Test Speedplay pedals by Wahoo

Since its creation in the 1990s, the Speedplay brand has'had evolved little, probably because their atypical cleat/pedal system was already optimized, and we know that a product that works'is not likely to be changed too much… But the recent acquisition of Speedplay by Wahoo has changed the situation, by allowingimprove some sensitive points, like the body of the pedals.

By David Polveroni – Photos: @David Polveroni / DR

Presentation and handling (or rather on foot): 

Wahoo is best known for its computers and smart trainers. But since the acquisition of Speedplay, the brand has been able to solve some problems that some users have encountered, as we have seen after more than 10 km with these pedals. Wahoo will also finally make a pair of pedals with a power sensor, planned for the end of the summer. 

For those who didn't know Speedplay - now Wahoo Speedplay - these are pedals where the platform is located on the shoe and not on the pedal. Which creates particular sensations when switching from a classic system (Shimano or Look) to Speedplay. Although different, I find that'a pair of Time s pedals'closer in terms of foot support and angular freedom.

At first, we have a little'impression of'pressing on soap bars, the stability is less than'in Shimano, but the foot is therefore always placed where the body asks it to be. Also, we have the feeling of becoming one with the'axis, c'is something that I'I particularly enjoyed it. C'at least that's how I feel. J'I used shims with these pedals to correct varus on the right and left as well as'a 2 mm rise on the right shoe, to compensate for a difference in leg length.

All shoes are compatible with the Speedplay 4-hole cleat with the'adapter provided to go from 3 to 4 holes, with an increase in height relative to the axis of 2 mm. But we still remain at 11,5 mm in height compared to 14,5 on Shimano for example.

Speedplay allows for very good biomechanical adaptation with a wide range of adjustments: laterally (8 mm), front to back (14 mm), and angular freedom from 0° to 15°.

C'It is very useful to be able to adjust the right and left feet independently. For example, for me, my left foot requires less freedom than my right foot, although I'accommodated (I was in Shimano, essentially with 0 to 6° of freedom cleat). We gain in comfort, and I even noticed that a callus on a toe disappeared thanks to the Speedplay.

Also note that the Speedplay Zero are available with different lengths'axes to best fit your QFactor: 53 / 56 / 59 and 65 mm, while the rest of the range, Nano, Comp and Aero are 53 mm as standard.

Chocks 

The wedges n'have not changed, they are walkable (that is to say, they allow walking without damaging them), they are now black and no longer yellow. With the adapter we arrive at a weight of 118 g verified. 

On route

J'I have since their commercial release a pair of Wahoo Speedplay Zero for myself, and a pair of Nano for this test. After 9000 km with the Zero, I notice that they run like the very recent Nanos. Even after many uses in wet conditions, I notice that progress seems to have been made on this side. C'At least that's what Wahoo tried with new seals on the needle bearings.

Second point reviewed on the new generation: the platform has become circular and not X-shaped which seems more mechanical to me and gives a body less subject to'usage.

The montagin'revealed nothing complicated. However, some recommendations: you must grease the file welltage on the Nano version, at the risk of encountering some squeaks. Then, you have to put thread lock on the screws of the 3-hole plate. My screws came loose without it.

Range

On our version of'test, the Nano, we are here with the most high-end model of the brand. Although the cleat is heavier than the competition, these pedals weigh (verified weight) 168g per pair, that's 70g less than Shimano Dura-ace 9100.

Here we have a carbon pedal body and a titanium axle compared to the Zero which has a stainless steel axle., just like the Aero which only offers'one side only'engagement, the back side forming a body with the cleat to gain in aerodynamics. The Comp have a Cr-Mo axle and a more flexible cleat. The Light Action model leaves the range. A simplification that'we appreciate.

In the end, the test has proven to be very positive, and shows many advantagestages for this type of pedals, particularly in terms of ergonomics. A revised platform and better protected bearings bring a real benefit in terms of durability. We look forward to being able to testis the version with power sensor.

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