Reviews

Speedplay Zero Stainless Steel pedals with walkable cleats

It's easy to understand why Speedplay's Zero pedals are so popular - and now there's no more slip-sliding in the cleats

Speedplay have always been different in their approach to pedals – instead of the usual cleat-into-pedal methods, the Speedplay system works in reverse, with the cleat providing the space for the pedal to clip into.

In the 2016 edition of the RCUK 100, we picked out the Zero Aero pedals, complete with a cover featuring wind-cheating golf ball dimples that help to create a boundary layer of air immediately next to the pedal body: the idea being to smooth the air beyond it around the pedal. It was attention to detail to the nth degree and the reason why Sir Bradley Wiggins chose the pedals when he broke the hour record.

Admittedly, that’s a pretty niche application, so this year we’ve picked the superb, all-round Zero system complete with walkable cleats and stainless steel spindles. These come in at 103g per pedal, and offer the low stack height, great ground clearance and all the customisability of the Zero system.

That includes the ability to adjust the float within a wide, knee-friendly 15 degree range, and set a custom movement limit within that range, too – want to set your ideal float range limits between, say, roughly 4-9 degrees? Be our guest.

RCUK 100 2017 - Speedplay Zero Stainless (with Zero Aero Walkable Cleats)

Instead, it’s designed them with golf ball dimples around the air-facing edges to help minimise the effect of the extra bulk they inevitably embody, while the tough rubberised material guarantees longevity while maintaining maximum contact patch and grip on the ground.

Speedplay Zero Stainless Steel pedals

We’re also fans of the walkable cleat covers too, which means tottering around your favourite tile-floored café won’t be the hazardous task it once was with Speedplay cleats. And credit where credit’s due: Speedplay have gone to the trouble of designing them so that the low aero profile inherent to the system isn’t ruined.

Additionally, you also get what Speedplay call ‘cleat buddies’, which can be plugged into the hole that the pedal fits into while off the bike. The Americans claim this helps to protect the cleats from damage by intruding rough surfaces, thereby preserving the life of the pedal mechanism itself.

Simple, yet clever – just how we like it.