Cycling Shoes & Clipless Pedals

Here's some reviews -- the only problem listed seems to be the cleats not being so hot & needing lubing a lot. :D

http://www.roadbikereview.com/PRD_28...x.aspx#reviews

thanks! looks like I need some lube!! thanks again!

Quote:

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Originally posted by hibiscus09
Grasshopper -- I read that you have to lubricate them with a dry chain lube -- something called "White Lightening"? I'm sure there are other brands. Anyway, I haven't bought any yet -- but, I just read it's good to do it every time you ride! Are you doing that? The site also said to make sure they're clean & that there's no debris stuck anywhere.

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I find that regular lube with dry lube ( I use pro lube, don't like white lightening) is critical, especially if you ever hose your bike off, or ride in the rain or mud.

geargrrl

Thanks -- can you get that from places like Wal-Mart or do you have to go by the bike store?

bike shop... and FWIW I am using SPD clips

Irulan

Grasshopper,

Hopefully you've solved your problem by now but sometimes mud gets between the spring and housing. If you look at the outside of your cleat you'll see square openings. If you push the spring with your thumb you'll see it move up into this opening. That area needs to be kept clean and if it gets full of mud you cannot click in. I run a little optical screw driver through that area, it works perfectly. I just cleaned mine and I couldn't believe the junk that was up in there. Rinsing it with water will not clean the junk. It only happens if you walk through a lot of mud which I did about a month ago.

Another thing that can happen, but probably not, is that the screws that hold the springs on are too tight. Then the spring won't move properly. My LBS did that to me and I was having a terrible time clicking in.

Also, keep them lubed but I've gone for quite a while without lubing and not had problems.

I also lube the tracks on the pedals.

The cleats are very simple, I just bought a new pair of shoes and was able to install the cleats myself! I was so proud because they seemed so strange to me at first.


Hope this helps

Thanks Irulan and Kathi! :)

Thanks!!

Thanks for all the advice. I took them apart, cleaned everything and oiled them. It was better but still wierd. I think I've just developed an "affliction" with that foot :) I'm setting it wierd suddenly..I did check to make sure the cleat hadn't moved.

Oh, and getting covers for them TOMORROW! Thanks again for all of your advice!!

Stupid Question # 1( - I'm sure!)

But, are those riding clipless riding road or mountain bikes?

Stupid Question # 2

Do the clipless improve your speed?

Clipless for both road an mountain - For your first question - and I don't think it's stupid at all!! I know plenty of people that don't want to use clipless when mtbing....seems scary!! Does to me too!!!

And to your second question - god yes!!!!! You can pull up on the pedals as well as pushing down and it gives you a solid place to rest your foot. You learn to use the entire circle for your stroke instead of just up and down and that makes you faster and able to last much much longer!!! (I'm still getting the hang of it, so on hills I find myself just mashing straight down - focusing on the whole circle makes it easier!!)

I'm sure a lot of people with more experience can answer these better, but here's my 2 cents worth! :)

Well,
I learned to ride cleated/clipped-in on a mountain bike, and now that I do, I can tell you that going up hill over rocks (seated) is charming! (I love my seat too; Serfas Curva). I almost feel like I'm cheating in comparison to when I first started riding.

I now have "power" in my pedals and use a better range of gears than when I didn't clip-in. I also up graded this past fall to the Shimano 504's. I recently asked the pro-rider at my LBS what pedals she uses; she also uses the 504's. She said she likes them better than the Speedplay...of course, she X races. Also, hose/wipe your bike down after you ride in harsh terrain. It's an important habit to cultivate and will keep you on top of what is going on with pedals, tires, ect. Then lube as needed. Again, use a product that is not going to gum up the works. I like a teflon based product for parts/cleats and Dumonde Tech for the chain.

Could be that I'm becoming a better ride which makes for a faster, smoother, easier ride. I think if you are a roadie or spinner, you can really tell the difference between cleat systems over a platform/cage riding. Like everything else, take your time, learn from your mistakes and details, details, details!
Terry

I'm really enjoying mine now! [I would say here -- "Haven't fallen since I switched to Speedplays!" but I don't want to jinx myself! LOL]

I had a close call today & was able to get out of my pedals before I fell! Yippee!

I was at a 4-way stop and had clipped out of my left pedal. Well, this lady came through the stop & was turning toward me -- she was all over the road! I leaned in the opposite direction (to the right --still clipped in!) -- I guess it was just instinctive to lean away -- because she was too close for comfort. Anyway, I started teetering that way & was able to get my foot out before I bit the dust. Good test for me. (Well, if you don't count the almost getting hit part!) Anyway, I did scratch up my left leg a little on the bike but I didn't notice that until my sweetie told me later.

Am doing the clipless thing on a brand new Le Mond. Am TOTALLY black and blue knees down. Took the bike to LBS and they loosesned the springs.

I want to try Time pedals or eggbeaters. Anybody tried those?

Also, got these neat pedal cover gizmos called Winwood inserts. I"m not going to spend my cycling time on the ground. I want to enjoy my new bike

Chains -- what type of clipless pedals do you have now?