Speedplay Zero Stainless Pedals Review - BikeRadar

User review of Speedplay Zero Stainless

Long term test - By John Stevenson

Speedplay’s unusual clipless pedal design is an established favourite with very few flaws.

Speedplay’s Zero pedal differs from most clipless designs in having the retention mechanism in the cleat rather than the pedal. That allows Speedplay to make a double-sided system that’s both light and has very low ‘stack’ – the distance between the pedal and your shoe.

Low weight is an obvious advantage. A low stack puts the rider’s centre of gravity closer to the ground , which makes for more confident cornering. The compact shape of the Zeros also provides lots of ground clearance. These are great pedals for accelerating out of tight corners while your rivals are still coasting.

Other Speedplay Zero plus points include the adjustable release position – from zero to 15 degrees; the grease port on the pedal body for easy maintenance and the ease of entry that results from the double-sided design.

That’s the big advantage of the Zero. Entry is a no-brainer: just locate the pedal with the cleat and stomp. No need to flip the nose or get a cleat tab into an engagement point. That makes the Zero especially appropriate for commuting, and very friendly to clipless pedal beginners.

There are a few downsides. If the cleat’s retention spring breaks – as happened to me on a commute a couple of years ago – then you’re limping along with one foot not properly attached. You can still ride because the cleat still fits round the pedal, but you have to be very careful not to slip off. I was late for work.

The large aluminium bottom face of the cleat makes them tricky to walk in. Care is needed to avoid going on your arse between parking bike and ordering coffee. Speedplay makes cleat covers – called Coffee Shop Caps – to make them more walkable. On the upside, the design protects the engagement mechanism from walking-related wear. When the aluminium plates get worn, just replace them and the cleat is as good as new.

Unlike some clipless designs, the Zero has no spring tension pushing your foot into a ‘centered’ position. That’s both a plus and a minus. The unrestricted movement will feel odd if you’re used to spring-centered pedals, but if you have sensitive knees, this feature allows them to find their neutral, most comfortable position.

If you don’t like or want float – some riders’ knees don’t seem to like it even though the majority do – you can dial it right out with the Zeros and the two screws that adjust the limits of float make it easy to adjust the rotational position of a floatless Zero.

The manual bears careful reading. The tension of the screws that fix the cleat to the pedal can affect how hard it is to release. Don’t tighten them up too hard.

Rating: whatever we’re giving as the top.