Are Speedplay Pedals Good for Gravel? Find Out Here!

Gravel riding tosses a whole mix of curveballs at us cyclists, particularly when it comes to choosing the right pedals. Like countless others, I’ve scratched my head over whether my road pedals are up for the challenge of those dusty trails.

After scouring through gear forums and giving them a real-world trial on some rugged paths, I’ve come across some pretty interesting findings about how Speedplay pedals fare on gravel adventures.

In this piece, I’ll unravel if these slick-looking pedals can truly rise to the occasion of gravel’s rigorous demands – reviewing their innovative features and gleaning insights from actual riders.

So grab your helmet; I’m about to embark on an informative journey!

Key Takeaways:

• Speedplay pedals have a unique double – sided entry and adjustable float for comfort, which is helpful on gravel.
• They work well on gravel if kept clean but are not as tough as mountain bike pedals.
• Other pedal options like Shimano, Crankbrothers, Look, Xpedo Thrust NXS, and Garmin Vector 3 might be better for rough trails.

Speedplay Frogs Experience:

Aspect	Speedplay Frogs
Float	20 degrees of free float
Tension Adjustment	Tension does not change with angle
Feeling	Not as “icy” feeling as Speedplay Road
Availability	Not in the current catalog but widely available new/used
Material Options	Cheap version recommended; Stainless version has limitations
Maintenance	Requires regular rebuilding due to water ingress
Cleat Wear	Cleats need replacement every season due to tab breakage
On-Bike Feel	Doesn’t have the same flat back feeling as road cleats
Additional Model Consideration	–
Forefoot Wedges	Recommendation for Specialized and BikeFit forefoot wedges
User Experience	Easy to clip into, intuitive float and release, reliable

Understanding Speedplay Pedals:

Speedplay Zero pedals stand out with their unique design. Their double-sided entry means I can clip in without looking, making them convenient for quick starts. Plus, they have adjustable float, which protects my knees by letting my feet pivot slightly while I pedal.

Sealed bearings keep the Speedplay Zeros working smooth even after riding through puddles or rain. And the cleats? They attach firmly to my cycling shoes, ensuring a secure connection every time I ride.

These pedals are made for road cyclists who want top performance and comfort.

Road Pedals vs Gravel Pedals- A Comparison:

If you’re like me and find yourself itching to hit the gravel trails, you’ve probably pondered whether those sleek Speedplay pedals are up for the challenge.

Let’s dust off our bikes and dive deep into a head-to-head bout: it’s road pedals versus gravel pedals coming up.

We’ll weigh in on how they each handle the rough with the smooth — because let’s face it, when we’re bumping down those backroads, performance is key and we don’t want any unwelcome surprises keeping us from that victorious post-ride brew.

Performance and Safety:

Speedplay pedals shine when we talk about performance and safety. Their light weight and sleek shape help you ride faster and smoother. Plus, they’re super adjustable. You can make them fit just right for your feet, which means better control on rocky roads.

Gravel riding is tough but with Speedplays, you feel steady because they are made to handle bumps well.

Now, let’s talk about staying safe out there on gravel trails. Your bike shoes need to be in good shape or else the pedals won’t work as they should. Imagine trying to walk with a floppy shoe; pretty hard, right? It’s the same deal here – so always check your gear before a ride.

With Speedplay pedals underfoot and solid shoes on top, I trust my rides even when gravel gets tricky!

Risk vs Reward:

Choosing the right pedals can be a big deal. With road pedals, there’s a chance they won’t hold up well on gravel, and that could ruin your shoes. You don’t want that! But, if you pick sturdy gravel pedals, you might save your gear and enjoy the ride more.

Sometimes, though, switching between different kinds can wear out the threads on your bike. That’s risky.

Now let me tell you about my experience with Wahoo Speedplay for gravel biking: The reward? They’re tough and last long without wrecking those costly cleats when I walk around at stops.

Sure, there’s some risk; but after riding them hard for a whole year, I’ve seen what they can handle—and it’s impressive! Just keep in mind that every trail is different and choosing the best pedal comes down to where you are riding.

Can You Use Road Pedals on a Gravel Bike?

You can put road pedals on a gravel bike. I know some folks who do just that. They like the way they feel and don’t mind a little extra work to keep them clean. Mud and dirt can cause problems, though, sticking to the pedals when you’re out on the trails.

This means more cleaning time after rides or during if things get really messy.

Switching your pedals often isn’t great for your bike either. The threads where the pedals screw in could wear out if you change them too much. That’s why it’s important to think about what kind of riding you’ll be doing before choosing your pedals.

