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Yes, that statement was my first port of call. Followed by an old weight weenies thread on the replacement, maybe they're all dead now though ;)
As the pedal was useless in current state, it was worth spending a couple of quid on, even if just for pootling, trainer, or whatever, plus me knowing how to strip them down and see what they do inside.
For me, I'm pretty happy using Look system, but realise the benefits of two-sided engagement, so interested to see if it's worth swapping for. Not that I do, but I certainly won't be smashing them after realising what the problem was and doing the replacement.
That said, and having just done it, I genuinely would like to know what that reason is though. Without wanting to tempt fate, or sound flippant, companies say a lot of stuff to cover themselves and known to work to the lowest common denominator of a customer going at them with a pair of pliers and a blow torch.
I can see that if the bearing wasn't removed easily/safely and you knocked a small flat screwdriver end into/through the pedal body shell, or similar I can see how it could be comprised and unsafe.These pedals also had the retaining wire clip, which apparently don't feature on all models, so maybe why they would bond the bearing in that instance, maybe, but even still the design wouldn't allow the needle bearing to move unless something else had failed. i.e. torx screw, or spindle snapping, etc. in which case it's a problem regardless.
Yes, all others parts are replaceable, which makes a fair point, and there's no arguing without me putting as much research into those with replacements bearings as speedplay have into their reasons for not doing so.
The needle bearing is a weak part in the system though. It could happily sit in salty water and rot until you crack it open, as the other bearings are sealed. I guess why they need regular servicing. Like anything, if not maintained it will fail and in this case likely damage the spindle if used. Essentially, new pedal time looking at speedplays parts prices.
Thankfully,mine had just sat and seized/deteriorated, if used it certainly would have buggered the spindle.
Then there's 3rd party Ti spindles upgrades, etc.... I'd be more concerned about that as a potential risk.I'm no expert, but if a company sell one thing that lasts forever, well...it's hard not to see a little grey sometimes... Though they do make a fortune in cleat sales, so could be right.
So...tldr version - can't recommend it.
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b'jammin
"do not attempt to remove the needle bearings from the Zero pedal bodies. The needle bearings used in Speedplay Zero Pedal Systems are permanently bonded in place and cannot be removed from the pedal without damage to the components. Attempting to remove and replace the needle bearings in Zero pedals may cause damage which could result in severe bodily injury. Additionally, attempting to remove and replace the needle bearings in Zero pedals will void the manufacturer's warranty."
Given they allow you to replace everything else I'm sure there's a good reason they make this statement. As someone who's ripped one of the pedals apart I can tell you it's not fun and if it were to happen in a sprint or bunch you're gonna do more than just damage your pedals.