Thoughts on speedplay pedals?

[PeterF]

By themselves they are clumsy for walking and slippery. The rubber cleat covers which you can buy separately help. But the truth is that road shoes & cleats are designed for riding efficiency, not walking.

The cleat covers are also a good way of keeping dirt and sand (or ice in the winter) out of the cleat. Remember, the mechanism is in the cleat on Speedplays. They are far more sensitive to dirt than Looks or Times. On a very cold winter ride, I stopped for a break and stood in snow for a minute or so. When I tried to click back in, I found that the cleat was completely iced up. I had to ride home by just balancing my foot on top of the pedal. That being said, I wouldn't use anything other than Speedplay's. The float, smooth release and comfort are superior. I just make sure to slip the cleat covers in my pocket when I go for a long ride.

 

[dhk]

The cleat covers are also a good way of keeping dirt and sand (or ice in the winter) out of the cleat. Remember, the mechanism is in the cleat on Speedplays. They are far more sensitive to dirt than Looks or Times. On a very cold winter ride, I stopped for a break and stood in snow for a minute or so. When I tried to click back in, I found that the cleat was completely iced up. I had to ride home by just balancing my foot on top of the pedal. That being said, I wouldn't use anything other than Speedplay's. The float, smooth release and comfort are superior. I just make sure to slip the cleat covers in my pocket when I go for a long ride.

Yes, the sensitivity of the speedplay cleats to dirt has caused me problems also....at a muddy century rest stop. Cleaning them without running water can be a real pain. As you say, carrying the covers is essential if you plan on walking in dirt or sand.

I was concerned about wear on the (expensive) Zero cleats from walking, but they have outlasted my nylon Look cleats about 4-to-1 so far. The back edge of the metal plate is wearing down, but of course this doesn't affect the security of the cleat like it does when the Look back edge wears thin.