sharp

I want to get Speedplay pedals. I don't know which ones though. I understand the light actions are probably easiest to get in and out of which appeals to me. From what I'm reading though I may be happier with the zero's or x series. Of these two which are easier or harder to get in and out of? I'm tempted to get the zeros because of the option to set the float to fixed...in case I deside I don't like the free float feeling. I'm looking for advice from those who've road both or all three models of speed plays. Thanks!

sharp

Oh I should mention that the only clipless road pedals I've road before were Look and that was back in the late 80's. I have some experience with egg beaters as well...have them on my mtb. The Speedplays appeal to me because of the free float (easy on my knees) and from what I've heard they're easier to get in and out of than most other pedal systems.

Cateye

X is the same as the light but it’s just a little bit lighter in weight….lightest of the three
Light is free un-adjustable float
Zero has adjustable float and just a few grams lighter than the “light”. You can adjust the amount of float you want from 20 degrees IIRC to zero.

thcri

I just switched to Speedplay Zero's and love them. I got my first set of clipless pedals last September and bought Shimano R540's and now with my new bike got PD-5700's. Had trouble clipping out on the right side with them and was having some knee problems. Bought the Speedplay and am much happier and my knees don't burn anymore after a good hard ride.

More Cowbell

I have some X5's that I swap between my bikes. I do like the float. It's like balancing on an ice cube in terms of feel. I haven't had any problems getting them to release but getting them to engage sometimes is another story. You have to keep your cleats clean and lubed.

sbxx1985 

I've ridden the Zeros and X Series.

I hated the free float and quickly moved on to the Zeros. They're excellent.

orcanova

I've only ridden the X series, for over 12 years, and can't comment on the others. I will say I know someone who had the light action and they pulled out the pedal twice while sprinting, so I would consider light action only for recreational riding. Someone commented they are the same as the X but lighter and that is not true: its a completely different cleat, requires less force to unclip, and I believe less float (although I could be wrong on that one). I hear people who love the Zero's as well, I would just avoid the light action if you are going to be racing, or sprinting hard out of the saddle.

Personally I don't even notice the free float, and I ride them because I am a bit duck footed and I figured these pedals will allow my feet to fall naturally into the most biomechanically neutral position. They unclip easy enough, and I have no troubles clipping in either, in fact, due to the wide platform of the cleat, and you can clip into either sid of the pedal, I find they are super easy.

thcri

Yes I have noticed that too. But keeping them clean when you are on the road is tough with the little itsy bitsy pebbles.

ravenmore

I have Light Action on one bike and Zeros on another. Speedplay will tell you differently but they are completely interchangeable. I rode in this morning on me Zeros but had the Light Action cleats on. I'm going to put the Zero cleats on though - I haven't had any issues accidentally unclipping but I still prefer the extra security for racing.

ravenmore

also, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS when installing the cleats. I didn't and over tightened the screws, which made it really hard to unclip.

Ghouse

I have light actions and really like them.

1. I've never really felt like i needed the float limiter. sometimes my heel hits the frame only if i'm standing over my bike with one foot clipped in still, never while riding.
2. I ride/sprint very hard with these pedals and have never come close to clipping out on accident (which i have done MANY times with spds)
3. you really should lube them with dry lube (only takes a few seconds) before every ride.
4. The cornering clearance is fantastic.
5. I've never used the grease gun to grease up the inner bearings and the ones i'm riding are a couple of years old. I'm sure it's about time to do it, but they've never caused me problems such that i've heard from others.

Carbon Unit

How much more difficult are the Zeros to clip in and out than the Light Actions? I have Light Action pedals and am considering buying Zero cleats but I don't race and have no problem with float on the Light Actions. I just seems like everyone here loves their Zeros but Light Actions have been very good to me.

ravenmore

Haven't tried the zero cleats yet. Got the pedals last week. I've been too lazy to put them on. I've put a few miles including some race miles on the light action and never had them unclip. It's just more in my head.

Carbon Unit

I am interested to hear how they work for you. I do not race, I do club rides and training rides and the Light Action pedals have been great. I have just always wondered if I should go with Zero cleats next time or stick with the LA. Can you give us an update after you have had the Zero cleats on for a while?

brettlynch11

Just posted this in a different thread, but I just got my first road bike and had the speedplay light action put on right away. From my limited experience, they feel great.

The worker at my LBS said he has raced in the light action pedals for a while, but was switching to zeros because he had problems with them slipping off during hard sprints. Other than that, he said they were great for him.

I don't have much experience yet, but so far the light actions have been perfect for me. I'm no racer (yet) though.

roundabout

I have been riding my zeros for the last month after switching from shimano road spd's. While it does take a bit more oomph to engage at first, they will eventually break in and end up requiring only slightly more effort. I think the pedals are great, and wouldn't worry too much about getting the light action pedals, as the adjustability on the zero's is worth a little extra effort.

dgalati

I've used both the light actions and zeros. Upgraded to the Zeros 6 months ago and haven't looked back. Controllable float is definitely the way to go for me. The light actions felt like I was skating on an ice rink whereas the zeros give me a solid, locked in feeling with some float. I find the clip in effort to be slightly harder for the zeros compared to the light actions though.

poperszky

Thanks for confirming my choice guys, I just picked up a set of zeros today and the LBS is going to set them up tomorrow. I had a set of Shimano PD-6700 Ultegra on order from Amazon, and I had to see my Dr. on an unrelated issue, who it turns out is a roadie as well. He told that given my knee issues that I shouldn't be using anything but the speedplays because of the additional float they provide.

thcri

Will you be able to cancel your order??

back4more

I've been riding the Zero's for 6 months and like them a lot. Will get them again when needed. Have no problem clipping or unclipping. The adjustable float is nice to make the pedal do what you need.

merlinextraligh

I have multiple pairs of X2s. I love them, but at this point the X's are a legacy system.

The cleat interface is better on the Zeros and you have the option to adjust float.

If I didn't need to switch out 4 sets of pedals, I'd get zeros.

On a clean slate, definitely go with Zeros

sharp

Thanks for all your suggestions and comments! Can't say that it's helped me decide though...other than to eliminate the light actions from consideration. Now to decide X2 or Zero's???

sbxx1985 

Free float v. limited adjustable float.

Carbon Unit

If you need help deciding, give Speedplay a call. I have called them several times and they have been very helpful. As for the X2s, Zeros or Light Action pedals, the X2s have the old cleat spring and are more susceptible to clogging with dirt. The Zeros and Light Action have the same spring design but Zeros have adjustable float.

ravenmore

I mentioned earlier they are the same as the Zeros, not the X's (not sure if you were referring to me). I'm a sprinter and I do put a boat load of wattage into the drive train. I haven't pulled out on my Light Actions yet. I'm going to go to the Zero cleat though soon.