I can't get into my speed plays.

[kelleil]

I have a new pair do speedplay light actions. I have made sure the cleat isn't too tight. My bf can put on my shoes and clip in but I can't seem to. Very frustrated, a bit of tears. Not sure what to do. I've been practicing standing next to the kitchen sink trying not to tip over. We don't have a trainer.

[kelleil]

Also this is my first time with clips.

[Kiwi Stoker]

This might work. Get some brightly coloured electrical tape and tape a line where your cleats are in the side of your shoe and hopefully you can start to see where to line up to clip in. Then as the feeling becomes more natural you can take the tape off and continue praticing.

Otherwise try a different pedal/cleat combo.

[ny biker]

First, clip in one foot with the other foot on the ground, not while trying to balance the bike.

Second, where is the pedal while you try to clip into it? At the bottom of the stroke, top, in between?

[Abarnes]

A photo can help us see what's going on, but, my suspicion is that the cleat has bowed to the curvature of your shoe. You can't engage if there is any deflection of the cleat.

There are shims that should be installed under the front and rear of the cleat; when you look at the shoe from the side there shouldn't be a gap between the bottom of the mounting plate and the sole of the shoe.

http://speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.lightactionfaqs#na58

[kelleil]

Thank you for the suggestions!

I have t even actually ridden on them yet. Was just trying to get in them at home. So far:

1) loosened the top plate
2) added the special lube
3) made sure the shims were in place

Then my bf put on my shoes and every night we've made multiple attempts to break them in. It's starting to loosen up but is still a struggle.

[Abarnes]

Just about any pedal is 'stiff' when they are new, but as you've done everything else but still find it a struggle try this:
mark the 1st and 5th metatarsal heads of both feet (that's the metatarsal of your Big and LIttle toes). Put a little pen mark on the inner and outer spot of each shoe.
Hold a straight edge across those two points, to measure the axis of your metatarsals. You may note that one foot axis is different than the other.
Remove the top part of the cleat (four screws, metal face and yellow plastic)
The base plate of the Speedplay cleat (black) has a centerline - pick the center of the axis and move the baseplate to that mark. 99% of the time you need to move the baseplate all the way back towards the heel.
If you find it not possible to get the cleat far enough back, Speedplay makes baseplate extenders. Or you can get creative with a dremel and drill out the screw slots another 2mm in length.
Re-attach the top part of the cleat.

Engage! :)


Thank you for the suggestions!

I have t even actually ridden on them yet. Was just trying to get in them at home. So far:

1) loosened the top plate
2) added the special lube
3) made sure the shims were in place

Then my bf put on my shoes and every night we've made multiple attempts to break them in. It's starting to loosen up but is still a struggle.

[kelleil]

We did it tonight and I had to push it up, not back. So weird! I'll let you know how it goes!

[Pedal Wench]

I've been using Speedplays for years. It takes about two weeks for the cleat spring to loosen up enough to make getting in easy. Even then, I have to give it a good solid jump with all my weight to get in. Give it time - it gets better.

[kelleil]

Thanks for the encouragement. I had a bad fall this weekend. Freaked me out.

[Crankin]

I've been using Speed Plays (X) for about 8 years and I have never, ever had an issue with getting into the pedals. They are a little tighter in the very beginning, but it usually just takes 3-4 rides to get looser. I started using them after using spds for a year and it made a big difference in my confidence.
Are you lubing the cleats once a week? This is necessary; I find I have difficulty clipping in with the foot I always use to clip/unclip when the cleat needs to be lubed.

[ny biker]

I've been using Speed Plays (X) for about 8 years and I have never, ever had an issue with getting into the pedals. They are a little tighter in the very beginning, but it usually just takes 3-4 rides to get looser. I started using them after using spds for a year and it made a big difference in my confidence.
Are you lubing the cleats once a week? This is necessary; I find I have difficulty clipping in with the foot I always use to clip/unclip when the cleat needs to be lubed.

Yes, I have the same cleats and I lube them every 3 rides or so. It makes a big difference. Also it's important to keep dirt out, and use cleat covers if you're walking around in them, especially if you're on dirt. Though dirt would not be a problem for new ones.