Speedplay showcase new Zero Aero and SYZR pedals
Speedplay showcase new Zero Aero and SYZR pedals
Eagle-eyed bike tech aficionados may have spotted Sir Bradley Wiggins using Speedplay’s new Zero Aero pedals during his successful hour record attempt in June.
The Zero Aero pedals differ from other Speedplay pedals in that they’ree single-sided – that’s because the ‘bottom’ of each pedal has a solid construction with a dimpled surface. Speedplay don’t put any aero claims against the Zero Aero pedals but they have a dimpled surface, so they must be fast, right? Well, we don’t know, but that’s the thinking, anyway.
The cleat into which the pedal slots also has a dimpled, rubberised tread, and a curved construction designed to provide a smooth transition and contoured profiled from cleat to pedal.
Bar the single-sided entry, the Zero Aero retains the key features of Speedplay’s other road pedals, including micro-adjustable float from zero to 15 degrees and a low stack height (8.5mm for four-hole mounting and 11.5mm for three-hole mounting).
The Zero Aero is available in two versions, stainless steel or titanium, with claimed weights of 105g and 79g respectively, and an additional 84g or 130g for a pair of three-hole or three-hole cleats. They’ll set you back £229.99 for the stainless pedals and £324.99 for the titanium pedals.
Meanwhile, Speedplay have also introduced a second off-road pedal to sit alongside the frog – the SYZR. While the SYZR is an off-road pedal at heart, Speedplay call it a ‘made-to-go-anywhere’ pedal system, so it’s designed for both road (for riders who want a double-sided pedal with a walkable cleat) and off-road use.
The SYZR is a marked departure from Speedplay’s conventional lollipop design and aesthetically it bears a resemblance to Shimano’s SPD system. However, the SYZR differs from typical off-road pedals in the range of adjustability on offer, with ten degrees of adjustable float.
Speedplay also claim the SYZR offers improved power transfer thanks to small tabs on the cleat which clamp against the body to stabilise the cleat in the pedal and reduce the lateral instability which Speedplay say is common in off-road pedals.
The ‘Roller-Cam Release Technology’ uses ceramic roller-cams on the pedal which Speedplay say won’t seize when wet (because they roll, rather than the metal-on-metal connection of many off-road pedals) and enable consistent release in wet and muddy conditions. Speedplay ‘s ‘Target Acquisition Technology’ uses funnel-shaped guides to steer the cleat into the pedal’s latch mechanism and they say this makes cleat engagement quicker and easier. Speaking of which, the SYZR’s cleat uses a two-bolt two-bolt design so they’re compatible with all mountain bike shoes.
If you want to get your hands on a set of SYZR pedals then, like the Zero Aero pedals, they’re available with stainless steel or titanium axles. The stainless version (claimed weigh 312g) costs £189.99, with the titanium upgrade (claimed weight 275g) giving you just a penny change from £350.