From: bgeer@javelin.sim.es.com (Bob Geer)
Subject: Re: speedplay pedal/lolipop pedals
Reply-To: bgeer@javelin.sim.es.com
Organization: Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1992 14:43:51 GMT

ronf@panther3.panther.mot.com (Ron Feigen) writes:
>  Does anybody have any info about Speedplay pedals.  They look like lollipops.

I've used a set on one of my road bikes since July.  I like them in
general but I have some reservations/cautions/observations whatever:

1.  They are relatively easy to engage, but once engaged they feel
like standing on ice as far as rotational resistance is concerned.
This merely takes a little getting-used-to.

2.  I can feel the engagement flex a little during the top & bottom of
the pedal-circle if I'm trying hard to pedal thru-out the rotation as
opposed to stomping down then jerking up.  Not a problem when spinning
as much as when using an exagerated slow, strong, climbing cadence.

3.  The cleat adapters don't fit my Avia nor my Lotto shoes perfectly.
There was insufficient front-to-back adjustment for the Avia's, the
shoes I preferred to have them on.  They are "ok" on the Lotto's, but
I'd still like to have them a few mm's further back.  A VeloNews
reviewer noted this problem in his report last spring -- he named 4 or
5 different shoes he could not attach them to.

4.  The heads of the rear screws attaching the cleat to the shoe are
worn such that the phillips slots are gone, & from relatively little
walking -- I'd much prefer that they be better protected.  Replacing
the cleats, adjusting them, or moving them to other shoes is now a big
headache.

I notified SpeedPlay of this by letter & they merely claimed (by phone
call, not return letter) that I could find replacement cleats in
"various" shops -- none that I know of around here, tho.  Replace
them?  Why, so they will wear off quickly as well?

5.  The chrome plating on the exposed portion of the [spindle | axle]
stripped off, tho SpeedPlay has offered to replace them if I return
the pedals.

If SpeedPlay would improve their cleat adapters I'd be an enthusiastic
endorser of their product.  As it is, I'm still looking for the
perfect pedal/cleat system

Other pedals/cleats I have used:

Time Criteriums: I liked them very much 'til I wrecked a knee & now
don't dare hyperextend it.  The height of the Time cleat+adapter on
non-Time shoes (Time shoes are too narrow for my feet) is very high;
that complicated by an old ankle injury makes walking on Time cleats
risky for me.

Time TWT:  This is a recessed cleat shoe-cleat-pedal system.  The
shoes are really too narrow, the shoe-pedal attachment doesn't feel as
stable as I'd prefer, & I've broken the reflector built into the pedal
twice now -- they are too fragile.

Platform pedals, toe clips, & slot cleats:  I wore down the plastic
cleats far too quickly, & the lack of rotational freedom wasn't very
good to my knees.

Other pedals/cleats I have/am considering:

Look-compatible system: Now that there is a cleat that provides
rotational freedom, I'm tempted.  Esp. since the Campy pedals would
look very nice on my C-Record equipped bike.  However, I'm afraid the
plastic cleats would wear off far too quickly.

SPD system: Also tempting, based on good reports from other users.
Recessed cleats, various shoe manufacturers making compatible shoes,
available in both road & mtn. versions, Jobst's endorsement (could I
really be correct in this? :-)
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