Anyone experienced a crack in their speedplays?

prhymeate

I decided to take my cleats off to clean them and just noticed that the inner metal ring has cracked all the way through. It's tricky to see in the photo. I think I might buy some new cleats and then send these off for a warranty claim as they are only 10 months old. I was just wondering if anyone has had the same problem? I think I'm going to try and get away with riding with them over the weekend because it's either that... or no cycling.

fenix

I'd probably risk it too - but check you can lock and unlock the pedal first.

Chances are its been broken a while and its had no noticeable effect on you.

I'd not risk any TdF sprint finishes mind you...

prhymeate

Fenix wrote:

I'd probably risk it too - but check you can lock and unlock the pedal first.

Chances are its been broken a while and its had no noticeable effect on you.

I'd not risk any TdF sprint finishes mind you...

Yea, I'm guessing it's been like that for a while. I've just noticed a local shop has cleats on sale for £33 so might pop down and pick some up later today. I'd prefer to have some for peace of mind. Hopefully I can get these replaced under warranty but I'm not sure if it's just considered general wear and tear.

keef66

I know nothing of Speedplays, but they look pretty worn and torn to me. There looks to be a crack in the yellow plastic bit too where one of those grubscrews goes through (do they adjust the float??)

fenix

Don't all cleats look worn and torn after even a short time ?

I swapped to Speedplay this year after decades on looks and I really like them.

earth

Yes, this is exactly how all my cleats have failed. It's always the cleat that I unclip from first (the lights leg) because it gets used most and it has always cracked at the most inconvienient time like the day before a sportive or the first day of a cycle holiday. I'd change it asap because it will break completely and then you will not be able to clip in. I guess it is caused by metal fatigue and the lifespan might be improved by keeping them clean and lubricated. I get about 3 - 4 years from a pair. The only saving grace is that the springs appear to be symmetrical so you can keep the other one and use it as a spare.

sungod

can't see the image as it's blocked by our security system

fwiw i've used speedplay zero on both commute and shiny bike for c. 6 years, only ever had one spring go just at the tip - the plastic was gone there as well so it may've been caused by walking without the cover on

dry lube every now and then, if they get grit/sand in them, flush it out or strip and clean

i wouldn't ride with a damaged cleat, aside from accidental release, there's also the chance it might stop you unclipping, the consequences of that could be much worse

prhymeate

I don't think they're in too bad condition personally (aside from the crack). I've had covers on them since almost day 1, only ridden in the rain a handful of times and clean/re-grease them now and then. The line on the yellow plastic is just a grease mark, but yea that is how you adjust the float.

I've just picked up a new pair to be on the safe side. I wasn't too keen on the idea of going on a group ride tomorrow and literally getting stuck somewhere.

Cheers for the replies, I'll update the post with what Chain Reaction say regarding a replacement or whether it's just normal wear and tear.

edit: just noticed the new ones have a sticker saying to replace them every 5k miles, which mine have done more than.

stevewj

I've had a couple crack but didn't affect unclipping. I squirt with GT85 every ride and wear café covers when riding to cut out the wear when I get off and walk (used to use the old café covers that you can't ride with on and couldn't be bothered to put them on for short walks but the new rideable ones extend life considerably). I tend to buy 2 or 3 complete pedal/cleat sets when they are on offer and replace as needed.

prhymeate

Chain Reaction just replied regarding my warranty claim and said they'd send a replacement out and that I don't need to return the broken one to them. Pretty good considering it isn't totally clear that it's broken in the photo.

crankycrank

Prhymeate wrote:

just noticed the new ones have a sticker saying to replace them every 5k miles, which mine have done more than.

5K miles is waaaay too soon to require replacement. Replace when they stop working properly or have visible damage as in your case. If I had to replace my Speedplay cleats every 5K I'd be looking for a different pedal.