The Complete Guide to Wahoo Speedplay Pedals: A Unique Dual-Sided Entry Design

The Complete Guide to Wahoo Speedplay Pedals

In a road bike pedal market dominated by two major camps, Shimano and Look, Speedplay (now under Wahoo) has always stood apart. Its dual-sided entry design philosophy has earned it a loyal following. Since acquiring the brand, Wahoo has given this classic a comprehensive upgrade, breathing new life into it.

Speedplay’s Unique Design Philosophy

Traditional road pedals (Shimano, Look) work like this: the cleat is flat, and the clip-in mechanism is on the pedal. Speedplay does the opposite: the pedal is a simple small disc, and the clip-in mechanism is on the cleat.

This “inverted” design brings several fundamental advantages:

1. Dual-sided entry: the pedal has no front or back — just step down and you’re clipped in
2. Extremely low stack height: the pedal is very thin, bringing the sole closer to the pedal axle
3. Adjustable float: screws on the cleat let you precisely set the float range

Full Comparison of the Three Models

Spec	Speedplay Nano	Speedplay Comp	Speedplay Aero
Positioning	Top-tier racing	Mid-tier training	Aero-optimized
Pedal body material	Stainless steel	Stainless steel	Stainless steel + aero shell
Spindle material	Chromoly steel	Chromoly steel	Chromoly steel
Bearings	Sealed ceramic	Sealed steel bearings	Sealed steel bearings
Weight (single pedal)	Approx. 62g	Approx. 68g	Approx. 75g
Stack height	11.5mm	11.5mm	13mm
Float	0°-13° adjustable	0°-13° adjustable	0°-13° adjustable
Q-factor adjustment	Yes	Yes	Yes
Color	Black	Black	Black
MSRP	NT$10,500	NT$5,500	NT$13,000

Real-World Advantages of Dual-Sided Entry

Scenario 1: Starting from a red light

With Shimano or Look pedals, you often need to glance down to check the pedal orientation when starting off, or rely on feel to flip the pedal over. Speedplay eliminates this hassle entirely — the pedal is always facing “the right way.”

Scenario 2: Accelerating within a group

When you suddenly need to accelerate within a peloton, Speedplay’s dual-sided design lets you clip in the fastest way possible, so you never miss your window because the pedal flipped the wrong way.

Scenario 3: Starting on a climb

Restarting after stopping on a steep climb is one of the most demanding moments for any clipless pedal. Speedplay lets you focus entirely on balance and power output, with no need to worry about pedal orientation.

Precise Float Adjustment

The feature Speedplay is most praised for by bike fitters is its quantifiable, adjustable float.

How to adjust it

The cleat has three sets of adjustable screws:

• Toe-in limit screw: limits the maximum inward rotation of the toe
• Toe-out limit screw: limits the maximum outward rotation of the toe
• Float center screw: sets the starting angle of the float range

Adjustment recommendations

Riding type	Recommended float	Notes
General road riding	6°-8°	The safest general-purpose setting
Time trial / triathlon	3°-5°	Prioritizes efficiency while retaining some protection
Knee-sensitive riders	10°-13°	Maximum protective range
After a professional bike fit	Per fitter’s recommendation	Customized down to the degree

Understanding the Stack Height Advantage

Stack height refers to the distance from the sole of the shoe to the pedal axle. Speedplay’s 11.5mm is noticeably lower than the competition:

Pedal	Stack height
Speedplay Nano/Comp	11.5mm
Shimano Dura-Ace	14.5mm
Look Keo Blade	14.7mm

A lower stack height means:

• A lower center of gravity: improving handling stability
• More direct power transfer: the sole sits closer to the axle
• Possible saddle height adjustment: when switching from other pedals, saddle height may need to be lowered by 2-3mm

Cleat Installation and Considerations

Speedplay cleats are more involved to install than traditional clipless cleats. Keep the following in mind:

Tools required

• 3mm hex wrench
• 4mm hex wrench
• A ruler or bike-fit protractor

Installation steps

1. Confirm shoe compatibility: Speedplay cleats use the standard 3-bolt pattern (the same bolt holes as Look/Shimano)
2. Install the base plate: first bolt the metal base plate to the sole
3. Install the clip-in mechanism: attach the plastic clip-in component to the base plate
4. Adjust fore-aft position: the cleat’s fore-aft position determines where force is applied on the sole
5. Set the float: adjust the three sets of screws according to your needs
6. Confirm everything is tight: make sure all screws are securely tightened; using threadlocker is recommended

Maintenance Essentials

Cleat maintenance

• Speedplay cleats come with a protective cover to prevent wear while walking (a separate purchase on older versions; included with the new Wahoo version)
• Regularly check that the clip-in mechanism’s spring is functioning properly
• If the clip-in feels loose, check the cleat before checking the pedal

Pedal maintenance

• Every 5,000 km: remove the pedals and clean the bearings
• After every ride in the rain: wipe the pedal surfaces dry to prevent corrosion
• Regular lubrication: apply grease to the axle bearings periodically

Notes on Switching from Shimano/Look

1. Saddle height adjustment: the roughly 3mm difference in stack height requires a corresponding saddle height adjustment
2. Adaptation period: dual-sided entry takes 1-2 rides to get used to; the release method is the same (rotate your heel outward)
3. Cleat protrusion: Speedplay cleats protrude slightly more from the sole, so walking feels a bit different
4. Power meter compatibility: a Wahoo Speedplay Powrlink power meter version is currently available, but options are more limited

A Special Note on the Speedplay Aero

The Aero version adds an aero shell on top of the standard pedal. According to wind tunnel test data:

• At 45 km/h wind speed, it can save roughly 1-2 watts
• The shell is removable and can be taken off for regular training
• It adds roughly 7g of weight (per pedal)
• Stack height increases to 13mm

For time trial or triathlon athletes, saving 1-2 watts may be meaningful; general road riders don’t need to chase this.

Buying Recommendations

Choose the Speedplay Nano: if budget allows and you want ultimate light weight and the smoothness of ceramic bearings

Choose the Speedplay Comp: the best value option — functionally identical, differing only in bearing material

Choose the Speedplay Aero: for time trial or triathlon athletes chasing every last watt

Conclusion

Wahoo Speedplay’s dual-sided entry design stands out among road bike pedals. For riders who value clip-in convenience, need precise float adjustment, or have been recommended Speedplay by a bike fitter, it’s a system well worth serious consideration. It may not be the most mainstream option on the market, but it is certainly one of the most distinctive.

Related Reading

• 單車鞋鞋扣全攻略：Look、Shimano SPD-SL、Speedplay 系統差異
• 卡踏選擇對決：SPD-SL、Look Keo、Speedplay
• 卡鞋與踏板系統完全指南：SPD-SL、Look、Speedplay 怎麼選
• 卡鞋選購指南：Shimano SPD-SL vs Look KEO vs Speedplay