Just Tried Out the Clipless Pedals...

OMG! Nooooooooo:eek:

I can not see me braving the traffic with these (Shimano SPD R540s). I can clip out of them OK but clipping in is a hit or a miss. I can't get the pedal the right way up. It's a bit like bread and butter - always falls butter side down:rolleyes:

I should not have let the LBS talk me into buying these and held out for Speedplays.

I'm now seriously looking at selling the Shimanos on eBay (I'll get my money back) and getting the Speedplay Light Action instead. Anyone got these?

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Originally Posted by Python

OMG! Nooooooooo:eek:

I can not see me braving the traffic with these (Shimano SPD R540s). I can clip out of them OK but clipping in is a hit or a miss. I can't get the pedal the right way up. It's a bit like bread and butter - always falls butter side down:rolleyes:

I should not have let the LBS talk me into buying these and held out for Speedplays.

I'm now seriously looking at selling the Shimanos on eBay (I'll get my money back) and getting the Speedplay Light Action instead. Anyone got these?

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Each pedal system has a learning curve, so I'd stick with the SPDs a bit longer before deciding they're not for you. It will get easier, I promise. Otherwise, you might see if your LBS will exchange them.

That said, the Speedplay Light Action get good reviews. I'm of the opinion that every pedal/cleat combo has its pros and cons and its fans and detractors. I'm happy enough with my Keos, but I had a few tearful moments when I first started using them.

I just switched from Crank Candy SL, to Shimano PD-R540's too. I was trying to get a more stable platform with a larger cleat, to help the old hot foot problem. The 1st couple trips have been a bit shaky, but I am getting the hang of these. Give it a few tries. :)

I've got the Speedplay Light Action. I'm doing well on them now, but it was a rough first couple of weeks. 3 tumbles and a few close calls. I think it's to be expected with any system. One thing I don't like about my pedals is the huge metal cleat plate. I'm scratching up the slate patio! But, I am doing well with the riding and clipping in and out now.

Python, I think you will find any spd/flat pedal combo to flip over and never be on the right side for clipping in. I have these on my mtb and commuter and it is very annoying. But in both these instances, I need to have the flat pedal side. I have Speedplay Zeros on my road bike and wouldn't trade them for the world.

And, you can buy cleat covers for Speedplays. You should not be walking around on them without a cover. You can damage the cleats and if you get the least little bit of dirt in them, you won't be able to clip in.
Robyn

I've been looking at the Speedplay Light Action as they look good - glad to hear a good report about them. In comparison to the likes of SPDs, are they easier to clip in and out of?

Also, (dumb technical question here) there is a little square with a red bit in it at the back of my pedals. Anyone know what that is for?

when you say square is it more like a small Allen screw. From the description I think that's what you mean. You can use it to adjust the tension of the clips - and the red is the indicator of how much tension you have

My Speedplay LA's are the only clipless pedals I've used, so I can't compare them for you. All I know is that clipping out of them is easier than clipping in, but if you don't overtighten the cleat plate and use a dry lube on the moving part of the cleat (just like the instructions suggest!) it is much easier. Don't cut corners on this. I learned that the hard way...

When riding, I always keep one foot clipped in to help with my startup. With a bigger platform I find that most of the time I can pedal across an intersection or whatever, without actually clipping in. Then I clip in at my leisure.

I went from double sided pedals to single sided pedals in January. There was a definite learning period! Now they are just fine. Hang in there, it does get better. :D bikerHen

The new pedal should get 'floppier' after a bit. They will get easier.

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Originally Posted by kiwi girl

when you say square is it more like a small Allen screw. From the description I think that's what you mean. You can use it to adjust the tension of the clips - and the red is the indicator of how much tension you have

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I know where the Allen screw is as I've tried adjusting them to their loosest setting. I did think the little square at the back was some kind of indicator. I adjusted the settings both ways, first to their maximum setting (no movement on the little indicator at the back - showing half red) then to their minimum setting (little indicator didn't move).

I'll have another go at them tomorrow but I don't think I'll like this particular type.

python, i started with spd pedals on my road bikes, then went to shimano road pedals, then transferred to speedplay on alllllllllllllll the bikes!
i have a pair of pink light action i was going to put on ebay if you're interested. (i went to zeroes on all our bikes).
easy in, easy out, dual sided what could be better?
lemme know

I use Looks for now. I also have some Speedplay Frogs I need to put on my bike.

I started with SPDs. I was ok with them but once I used the Looks, I didn't like the SPDs anymore. The spin bikes I use in class have SPD pedals so I do have cycling shoes with SPD cleats.

I don't have the kind of pedals you're talking about but sometimes it takes a while to find out what you like. I do like the idea of a wider pedal base, it makes pedaling SO much easier when you're starting out. There are times that I don't clip in at all if I know I'm coming up to another stop in less than a few minutes.

Good luck :D

The first time I used my clipless pedals, I fell over on a flat. Slowed to discuss with a friend and forgot to unclip.

The second time, I used them, I fell over at an intersection. Forgot to unclip until too late; once remembered, the getting out was unfamiliar still and failed.

The third time, I complained to my husband that it was too hard to get both in and out. He suggested I keep left plugged in and play around with how to get the right in once riding.

I now will not consider riding with anything else. Like everyone says, you need time to get used to a new system. Give it a good couple of weeks, and if you still hate them, by all means get different ones. But give it an honest try and let us know what you think!

I had a hard time learning to clip in at first too. I use Look KEO Sprints. I still miss from time to time, especially when the cleats start to get worn (have to really stand on it). I've learned how to get going fast enough without clipping in, even with slippery carbon road shoes. Stay out of a lot of stop and go traffic at first if that makes you feel more comfortable. Practice the feel of clipping in and out in your living room while holding onto the couch or wall or something.

If you still don't like the pedal system, go back to the LBS and try something else.