Wahoo has relaunched the Speedplay brand with a more streamlined product line and the promise of a pedal-based power meter that will be available this summer. At the time of launch, Speedplay's line of road pedals consists of four models ranging in price from $149.99 to $449.99.
Wahoo's New Speedplay Pedal Line
The new models feature triple-sealed cartridge bearings, adjustable float on all cleats from 0-15 degrees, and 8mm hex wrench installation. The new pedals will be available in the coming weeks through Wahoo retailers.
SPEEDPLAY COMP
![478765]()
The Comp is the entry-level pedal in Speedplay's new range. It features a chromoly spindle and comes with light-release, Easy Tension Cleats that will be more appealing to new cyclists. (Both Standard Tension and Easy Tension cleats will be available aftermarket to suit rider preferences.)
Weight: 232 grams
Price: $149.99
SPEEDPLAY ZERO
![478764]()
This is the pedal most seasoned riders are likely to gravitate toward. The ZERO features a stainless steel spindle to shave weight from the COMP and Standard Tension Cleats.
Weight: 222 grams
Price: $229.99
(Available for backorder)
SPEEDPLAY NANO
![478763]()
Weight weenies, this is your pedal. Think of the NANO as a ZERO pedal upgraded with a titanium axle for ultimate weight savings.
Weight: 168 grams
Price: $449.99
(Available for backorder)
SPEEDPLAY AERO
![478766]()
The one-sided version of Speedplay's already aerodynamic ZERO pedal features a stainless steel axle and dimpled pedal body.
Weight: 224 grams
Price: $279.99
POWRLINK ZERO
![478767]()
Details on Wahoo's pedal-based power meter remain scarce, but the brand expects to launch this summer.
Claimed weight: 276 grams
Price: TBD
Speedplay Zero First Impressions
![478768]()
I'm writing this initial review with three rides and approximately eight hours on the new Speedplay Zero pedals. This model is the bread and butter pedal of the new Speedplay line and the one that makes sense for the majority of cyclists.
I used Speedplay pedals a decade ago and installed countless pedals and cleats while working in bike shops, but they were never my go-to road pedal. Despite the free float, low weight, low stack height, and dual-sided entry, I found them too finicky. Both the pedals and cleats required more maintenance than similar pedals from Look and Shimano. (Shimano is my preferred pedal system.)
![478769]()
Wahoo is aware of the many complaints about the older pedals and has done a great job of updating the Speedplay system to make it more appealing. Wahoo has culled Speedplay's overly-expansive product line. The myriad combination of models, axle lengths, and cleats was entirely too wide and confusing for retailers, not to mention consumers.
Wahoo also addressed two of my primary complaints pertaining to maintenance and installation. Legacy Speedplay pedals required frequent regreasing to keep them performing at their best. The company recommended purging and injecting new grease every 2,000 miles or three months. (Speaking from experience, very few riders ever took the time to do this.) The updated Speedplay pedals spin on triple-sealed cartridge bearings that should have much better longevity with minimal maintenance. Speedplay pedals also required a 15mm open-end wrench for installation and removal, not a deal-breaker, but not nearly as convenient as the 8mm Allen key found on every multi-tool. Thankfully, this was remedied as well.
The updated Speedplay Zero is more robust and its performance thus far has been very good. However, there is one drawback to the pedal design that remains unchanged and must be mentioned: the clip mechanism, housed in the cleat, must remain free of dirt, snow, and other debris in order for it to function properly. The tolerances are tighter and opportunities for contamination are greater than Speedplay's competitors. Many of my favorite road test routes also include stretches of hardpacked dirt farm roads, this is where Speedplay comes up short against other pedal designs. If you only ride on clean pavement and never put a foot down in dirt or snow, this won't be an issue. In the real world, however, these things happen frequently.
![478770]()
Does this mean Speedplay's new pedals face an uphill battle in a very competitive market? It will depend on where and how you ride. If you're an existing Speedplay pedal user, Wahoo's updated pedal collection is markedly better and a worthwhile upgrade. If you're considering switching from a different pedal system, this might be a tougher sell. I'll update this review after a few months of testing with additional impressions.