If you plan to ride in places with lots of mud, maybe look at options made for rougher stuff than regular road pedals.

The Use of Speedplay Pedals in Gravel Riding:

Speedplay pedals, with their unique dual-sided entry and ability to handle the unpredictability of gravel, might just be your new best friend on those less-traveled paths—let’s dive in and see how they measure up against the rough and tumble of gravel riding.

Design and Specs of Speedplay Pedals:

I love how the Speedplay Zero pedals feel under my feet. They are really light, only 230 grams, and they have a special design that lets you move your foot in a smooth circle. You can change how much your foot tilts on the pedal from no tilt up to 15 degrees.

This is great because it means I can set it just right for my riding style.

These pedals are also made so you can clip in on either side, which is super handy when I’m riding on gravel and need to get going quickly after stopping or falling. Wahoo makes these pedals with strong stainless-steel axles, so even though they’re light, they’re tough too.

There’s a whole range of them like the Nano and Powrlink Zero that give us gravel riders different options to choose from.

Clipping in and Adjusting Speedplay Pedals:

Speedplay pedals are a big hit because you can clip in so easily. Their special design makes setting them up just right for your feet a breeze.

• STEP 1- Look at the bottom of your bike shoe. You’ll see some holes where you can attach a cleat.
• STEP 2- Line up the cleat from your Speedplay pedal with these holes. Make sure it fits nice and snug.
• STEP 3- Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws that hold the cleat in place. Don’t make them too tight or too loose—just enough so they won’t move.
• STEP 4- Check out the float on your pedals. Float lets your feet move a little side to side while clipped in. It helps keep your knees happy when you ride.
• STEP 5- Adjusting float is key. Turn the screws on the side of the cleat to make changes. This sets how much wiggle room your feet have.
• STEP 6- Now, stand over your bike and push one foot down onto a pedal until you hear a “click.” That sound means you’re all clipped in!
• STEP 7- To unclip, just twist your heel outwards away from the bike. Practice this move until it feels easy to do.
• STEP 8- Remember, each foot might need different settings. Take time to adjust both sides until they feel just right for you.

User Experience with Speedplay Pedals in Gravel Riding:

I’ve given Speedplay pedals a go on gravel, and there’s a lot to like. They’re designed for road cycling, but I find that their dual-sided design is really handy when you’re off-road.

It means you can clip in easily without looking down, which is great when the trail gets bumpy. You just have to keep them clean because grit and mud can get in the way.

Riders who need specific fit options might lean towards the Syzr model from Speedplay. If you do your part with regular maintenance, they can work pretty well on gravel. Just remember – these aren’t mountain bike pedals, so they won’t take as much beating as those made for tougher trails.

Keep an eye out for wear and tear if you choose to take Speedplays across rocky roads.

Pedal Brand	Pros
Speedplay	Dual-sided entry, easy off-road clipping, lightness, adjustable tilt
Shimano	Tough, SPD system compatibility, popular among gravel riders
Crankbrothers	Lightweight, easy to service, resistant to mud
Look	Strong, adjustable, reliable for varied terrain
Xpedo Thrust NXS	Affordable, lightweight, durable for gravel
Garmin Vector 3	Measures power output, versatile with different cleats

Other Potential Pedal Options for Gravel Riding:

Now, as a gravel enthusiast myself, I’ve pedaled through quite the array of options—and there’s a universe out there beyond Speedplay.

Whether you’re chasing that tailored fit or just testing the waters, let’s dive into some alternatives that might just suit your dirt-road dancing shoes.

Pedal Brand	Key Features	Suitability for Gravel
Speedplay	Double-sided entry, adjustable float, sleek design	Good, but not as tough as MTB pedals
Shimano	SPD system, known for toughness, popular in gravel	Excellent
Crankbrothers	Lightweight, easy to service, mud-resistant	Excellent
Look	Strong, adjustable, good for varied terrain	Excellent
Xpedo Thrust NXS	Affordable, lightweight, durable	Very Good
Garmin Vector 3	Measures power output, versatile with cleats	Very Good

Shimano Pedals:

I’ve had great times riding with Shimano pedals. They’re known for being super tough and handle gravel like a champ. Plus, the SPD system they use is pretty popular—you’ll see it on other brands like Acros and LOOK, making these pedals easy to match with different shoes and bikes.

The Shimano PD-M520 model gets a lot of love from gravel riders for its durability and performance. It’s cool because it doesn’t cost too much but still gives you that top-notch quality.

Riding through rocky paths feels safer with my Shimanos because they hold onto my shoes really well. Even when things get bumpy, I stay locked in without any scary slips—it’s as if they’re saying, “I got you—ride on!” And clipping in? That’s easy too; just a quick step down and I’m ready to go chase new adventures on my bike!

