Speedplay have a radical approach to their clipless pedals. In other systems the pedal contains the locking mechanism, in Speedplays it’s in the cleat.
This has one huge benefit: you can set the amount of float for heel in and heel out directions, adjustable from 0-15 degrees, letting you tailor the movement and release point. There’s also plenty of side to side and fore and aft adjustment, allowing you to make very fine adjustments to their setup.
The ease of entry is excellent too, as the pedal tends to slip straight into the hole in the cleat first go. With needle bearings, two sealed cartridge bearings and grease injection ports they’re durable and serviceable too. Excellent.
This article was originally published in Cycling Plus magazine.