Speedplay Syzr Pedals Stainless

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Speedplay has LOTS to say about the Syzrs, see below. The executive summary is that these are mountain bike pedals that give a firmer connection between the shoe and pedal than other designs, and provide the adjustable free float you get with Speedplay's road pedals.

This they do, and those qualities are very commendable. But the feel of the Syzrs on entry and exit is unlike any other clipless pedal, and they take careful tweaking to get them working well.

Speedplay says:

At Speedplay, we were born with the need for speed - both on-road and off. After inventing the most technically-advanced road pedals, we set out to develop a state-of-the-art, off-road pedal system that is equally capable on the road. Designed for riders who are dissatisfied with traditional MTB pedals and want more than just a basic connection, the Speedplay SYZR is the result of a our effort to develop the ultimate, made-to-go-anywhere clipless pedal system.

Until now, cyclists could only choose between road or MTB clipless pedals. Road pedals offer the stable platform and power efficiency riders want, but they don't work in mud. Off-road pedals are made for mud and walking, but their inferior connection is wobbly and wastes power.

To eliminate the problem of wasted power, the SYZR uses a 4-point contact, cinched together by downforce, to create a rock-solid connection not found in any other MTB system. The SYZR combines a stable connection, previously found only in road pedals, with the functionality of an MTB pedal to deliver optimal efficiency on any surface. SYZRs also include the renowned fit, feel and user-friendly features that cyclists have come to expect from Speedplay.

Nothing underscores the need for a more versatile pedal system than the convergence of road and MTB bicycles into one multi-purpose, go-anywhere machine. Similarly, SYZR pedals bridge the technology gap between road and MTB pedals to strike the perfect balance for riding on both dirt and pavement. SYZRs deliver all of the convenience of recessed-cleats without the wobbly connection and power-wasting performance compromise of traditional MTB pedals.

Sadly, traditional MTB pedal designs all suffer from the same performance drawback. For MTB shoes to provide traction when walking, the pedal ends up contacting the spongy tread of the shoe. As a result, these MTB systems transfer power through the rubbery tread instead of through the cleat like a road pedal. This causes a considerable amount of energy to be lost due to sole compression during power transfer. Think about it, it's like putting a power-robbing sponge between the shoe and the pedal. Even when these pedal systems are paired with a stiff carbon-sole shoe, power is still wasted with every pedal stroke.

Purpose-built to bring Speedplay's race-proven performance to off-road pedals, the SYZR packages the most technically advanced features into a high-quality, lightweight pedal system that's perfect wherever adventure takes you.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Speedplay also says:

Active Cleat Stabilization

Current MTB pedals are wobbly and have "play" between the cleat and pedal. The SYZR is the first and only design that eliminates the "play" that riders hate. To ensure a precision connection between the pedal and cleat, the SYZR has a unique 4-point contact that's cinched together by down-force to eliminate slop from the connection. These 4-point contacts have stabilizer feet that rest on the outboard edges of the pedal for unprecedented side-to-side platform stability.

Micro-Adjustable Float

By locating an adjustable pivot mechanism directly inside the cleat, SYZR pedals are the only off-road pedal system to provide a user-customizable, 10-degree range of float. Cleat set-up is easy too, since there is no need to loosen and reposition the cleat to make angular adjustments.

Ceramic Cleat-Contact

In addition to exceptional durability, solid ceramic contact inserts in the cleat prevent metal-to-metal seizing in wet and dusty conditions. The ceramic materials in SYZR cleats are much harder and more durable than any metal.

Roller-Cam Release

Developed to ensure that SYZR cleats provide consistent release, Roller-Cams are located on all four corners of the cleats to allow the contact surfaces of the engagement mechanism to roll apart instead of sliding apart like other systems.

Target Acquisition

Special funnel-shaped wings on the leading edge of the cleats are used to guide the cleat into the pedal's latch mechanism for faster, easier engagement. The cleat funnel guides eliminate the need to look down when engaging the pedal by effectively increasing the size of the system's "target area", making the pedals easier to locate and clip-in by feel.

Custom Adaptive-Fit

For personalized performance, SYZR pedals are designed to offer a range of custom-fit options for riders with special ergonomic or biomechanical requirements. In addition to micro-adjustable float and adjustable spring tension, SYZRs are also available in five spindle lengths and numerous leg-length discrepancy options.

Direct-Drive

A Speedplay first and a breakthrough in performance for clipless MTB systems, Direct-Drive eliminates the energy waste of previous MTB designs by channeling power to the pedal directly through the cleat. All other MTB designs waste valuable energy by transferring power through the spongy rubber tread of the shoes. Direct-Drive ensures that 100% of rider power is transferred efficiently to the pedal. Additionally, because the rubber tread is not used as the contact for the pedal, wear to the shoe sole does not degrade performance.

Open Architecture

The SYZR's special, open configuration ensures consistent engagement and prevents the cleats and pedals from clogging or binding with mud.

Precision Bearings

Like all Speedplay Pedal Systems, SYZR pedals use high-quality precision bearings, never cheap plastic or bronze bushings. SYZR pedals feature double-sealed precision needle and cartridge bearings for low rolling resistance and longevity.

Built-in Grease Port

Makes routine maintenance fast and easy.

Three Spindle Material Choices

Available with chrome-moly, stainless steel, or titanium spindles.

Compatible with all recessed-cleat shoes

Unlike some MTB systems, SYZR pedals will not damage shoe soles as there is no pedal-to-sole contact when riding.

Familiar Ergonomics

The SYZR shares the same familiar aspects of fit and feel as Speedplay Zero pedals, but is designed to work in mud and fits recessed-cleat shoes.

Superbly made, the overall fit and finish is very good indeed.

I've given the Syzrs 5 (average) because they're very good in some respects and poor in others. For any sort of road cycling where you want to use walkable shoes, they're very good, and the same is true for dirt road riding and easy trail riding. Basically, if you can ride a drop-bar bike on it, you'll be fine with the Syzrs. When things get messier, though, you probably want to steer clear. Mountain biking or cyclo-cross? Stick with what you already use.

Comparable to Shimano's top-of-the-line SPD pedals.

Again an 'average' because if they suit your riding, they're very good and if they don't, they're far too expensive for what they are.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Very well for general riding; less well when things got muddy.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The quality of finish and manufacture, and the adjustable free float.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Things getting baulky when they got muddy.

Use this box to explain your score

Overall, I have to rate the Syzrs 'average' because while they're good in some respects they are poor in others. You pay handsomely for the adjustable float too; they're not quite the most expensive double-sided two-bolt pedals around but they're well up there, and significantly pricier than Shimano's flagship XTR pedals.

That said, they'd probably rate 3.5 stars if I were judging them solely as a pedal for tarmac and dirt road riding. If that's what you do, then they're definitely worth a look.