Crankbrothers Pedals:

So, let’s talk about Crankbrothers pedals. They are a big deal for riders like us hitting gravel trails. What I love about the Candy 1 model is how light they feel under my feet. And servicing them? It’s a breeze! Plus, these gems don’t get jammed with mud – that’s gold when you’re miles into a ride and the path turns into a sloppy mess.

Think of Crankbrothers as your trusty sidekick for those long, unpredictable journeys over rocks and dirt. Each pedal push gives me confidence because I know they’ll stay clean and keep gripping no matter what Mother Nature throws at us.

These pedals just understand gravel riding – simple as that.

Look Pedals:

Look pedals have a strong following in the cycling world, and they’re worth considering for gravel riding. The X-Track Race model shines with its adjustability – something you’d want when transitioning from smooth roads to unpredictable gravel paths.

They offer the kind of durability and performance that serious riders look for.

I’ve found that while many cyclists stick with SPD systems for their versatility, Look’s pedigree can’t be ignored. Their clipless pedals provide the secure engagement and release you need on varied terrain.

And since gravel riding often involves a mix of conditions, having reliable equipment like Look pedals makes rides more enjoyable.

Powertap P2 Pedals:

Powertap P2 pedals were once a big deal in the cycling world, especially when you wanted to know how hard you’re pushing on those long gravel rides. They measured your power output – that’s like seeing the strength of each pedal stroke.

Think about it, this kind of info is super handy when you’re trying to get stronger or faster, and these pedals were good at giving that data.

Sadly, they aren’t around anymore because Wahoo decided to stop making them. But while they lasted, many bikers compared them with the Garmin Rally series in buyer’s guides. Those who used Powertap P2s often talked about things like drivetrain loss and whether their numbers matched up well with other power meters.

This stuff really mattered if you were serious about your cycling game! Now, riders looking for similar pedals might check out the Favero Assioma as an alternative for their gravel adventures.

Xpedo Thrust NXS Pedals:

Xpedo Thrust NXS pedals are like a secret weapon for bikers who love to hit gravel trails without breaking the bank. These pedals have a sharp look with their one-piece body and big stainless steel area where your foot touches.

They’re not just about looks, though – they’ve got strength too! The Cromoly spindles and three cartridge bearings make sure your ride is smooth every time you push down.

Now, I’ve been around cycling equipment enough to know that price can be a headache. But Xpedo offers these lightweight pedals at a cost that’s way less than others that are similar.

So if you’re looking through your options for gravel riding gear, the Xpedo Thrust NXS could be your match – top quality without the high price tag.

Garmin Vector 3 Pedals:

So, I tried out those Garmin Vector 3 pedals on my gravel bike. Guess what? They work with Look’s KEO pedals too, which is super cool because it means more choices for my feet. These pedals aren’t just one-trick ponies either—they have different batteries and power sources.

That’s great news for someone like me who likes to keep riding without worrying about running out of juice.

Talking about power, the Garmin Vector 3 isn’t shy here. It actually measures how hard you’re pushing when you ride. And that helps a lot when trying to get better or figure out the best way to train.

Plus, if you ever want to switch things up, these pedals are friendly with SPD/SPD-SL cleats too. They’re pretty versatile that way—good for any path I decide to take through the dirt and rocks of a good gravel route.

Final Thought:

In the end, Speedplay pedals can really shine for gravel riding. They’re light and let you adjust how your foot sits on them, making long rides comfy. Their design helps keep dirt out but still makes walking easy.

While some bikers might pick other types of pedals for rough trails, Speedplays hold their own as a strong choice for those who love to ride on gravel paths. It’s all about what feels right under your feet when you’re pedaling through adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can I use Speedplay pedals for gravel riding?

Sure, you can! Speedplay Pavé pedals are designed for tough rides like Paris-Roubaix – they handle dirt and grit really well. So, they’re a solid choice for gravel.

Are there special Speedplay pedals made for off-road?

Yep – check out the Speedplay Frogs! They’re made especially for mountain bikers who deal with lots of mud and need easy clip-ins and outs.

Do pro cyclists use these pedals on harsh terrain?

Indeed, they do… Pros love Dura-Ace gear, but when it comes to super rough roads? Some go with Speedplay because these pedals can take the beating and keep going strong.

Will my knees be okay using Speedplay on bumpy trails?

Good news here – many riders say that these pedals actually help reduce knee stress. And if you’ve got concerns about your medial meniscus or other knee bits, that’s important stuff.