Speedplay x2 vs x3

I have been having a lot of issues with knee pain while cycling (currently using Shimano Spd system) and am considering changing over to speedplay for the much higher degree of float. I have tried everything I can think of, including being fitted to my bike, but have had no luck finding a position that allows me to ride pain free (relatively speaking). At any rate I was wondering if anyone can tell me what the difference is between the x2 and x3 pedals aside from weight and price. I am a svelte 195 pounds and want to make sure I’m getting a pedal that will work well for me.

Thanks in advance.

I think it’s just a matter of material-the x3 is Chromoly and the x2 is stainless steel (will stay shiny–won’t rust). For more information, go to http://www.speedplay.com/ I don’t know of any weight restrictions re: either pedal.

I have all three of the Speedplay pedals. I wouldn’t buy the cheap ones again. They are longer and they are made very differently internally from what I understand. They are cheaper for a reason.

As far as I can tell, either of the more expensive versions will last forever if you keep them lubricated. I doubt many actually do that. You need a special attachment from Speedplay to do the lubrication.

If I were you, I would go for the steel ones (X2 I think). If you are cheap you can even get them used on eBay all the time. Just make sure you maintain them.

The titanium version has a specified weight limit for the rider that you are probably close to. You might want to pass on them. They aren’t very much lighter anyway, and that weight difference won’t mean a thing to a guy your size.

I have suffered similarly, I too am considering the X series speedplays. My concern is that I have done some interesting reading that suggest that free float may not be the answer. I am currently riding with out clips to see if it helps. I too have changed my fit, some of which has helped out tremedously, but I am not sure that I have exhausted all possible solutions to my problem. I believe the X2’s or ss and the X3’s are crmo. The SS is the way for go for me, but I am thinking hard about a pedal (zero) that allows a generous float yet will not allow me to get my knee in some crazy angle. I think my problem is getting my knees in a wierd angle to the pedal stroke, if that makes sense. If I thought that the use of these pedals would cure my problem I would buy them in a heartbeat but I don’t think it is. For me that is.

I haven’t had cycling knee problems except for the occasional IT band from pushing too big a gear. I would strongly recommend you try the X series. I am not saying it will solve your problem, but it is very different from what you are doing now and it just might.

Buy some used ones on eBay. If they don’t work, just resell them and you will be out some shipping for your trouble. What have you got to lose except your pain?

special attachment from speedplay for lubrication. i’ve successfully used a grease filled syringe to do this. once you take out the lubricating screw, the end of a syringe (no needle, of course) fits perfectly in the hole!

I have both the x2 and x3 pedals. I like the x3’s the best for one reason. I have a garage full of bikes and must move pedals from bike to bike. I found that the x2’s have a tendency to strip at the base over time as you install and remove them from your cranks. The x3 design at the base, in my opinion, is superior and does not have this issue.

I am almost certain that the Titanium speedplay have a weight restriction of 85kgs which is 187 lbs.

I was experiencing knee pain a while back and my ortho asked what pedals I was using. I was using SPDs, but to my suprise he guessed it was Speedplays. (I was considering changing to Speedplay at the time.) He suggested I move to a Look type pedal. He claimed he had a lot of patients who’s knees were complaining about the Speedplays. I’ve gone to Looks and been happy ever since. I know a lot of people love their Speedplays, but I just thought I’d throw out what my Ortho told me.

I think the best way to look at pedals and their relation to knee problems is to use the analogy of running shoes: some people need motion control, some people need cushion, some people it just doesn’t matter, and they can do a marathon in flats. Pedals work the same way.

Look at your knees first, legs second, then your feet, then at the pedals. Do you need to restrict the motion of your legs/knees to keep your body in alignment, or do you need float in the system to do the same, or relieve “overstresses?”

There is no one perfect pedal system, and as with everything, fit comes first. The wrong pedal can lead to, or exacerbate existing knee problems, but far too many people jump to the conclusion that " I have knee problems, I need more float," when often the opposite is true, and they actually need to restrict a motion that is in fact hurting their knees - these folks don’t need Speedplays, they need Looks with black (fixed) cleats!

MH
PS - I’m a Speedplay guy myself - but I shouldn’t have been when I started using them. By the time I figured out the float was bad for me, I had learned to self regulate it - after 2 knee injuries and MONTHS in the gym rehabbing.