Review: Speedplay Comp Pedals (Updated 10/21)

Speedplay Comp Pedals at a Glance

$150

• +The new cleat is easier to walk in, while giving up nothing while pedaling.
• +Quality customer service from Speedplay.
• +Lightweight, lots of float.
• -The new cleat seems a little less durable.
• -Be careful when replacing cleats; not all Speedplay cleats are compatible with all Speedplay pedals.
• -The outside edge can wear quickly, sending your new pedals to the Dumpster in about a year.

I put a set of Speedplay road bike pedals on my Lemond Zurich road bike when I bought it in 1999. Those pedals lasted until just before the COVID-19 pandemic, when the bearings seized. The little port for injecting grease was slightly stripped, which spelled the end.

Still, I liked them so much that I bought a used set on SteveBay. The cleats I had lasted until about August of 2020. That’s when I had to buy a new set of Speedplay Ultra Light Action pedals because the cleats were apparently getting hard to come by — and the cost of cleats was nearly half the cost of a new set of pedals.

I bought mine for about $150; this was after Wahoo Fitness bought Speedplay, but apparently before there was much integration between the companies. The current version of mine appears to be the Speedplay Comp pedals, which sell for $150. For the purposes of this review, you’re pretty much getting the Comp model if you want the updated version of my pedals.

A New Generation of Speedplay Pedals

This new generation of Speedplay pedals has an entirely new cleat system. I noticed right away that it was far easier to walk in them, which was nice. (The old ones were notorious on slippery surfaces … the stories I could tell about that!)

Installation was easy as always. I just mirrored what I had previously, tighten everything thoroughly and then hit the road the next day. There were no compatibility with my Sidi shoes.

The new Speedplay pedals were just as easy to get in and out of as the original ones, and I racked up a good number of miles since I was working from home. Not having to commute and hour a day freed up room for pre-workday rides.

Functionally, they didn’t feel any different on the bike. Easy to engage, easy to release. No problems!

Some Concerns About the Cleats

My old cleats lasted a long time. I probably changed them maybe twice. These new cleats, though, don’t seem to hold up as well.

After about 10 months of use, the spring in the left cleat broke. I chalked it up to an aberration, went to the local shop where I got the pedals and bought new cleats.

Here’s where things went a little pear-shaped with the new Speedplay pedals:

The shop didn’t have the Easy Action cleats (the new version of my Ultra Light Actions cleats), just the standard tension. I didn’t think much about that.

Well, I rode for a few weeks and then realized I’d already broken the left cleat again. Rather than march to the local bike shop, I contacted Speedplay.

They were prompt and helpful with figuring out the situation. As it turns out, the standard tension cleats are not compatible with my pedals or the current Speedplay Comp pedals.

ALSO IMPORTANT: The plastic pedal bodies wear down over time. After about a year, my pedals have developed quite a bit of roll.

I’ve seen some suggestions to replace the bodies, but I haven’t been able to track the right parts down. I plan to hit Speedplay up for more info — I’ll update this when I know more. Speedplay seems to know this is an issue. They’ve added a metal ring around the outside edge of the pedal.

Good Show from Speedplay

Now, Speedplay could’ve been like “too bad, you used the wrong cleats.” I wouldn’t have liked it, but I admit they would’ve been within their rights to do it.

Instead, they sent me a new pair of Easy Action cleats that are compatible with my pedals. I appreciate that.

I’ll also pass this along to the local bike shop so this doesn’t happen to others using my same Speedplay pedal model. So bike shops, beware! Be sure you know the ins and outs of this product so you hook customers up right!

Bottom Line on the Speedplay Comp Pedals

Though the new cleat seems less durable than the older ones, the improvement in being able to walk makes me more than OK with that. They still feel great on the bike.

I appreciate prompt responses and helpful information when something goes wrong. Speedplay delivered on both counts.

Unfortunately, I’m not confident that Speedplay has worked out all the bugs with the introduction of the new version of the Comp pedal. At this point, I’m researching different options to replace Speedplay.

I’ve put a set of Look KEO pedals on my bike. A few rides in and I’m already impressed. More to come!