrounds top and bottom of the pedals with the composite bowtie in the center. The new design makes the pedals more durable as the contact points are all metal. One of the downfalls of the old design was that the composite body would wear over time against the metal of the cleats.
Wahoo also upgraded the bearings to a triple seal design to keep water and contaminants out. This means that you no longer need to perform the regular service of injecting grease. The spindles were also updated to what is becoming the standard hex wrench mounting option, meaning the days of pedal wrenches are just about over.
Along with the pedals, the cleats get a makeover too. The Walkable style cleat is now standard, but there are options for standard or easy release that work with all pedals in the line. Previously, there was only an Easy Release model of the Zero that had a dedicated cleat, and it was not adjustable for the float. Now, both feature up to 15 degrees of tunable float, allowing you to limit the desired about of float in each direction independently. For example, you can limit how far inward your heel can move to prevent rub on the crank. Besides the increased release tension, the Standard cleat also has an additional surrounding trim piece to keep the walk able cover flush with the sole of the shoe for aerodynamics. Both are still compatible with 3 and 4 bolt pattern shoe designs. While we don’t have specific info saying that old and new cleats are cross-compatible, they look like they should be.
“Speedplay pedals give us an advantage over other pedal systems in weight, aerodynamics, and the adjustability of their cleat system. This combination gives our riders full confidence in their equipment on race day and lets them focus on the race ahead,” said EF – Education First Nippo Team Performance Manager Nate Wilson.
While the design is updated, you’ll still see some connections to the past. In some ways, Wahoo has simplified the Speedplay lineup. Instead of offering different models with sometimes up to three different spindles, the new line up is one model, one spindle. Four spindle lengths are still available through dealers and fit specialists, providing a custom fit to dial in your Q factor.
What you won’t see are some of the more unique models. Gone are the Pavé classics pedal and Szyr offroad pedal, the only offroad pedal that had serious adjustability for leg length differences.
Speedplay Zero
The Zero is going to be your all-around pedal that will be the best option for most riders. It features the stainless steel spindle and standard Grivory plastic body that keeps the weight at 222g, while remaining strong and stiff. At $229.99, the Zero is the upgrade most riders are looking for with going to a dual sided pedal.
Speedplay Nano
When it comes to the hills, the Nano is the lightest option in the line. The main differences are the titanium spindle and carbon composite body that helps cut the weight down to 168g, 54g lower than the Zero. It also brings the price up to an eye-watering $449.99. These will truly be reserved for those looking to create the lightest bike possible. There will surely be a weight limit on these pedals, and we’ll update as we can.
Speedplay Aero
The Speedplay Aero is all about speed. It’s the single pedal in the Speedplay line that is not dual sided. Instead, it has a dimpled aero cover built into the Grivory body matches up with the cleat cover. This creates the most aerodynamic pedal on the market. The Aero features the stainless steel axle and weigh in at 224g, only a few more over the regular Zero. At $279.99, it’s a little more than the Zero in price and weight, but is the perfect addition to your tri/TT rig, or for anyone looking to add some speed to their road bike.
Speedplay Comp
The base model now becomes the Comp, replacing the Zero Chromoly and Light Action from the past. The Comp continues with the Chromoly spindle, making it the heaviest in the line at 232g, not much more than Zero though. It is the only pedal that comes with the easy release cleat, though the standard cleats will work too. At $149.99, it is a great option to break into the Speedplay line.
Powerlink Zero
Something I had speculated about ever since Wahoo purchased Speedplay was the addition of a pedal based power meter. It looks like it will be something we’ll see in the near future with the Powerlink Zero. From the teaser pictures, the power meter is added to a module on the spindle between the pedal and the crank. Other than being a stainless steel spindle and a projected weight of 276g, that’s about all we know at the moment. We’ll have more info in the future as it is released.
The Zero, Comp, and Aero are available now, with the Nano coming later in April. The Powerlink Zero is slated for Summer of 2021.
Speedplay pedals have been a favorite of mine for a number of years. The dual sided entry was always a huge option for me, making clipping in at traffic lights a breeze, not to mention the ability to pedal through corners. The updates that Wahoo have made since taking over the brand look to be a great improvement, and I’m looking forward to see what they bring with the Powerlink Zero.
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year