Speedplay Pedal Thread

Needle Bearing successfully replaced. Hard to tell, as it was so buggered, but possibly speedplay loctite them in, which is why they "claim" you can't replace them. I've not bonded the new one, seems pointless as the the torx screw and retaining clip should keep it in place. As long as its kept greased/serviced it will make it much easier to replace next time.

Anyways, now have some butter Zero's to try out. I'm gonna have a go at a pair of those hockey-puckers, I reckon!

Same here. I was quite excited about getting them, almost imported a bunch to offer out, but glad I didn't when I saw that post.

Seriously, Keep on Kovers, you can't beat them.
http://www.comtat.co.uk/products/642.htm

"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.

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.

£17.99! Jebus; I bought these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301639028181?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=600502888568&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

They are as good.

The new aero cleats - presumably they have to be purchased as a stand alone item, they don't come with pedals?

Don't think the aero pedal has been released yet. And doubt aero cleats with regular pedals will be any more aero than regular.

I suspect you are correct, I was just thinking that aero-cleats might be cheaper than regular cleats (£35) plus Keep On Kovers (£20), as my covers are getting old now.

Does anyone have a link for an axle replacement walkthrough? I'm going to switch mine over to Ti tonight

EDIT: FOUND IT - how to, courtesy of our man @Dammit - https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/200779/

Hopefully I won't have to melt anything...

Unscrew Phillips head screw on outer face of pedal, carefully unscrew Torx screw that holds pedal body to the axle (loctited), swap bodies, reverse instructions.

Took ten minutes, saved 50g. No problems and no heating anything up.

I used a youtube Clip a couple days ago. Took 5/10 mins.

Nice short axle now too.

Bonus.

I have the speedplay northwave adapters now too.

Just need to decide on shoes.

Reallyfuckinggreen or bastardingorange....

Probably a stupid question - the pedal bodies themselves are identical, left and right, correct?

I fucked up and fitted the axels on the wrong bodies. I can't be bothered to switch them over unless I ABSOLUTELY have to.

Just remember to install in your cranks the opposite way around.

I'm going to take that to mean that it's fine if I just fit them the wrong way round...

The pedal threads will be on the wrong way round so the right body will be on left, and back to front as a result. Im not sure how speedplays work but I doubt you'll be able to clip in if the body isnt facing the right direction

hey guys, I'm having a mare clipping into these, i bought the chrome molly version and feel like i need to weight about 40 stone to get them in. Any advice

thanks

I thought the same when I bought them. Apparently it's just how they are. Get use to giving a really sharp foot stamp to get into them.

Little twist of the foot helps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EY7lYRneHc

Try pushing with the back of the foot a bit more, they're not like normal road pedals that require the front to be slid in first. If you're really struggling there are "light action" versions available for schoolgirls..

Make sure the bolts holding the cleats to the shoe are really tight, that stopped me being able to clip in properly when I first put them on. Also try and press down with the ball of your big toe, I find a bit of extra pressure from that inside edge of the foot helps.

Not too tight tho else they will pinch the circlip bit, as per instructions.

tried it, seems fine.

I'll let you know if I die