Speedplay Zero - which set?

SR7492

As a newbie roadie, I elected for the Shimano R540 SPD pedals/cleats as the reviews were pretty good.

I have got used to them pretty quick but now that I'm increasing my ride milage, I'm finding that they are a bit of bugger trying to clip in on hills when I'm stationary (nearly fell of the bike a couple of times). I probably need to get the right leg pedalling to keep momentum but the very fact I have to look down to see where the pedal is annoying me.

Anyhow, I'm been looking at alternative pedals/cleats that will solve my issue above and the Speedplay/Zeros seems to be the only ones to go for as they have double sided clip in.

There are a couple of models but I'm not sure the difference betweem them (except for weight) so can someone kindly recommend me one of the following models please?

SP Light Action Chromoly
SP Zero Chromoly
SP Light Action Stainless
SP Zero Stainless

Thank you in advance.

MaxwellBygraves

I've had both the SP Zero Chromoly and the Zero Stainless. Both exactly the same, Stainless one's a tiny bit lighter and slightly more corrosion-proof (not that I ever had any problems). Unless you're feeling particularly flush just get the Chromoly ones as there no discernable difference when riding.

ajb72

Personal preference here admittedly, but I have tried 3 of the 4 you listed so I hope this helps;

For me, I would stay well clear of the Light Action models unless your sole aim is to have the widest float possible and do not wish to dial it in to your personal preferences. I bought some via ebay and hated them almost immediately (stuck with them for 3 months). The huge float felt very vague to me, far too much room for the feet to move side to side and disengaging the cleat also required a considerable movement of the foot to release. They felt unnervingly loose to me, especially when climbing out of the saddle.

The standard zero models allow you as much float as you could ever need (and you probably need very little, as I recently found out in a bike fit where Adrian Timmis took it all off!).

As for Steel v Chromoly, go for steel if your budget will stretch. As Maxwell states above, no discernible difference in performance, but there certainly is in looks. The Chromoly has a painted finish which looks great for a while, but rapidly starts to wear off leaving a part-painted, part rubbed axel. Not a performance issue obviously, but they are not cheap so you don't want them to look it. The stainless keeps its finish superbly and remains looking as new for years.

Either way, all good pedals and you are sure to be hooked on the Speedplay system.

SR7492

Fantastic - thank you for your advice and quick responses.

So, where can I buy a set of Black Zeros Stainless for as cheap as possible (£134 is the cheapest as far I can see)

ToeKnee

Silver, white or red £119 .. but no black:
http://www.rutlandcycling.com/6951/Spee ... nless.html

ajb72

hmm, that is tricky at the moment. Red looks ok, if it matches your frame? I bought some of the ltd edition lurid green a while ago, don't match anything but there were too cheap to refuse!

SR7492

Good find, thanks ToeKnee

Frame is all black but I do have a RD/Black Edge 500 and RS10 wheels with a bit of Red on them; so I'm thinking they might not look too bad with the overall bike.

hmmmmm . .

spasypaddy

just make sure you buy a grease gun and some grease.

please grease them otherwise its an expensive replacement job.

SR7492

Thanks for the heads up Spasy

ajb72

spasypaddy wrote:

just make sure you buy a grease gun and some grease.

please grease them otherwise its an expensive replacement job.

That's a good tip. Don't think that if they are spinning freely it's a good sign - the opposite is true! If they spin without resistance there is not enough grease in the pedals. It's not a major job, I perhaps do mine just a couple of times per year and it takes 5 minutes.

hopper1

I can't get to mine at the mo, so can't measure to be sure, but I have read on here that the spindle lengths differ!
I use Cromoly, Stainless and Ti on different bikes, without any issues...

brettjmcc

Don't forget to to lube the cleats as well...

Hargroves have the Cromoly's in Black for £87.99...

spasypaddy

SR7492 wrote:

Thanks for the heads up Spasy

just passing on the knowledge i wish i had had a few months ago

was pretty awful when my pedal locked up mid training session 12miles from home. so much so they were beyond repair, i now grease regularly