Wahoo relaunches Speedplay
Wahoo upgrades Speedplay pedals, with a power meter version also on its way, writes Simon Smythe
Following its acquisition of Speedplay in 2019, Wahoo has announced the first major refresh of the US brand since the iconic dual-sided ‘lollipop’ pedals were invented in a California garage in 1989.
The new Wahoo Speedplay range will comprise four options: the Comp, Zero, Nano and Aero with a fifth – the eagerly anticipated Speedplay pedal power meter, the Powrlink Zero – to launch in summer 2021. Wahoo reiterates that Speedplay pedals were - and will continue to be - the world’s only high-performance pedal designed specifically for road cycling without relying on “antiquated skibinding technology” – and the only one to offer “approachable” dual-sided entry.
With the trap mechanism located in the cleat rather than the pedal, Speedplay pedals have traditionally offered lower stack height, free float and better aerodynamics than other systems.
However, there were some particular areas relating to Speedplay pedals’ useability, performance and durability that arguably needed addressing, and that’s what Wahoo has worked hard to achieve.
Adjustable float for all cleats
Previously, the Ultra Light Action cleats or X series cleats weren’t adjustable, supplying free float only, while the Zero cleats supplied 0-15 degrees of adjustable float. The revamped, streamlined range now includes adjustable float from 0-15 degrees on all cleats.
Cross compatibility
In addition, cleats weren’t cross compatible with their respective pedals – for example, Light Action and X cleats couldn’t be used with Zero pedals and vice versa – which was something that some users found frustrating. So Wahoo has simplified the system by offering two types of cleat – Standard Tension, which will be black, and
Easy Tension (grey), both of which feature 0-15 degrees of adjustable float and both of which can be used with all the pedals in the new range. Both are also backwards compatible with the old Zeros.
Maintenance
Another fact of Speedplay life that could catch the new user out was the regular maintenance required. Speedplay recommended greasing the bearings of Zero pedals every 2,000 miles or more frequently in “wet or dusty conditions”. New grease needed to be injected through a grease port at the side using a grease gun to replace the old grease. Speedplay also recommended lubing the cleats with a dry lube “as often as before each ride to significantly prolong the lives of both cleats and pedals”. The redesigned Speedplay pedals have sealed bearings so that there’s “no need for regular maintenance”
“The reinforced body improves performance”