Xpedo’s SPD-Compatible CXR Pedal Sheds Grams, Goes Pro | Spd Pedals

Rachael is happiest on two wheels, she’s been riding bikes for a good few years now after horses got too expensive! Partial to a race or two Rachael also likes getting out into the hills with a big bunch of mates. She’s been writing for a long as she’s been riding and is equally happy getting stuck into a kit review as she is creating stories. 

Those who love Speedplays rave about the low weight, adjustability, and shallow stack. A recent redesign of the cleat added a rubber aero cover that makes them far easier to walk in than the previous version, or many other systems.However, it’s undeniable they need more looking after than most pedals and they’re susceptible to clogging from even the smallest amount of dirt.

The only issues I’ve witnessed is with two owners of SRAM etape systems who didn’t charge their batteries, so were stuck with limited years in the Pyrenees, but they could swap the front and rear mech batteries round, so low gears for the climbs and then big gears for the descents. Didn’t seem ideal.

When it comes to choosing pedals, many people stick to what they know, but pedal technology, like everything else in the cycling industry, has evolved considerably, even if the aesthetics haven’t. Smoother float, larger pedal/cleat contact and reliability are all places that we notice the greatest improvement. That’s not to mention that the weight of both these systems is incredibly light as well. The French have led the clipless pedal business for decades with their designs, quality and attention to detail, but it’s their passion to deliver the highest-performance products that keeps both companies on the innovative edge.

“My move to Speedplay (about 10 years ago) was all in pursuit of extra cleat adjustment, and it’s something I still prize along with the double-sided entry for the pedals. I use the aluminium 3-hole-adapter baseplate for my cleats because it offers extra fore-aft adjustment and isn’t prone to cracking like the standard plastic adapter baseplate. I’ve found a dry lube works well for the cleat springs, but I always forget to use it as often as I should. I keep using the cleats long after they should have been replaced, which has probably accelerated wear on the pedals, but I’ve still gotten at least a few years before as noticeable rock develops in my pedal stroke.”

Another special feature of the Vertic Trail pedal is the selectable Q-Factor (distance from the centre of the pedal to the outer face of the crank arm) of 52.5mm or 58.5mm. A larger Q-Factor provides a wider stance over the bike, with more free space so you don’t, for example, rub the beautiful paint on the chainstays. To an extent, a wider Q-Factor can also give you more stability on the bike too – kind of like running wider handlebars.

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a relaxing route i don’t take nearly enough — light railing it into work (and giving in to old man pasttimes of crossword puzzles). #carlesscommutepic.twitter.com/wpoPqdmf5M

The R550 is a slightly fancier version of the R540 above, featuring a composite rather than alloy body. The larger body provides more support for your shoes at the same time as saving a little bit of weight.

These criticisms are not without merit — the SPD sandal has a kind of naff normcore-dad-on-holiday aesthetic that I think is thus far unmatched in the cycling world. An admirable feat in a sport where silly clothing is pretty much a prerequisite.  

Look clearly you’re ranting and couldn’t get to grips with them, which is fair enough. But what’s problematic is that if someone else has a positive experience with them, you try to contort their experience into a negative. That’s a bit childish. 

Chances are that you won’t need to adjust an electronic shift system often so it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you never need to touch it at all.