Speedplay X/5

Price Paid:  $110.00 at performancebike.com

Favorite Ride:
at least 100 miles

Bike Setup:
You're not interested in reading about my overweight workhorse parts equipped road bike that sees more mileage than my car.

Summary:
Switched from Looks to Speedplay X3's. X3's were the best pedals I've had. Speedplay discontinued them and came out with this version. I'm just as pleased. Cleats are far more durable than Looks. I get about 5,000 miles per pair. Setup is simple; you don't have to worry about cleat rotation when you mount them. Unlike Look cleats, these will never squeak. Stack height is low, which translates into greater power transfer. Corner clearance is excellent. Entry and release are a snap, and tension is independent of release. They hold your foot securely. I find free float to be less stressful on my knees, because a spring doesn't force you to rotate back to center. They're superlight and trick for such a small pricetag. Haven't had any maintenance issues. If you have joint problems, buy these; heck, buy 'em even if you don't.

Strengths:
quiet/durable cleats
easy to setup
low stack height
excellent cornering clearance
entry/release
easy on the joints

Weaknesses:
I'm nitpicking; they assume blue will match everyone's bike. Color choices are available on Light Action. Might check those out when this pair gives up the ghost

Similar Products Used:
various Look models
Time
Shimano

Price Paid:  $100.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
Mt Weather

Bike Setup:
scott alu, ultegra, cane creek wheels

Summary:
These were my first pedals. Got them because I was worried about potential knee problems. They are indeed good on the knees, but mine developed significant axial play in < 1000 miles. I could fix it by taking them apart and rebuilding, but it was a pain. Also, they wouldn't hold grease...it just squirted out the lolipop/spindle interface within about 50 miles (speedplay grease and gun). After another couple thousand miles there was play in every axis (pedal, not cleat). Just felt like alot of slop in the system when pedaling. Finally, I always developed hot spots on them. Eventually bought some dura ace pd-7810s, which are fabulous. Overall, I was disappointed in the X5.

Strengths:
unlimited float is easy on the knees.

Weaknesses:
I trashed them in only a few thousand miles. (165 lbs, strong but not that strong)

Similar Products Used:
Shimano pd-7810

Price Paid:  $105.00 at performance bike

Favorite Ride:
semi hilly

Bike Setup:
Nashbar frame, 9spd ultegra dura ace mix, fsa wheels and crankset

Summary:
Like these pedals a lot. Over 2000 miles and no problems at all. Takes a ride or two to get used to free float, felt weird at first in a strong cross wind. Easy to clip in and out.

Strengths:
Strong, light, easy to use

Weaknesses:
none for me

Price Paid:  $100.00 at Pedal Power

Favorite Ride:
downhill

Bike Setup:
Trek1500

Summary:
These are pretty much what you would expect. A good pedal for a good price. 2500 miles and no issues other than simple maintenance lubrication. I'm a clydesdale and I really jam on these pedals with no issues.

Strengths:
Dual sided for ease of getting in. Massive amounts of float. Durable.

Weaknesses:
The cleat system gets junk in it sometimes but that's such a small negative

Similar Products Used:
Shimano SPD

Price Paid:  $2700.00 at ebay

Favorite Ride:
Trek 5900

Bike Setup:
Trek 5900 full dura ace

Summary:
I recently had my 3rd knee surgery. I was begining to think my riding days were over but thanks to these pedals I,ve started back. Now all I have to do is loose the 25 lbs I gained since not being able to ride. I would highly recomend these pedals to anyone having bicycle related knee problems.

Strengths:
Light, easy on the knees

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
SPD