A few years ago I rode with Speedplay Zeros and LOVED them. My knees were happy, my cadence was high, and everything was great.
Unfortunately, the issue of not being able to click in became a major one. I know this is a problem with some Speedplays, but it usually works itself out. In my case, it didn’t and I started getting nervous about biking through intersections, stopping in traffic, etc.
I really want to go back to using the Speedplays, but I need help figuring out a solution. In your experience, what has been the cause of the problem if you’ve had something like this?
I keep the pedals on maximum float, I weigh about 127lbs, and I wear Sidi T1 shoes with some curvature in the sole.
I have the X2 not the zero, so this may not be the same. The only time I really have trouble is if there is a little dirt in the cleat from walking. If I have to walk across a soft surface I check to make sure the cleats are comletely clean before I get on my bike.
Take you cleats apart and give them a good cleaning. Re-assemble with new Loctite on the threads. Don’t overtighten the screws. Lube with White Lightning or other ‘dry’ lube.
Yes, 2 issues: if the cleat is fouled, needs cleaned. Also, DON’T tighten the screws too much or it can bind the spring (that is why there is blue loctite on them). Lastly, if you have your pedals set at full float (for knee issues presumably), then why not just get the older, cheaper X-1 series?
I think the instructions say to screw the screws until they bottom out then back them out 1/4 turn. As the cleats get broken in, less backing out is necessary.
You may want to put additional thread lock on the threads, they tend to loosen when not tightened fully.
Make sure you don’t have the shims attached if you don’t need them. I didn’t even know I had the shims attached and it was really hard to clip in. Once I removed the shims it wasn’t any problem clipping in.
Been Speedplay happy for 10 years. X’s on my road bike and Zeros on my tri bike.
