As a former user of Speedplay pedals, I’m interestested in stepping back into the pedals again as my knees aren’t what they use to be (broken patella also doesn’t help).
Doing some research on the new Wahoo Speedplay pedal / cleat system, it’s hard to find more recent reviews on the system. Early reports seem to indicate that there were some issues with the pedal body / spindle interface that made the pedal body move in and out.
I’m curious if there have been any updates to the pedal system to eliminate this issue and if the Wahoo Speedplay’s are on par with or even surpass the Speedplays of old? Please let me know your personal experiences, especially those whom have used both the older Speedplays and the new Wahoo Speedplays.
I’m in a broadly similar position–past injuries and the need for very rearward cleat placement have made Speedplay my default option.
RE: the play, I haven’t had any bearing issues with mine, and other riders I know who use them haven’t had issues either. The Wahoo version do seem to be a touch slower/stickier to release when unclipping. It’s not terrible, just…a bit slower than ideal. Definitely preferred the older speedplays, these are OK but a bit of a downgrade IMHO.
I’ve heard all the concerns from old users, however I have had my pair for 5 years and have had nothing but good things to say, except that the little death star like trench around the waist is a little hard to keep dry. The play is a feature, not a bug.
I’m on Speedplay since 2008 or thereabouts, now a mix of Wahoo type (2 pairs) and a few original pairs.
I’ve had no issues with the Wahoo type and appreciate the fact that I don’t have to grease them intermittently. I’ve never noticed any play in them at all.
I’ve been on Speedplay for around 15 years. I moved to the new Wahoo version somewhat hesitantly as I was worried about the play that dogged the earlier versions after hearing reviews from @Ronan_Mc_Laughlin . I’m happy to say it seems the issues have been fixed with the latest versions. No play so far in my year old pedals that have been used throughout a British year of weather. I am particularly happy they replaced the bow tie metal plate with the complete ring as I found the roll of my foot would wear the plastic part of the pedal body over time and create a feeling of instability. Hope that helps!
Thank you to everyone for sharing your thoughts and personal experiences, I really appreciate you all taking the time to write. My knees will also thank you greatly once I order the pedals haha.
I have been on the original Speedplay since I started riding in 2017. I have had no pedal body moving in & out, nor any other problems. I prefer the original Speedplay as I can inject fresh marine grease (instead of relying on a seal). I like the free float, but I need to retrain myself every now & again to keep my feet straight.
Thanks for asking this question, it’s something I’ve been meaning to look into for a while.
Been on the original Speedplays since Steve Hogg put me on them 20 years ago. Have worn through a few of the pedal bodies and now on a pair of green ones that came as part of a fit kit. Been putting off getting the new ones till I knew about the play issue!
Given the way Wahoo stabbed previous Speedplay users in the back I’ve been boycotting them ever since, and will continue to do so. All three pedal systems I had were discontinued without warning, and the cleats I was told would be made for one of them never eventuated. Most of the fit parts that helped make Speedplay such a good option were also canned; Wahoo does not deserve to get any business from anyone.
I would avoid the Power versions of the Speedplays…I had two sets warrantied after they started reading abnormally low. The second warranty set I just eBay’d new to avoid anymore hassle.
I’m a Speedplay pedal rider since they first came out (X-2) and now on Zero’s. Honestly I can’t tell the difference between the pre-Wahoo Zero’s and the current ones. I typically use Speedplay pedal lube on the pedal surface to make them float smoothly. My right knee needs the float and Speedplays have been the best for me.
I’m an old speedplay user and switched to the first batch of the new Wahoo one no issue whatsoever.
Now have the Power Meter versions which have done around 10,000km wet and dry. They are also faultless with no signs of wear and electronics have been super reliable.
I guess they will wear eventually and I know I can’t service them like the old ones but 10/10 from me so far
I moved over to speedplay about a year ago as i was tired of replacing Keo cleats. I love them and have had not issue. Closer fit and more adjustable. I have no play issues other than that provided by the adjustment.
I’ve been using the Wahoo version of the Speedplay Zero pedals for over 3 years, haven’t had any problems.
That said, I have 3 or 4 sets of the Speedplay X series pedals and TWO new sets of cleats, still in the packaging, so if you’d like to ‘go with what you know’, I can hook you up.
I’ve been using Speedplay Light Action *for 10+ years. My most used bike has power meter Speedplays. In my view, the best things about Wahoo taking it over is that they are much lower maintenance now. And I love that there is a power meter pedal. I think there’s slightly less float with the newer versions than there was in the OGs. What I like about them is that they are so efficient to clip in and you can do it anywhere in the rotation.
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*For light-weight riders.
Every set of the new Wahoo ones I have had developed the lateral play. This was after 18-24 months of usage and tbh I should have tried to get wahoo to sort but you don’t really notice it when riding before it gets very severe. One pair totally seized and the bearings disintegrated.
Hopefully the manufacturing QC has improved since then as everything else is fine.
