Xpedo Thrust SL Ti in Review

The pedals are incredibly light - especially in direct comparison to my old Speedplay Zero. Of course, there is also a catch: the previously mentioned weight limit of 86 kg. Fortunately, I just fit into this limit, and I also don't do HIT training with all-out sprints on a smart trainer or a rigid trainer bike.

I also love the style of the matte black pedals with their subtle golden lettering, not least because it perfectly matches my ABUS Gamechanger 2.0. The design is still neutral enough to fit any crank, all bikes, and of course, any helmet.

Mounting the Kéo cleats was also a treat: quickly and dirtily screwed on, briefly clicked in to check position and angle, minimally adjusted, tightened - done. When I think about mounting the Speedplay cleats with their total of 18 small Phillips screws, I still shudder today.

The package included two pairs of cleats, one with 0° and one with 6° of freedom of movement, which is very practical. For riding in the great outdoors, I chose the red cleats with 6° and for my indoor training shoes, I slammed on the black ones with 0°. Clicking in is very precise with both cleats; only the adjustment screw for the release tension was a bit awkward - on one hand mushy, on the other hand without a fine adjustment range. You should definitely take your time, only make short turns, try out the result in between, and by no means overtighten them. But no matter how hard you set them - unclipping is just as secure and precise as clipping in.

I can only praise the function during the ride without any criticism. The entry is intuitive, as the pedal always hangs in the optimal position downwards. The wide support surface feels great - I was not used to that anymore because of my Speedplays - and, as mentioned, the exit is always perfect too.

After several rides in the rain, I noticed a slightly slower entry, which is why I lubricated the mechanism with Variolube S200 spray (probably Ballistol, WD40, or silicone spray would have also worked). After that, the original function was sustainably restored.

A real pleasure is the silent operation, completely without any cracking at the axle or the annoying creaking of the leaf springs that I knew from the Look Kéo Blade Carbon. Also, there is no carbon spring that could break at Xpedo, since their "spring" is made of MDU. I am naturally neither a physicist nor a chemist and I don't have a crystal ball, but I am confident that the elastomer will last.

Although the Xpedo Thrust SL pedals appear to have been on the market for several years, they seem to have only recently made the leap to Europe or into well-known online shops and specialty stores. Accordingly, current user experiences are rather sparse. A more detailed search reveals feedback from other parts of the world on the normal Thrust pedals with steel springs and an earlier SL version that did not yet have an adjustment screw for release tension. Most owners were thrilled, only a weight-weenie reported several bearing damages on the axle.

We have already ridden the pedals for two months on three different bikes (Canyon Endurace, Yamaha Wabash, and a new TREK) and were pleased with "lightweight construction without compromises in function." Furthermore, this Xpedo product is also exquisitely designed, ergonomically constructed, quiet, and runs smoothly, and thanks to the Kéo standard, it is compatible with many cleats and shoes. True to the motto "Don't waste - reuse," axles and cartridge bearings can be ordered separately for possible repairs after the warranty period.

Ultimately, in our eyes, a real purchase recommendation for weight-weenies and connoisseurs. Those who are heavier and/or ride harder should opt for the CrMo axle (210 grams). You can somewhat choose the price yourself - a quick search online will help.