Wahoo's New Speedplay Pedal Line
The new models feature triple-sealed cartridge bearings, adjustable float on all cleats from 0-15 degrees, and 8mm hex wrench installation. The new pedals will be available in the coming weeks through Wahoo retailers.
SPEEDPLAY COMP
The Comp is the entry-level pedal in Speedplay's new range. It features a chromoly spindle and comes with light-release, Easy Tension Cleats that will be more appealing to new cyclists. (Both Standard Tension and Easy Tension cleats will be available aftermarket to suit rider preferences.)
Weight: 232 grams
Price: $149.99
SPEEDPLAY ZERO
This is the pedal most seasoned riders are likely to gravitate toward. The ZERO features a stainless steel spindle to shave weight from the COMP and Standard Tension Cleats.
Weight: 222 grams
Price: $229.99
(Available for backorder)
SPEEDPLAY NANO
Weight weenies, this is your pedal. Think of the NANO as a ZERO pedal upgraded with a titanium axle for ultimate weight savings.
Weight: 168 grams
Price: $449.99
(Available for backorder)
SPEEDPLAY AERO
The one-sided version of Speedplay's already aerodynamic ZERO pedal features a stainless steel axle and dimpled pedal body.
Weight: 224 grams
Price: $279.99
POWRLINK ZERO
Details on Wahoo's pedal-based power meter remain scarce, but the brand expects to launch this summer.
Claimed weight: 276 grams
Price: TBD
Speedplay Zero First Impressions
I'm writing this initial review with three rides and approximately eight hours on the new Speedplay Zero pedals. This model is the bread and butter pedal of the new Speedplay line and the one that makes sense for the majority of cyclists.
I used Speedplay pedals a decade ago and installed countless pedals and cleats while working in bike shops, but they were never my go-to road pedal. Despite the free float, low weight, low stack height, and dual-sided entry, I found them too finicky. Both the pedals and cleats required more maintenance than similar pedals from Look and Shimano. (Shimano is my preferred pedal system.)
Wahoo is aware of the many complaints about the older pedals and has done a great job of updating the Speedplay system to make it more appealing. Wahoo has culled Speedplay's overly-expansive product line. The myriad combination of models, axle lengths, and cleats was entirely too wide and confusing for retailers, not to mention consumers.
Wahoo also addressed two of my primary complaints pertaining to maintenance and installation. Legacy Speedplay pedals required frequent regreasing to keep them performing at their best. The company recommended purging and injecting new grease every 2,000 miles or three months. (Speaking from experience, very few riders ever took the time to do this.) The updated Speedplay pedals spin on triple-sealed cartridge bearings that should have much better longevity with minimal maintenance. Speedplay pedals also required a 15mm open-end wrench for installation and removal, not a deal-breaker, but not nearly as convenient as the 8mm Allen key found on every multi-tool. Thankfully, this was remedied as well.
The updated Speedplay Zero is more robust and its performance thus far has been very good. However, there is one drawback to the pedal design that remains unchanged and must be mentioned: the clip mechanism, housed in the cleat, must remain free of dirt, snow, and other debris in order for it to function properly. The tolerances are tighter and opportunities for contamination are greater than Speedplay's competitors. Many of my favorite road test routes also include stretches of hardpacked dirt farm roads, this is where Speedplay comes up short against other pedal designs. If you only ride on clean pavement and never put a foot down in dirt or snow, this won't be an issue. In the real world, however, these things happen frequently.
Does this mean Speedplay's new pedals face an uphill battle in a very competitive market? It will depend on where and how you ride. If you're an existing Speedplay pedal user, Wahoo's updated pedal collection is markedly better and a worthwhile upgrade. If you're considering switching from a different pedal system, this might be a tougher sell. I'll update this review after a few months of testing with additional impressions.
