Wahoo has announced the first major refresh of the iconic Speedplay brand since the pedals were invented in a California garage 31 years ago. Wahoo acquired Speedplay in September 2019, following its July 2019 purchase of The Sufferfest.
The new Wahoo Speedplay line grows from technology first designed in 1989. Wahoo notes that… ‘Speedplay pedals are the world’s only high performance pedal designed specifically for road cycling and triathlon without relying on concepts and technology from other sports – and the only one to offer approachable dual-sided entry.’
Wahoo has confirmed that a fifth pedal model will be added to the Speedplay offering later this summer. The Speedplay POWRLINK ZERO is billed as ‘the world’s first dual-sided pedal-based power meter.’
Refinements across the whole product line for 2021 will aim to improve the performance and durability of Speedplay pedals. Revamped models claim to have lower stack height and better aerodynamics than other pedal systems, as well as adjustable float, spindle-length options, and ‘the premium-level user experience that all Wahoo products are known for.’
The new Wahoo Speedplay line includes:
- COMP (£134.99),
- Speedplay ZERO (£199.99),
- Speedplay NANO (£379.99),
- Speedplay AERO (£239.99), and
- The Wahoo POWRLINK ZERO power meter (price to be announced).
The Speeplay line traditionally includes two cleat options: Standard Tension (included with ZERO, NANO, AERO, and POWRLINK ZERO), and Easy Tension (included with COMP).
Both cleat options are now compatible with all pedals in the new Speedplay line-up and are backwards compatible with all earlier Speedplay Zero models.
The COMP, ZERO, NANO, and AERO are now available for purchase from Wahoo dealers and WahooFitness.com. POWRLINK ZERO will be available in summer 2021.
‘The new pedals are being supported by Wahoo’s existing sales organisation, ensuring that cyclists can easily access Speedplay pedals via Wahoo dealers and WahooFitness.com.’
Performance upgrades include adjustable float on all cleats from 0-15 degrees, sealed bearings with no need for regular maintenance, and increased durability through a revised pedal body.
Wrench flats have reportedly been eliminated in favour of installation via a hex wrench. The ZERO is also available in four spindle lengths from Speedplay dealers and fit specialists to ensure that all rider fit needs are covered.
In 2020, the Education First – EF Pro Cycling Team rode Speedplay pedals to top finishes in World Tour races, including a podium finish at the Vuelta a Espana. This picked up the World Tour legacy of a pedal that has won at the highest level, including the Tour de France, Paris-Roubaix, Liege-Bastogne-Liege, and Paris-Nice.
In 2021, EF – Education First Nippo and Canyon//SRAM will continue to ride with Speedplay. Joining them in the pro peloton are Alex Dowsett and Owain Doull. Speedplay has also seen success in triathlon, as the ‘winningest pedal at the Kona IRONMAN World Championships’ and the choice of IRONMAN World Champion and record holder Jan Frodeno.
“I’ve trusted Speedplay for much of my career for their reliability and ample opportunity to custom fit the position of my foot,” said Frodeno. “I ride 20,000km in a year and the improvements Wahoo has made to the pedals gives me the confidence to know that my pedals will work perfectly still ensuring that my biomechanics work on the most important contact point with my bike”
EF – Education First Nippo Team Performance Manager, Nate Wilson, added “Speedplay pedals give us an advantage over other pedal systems in weight, aerodynamics, and the adjustability of their cleat system.
“This combination gives our riders full confidence in their equipment on race day and lets them focus on the race ahead.”
