new clipless pedals - frustrated (speedplay zero)

[lo123]

I just got a new bike (2009 Madone 5.2 yay!), and my first pair of road shoes and pedals. I got the speedplay zeros. I tried light action first because of some hip issues, and I could clip in no problem, but I clipped out while going uphill ! So, I need something with more tension to keep me clipped in. LBS said Zeros would be the way to go. So, I picked them up and had them installed. Didn't try them out at the store. I just got home and tried to clip in... miserable. I did it once, and I have no idea how. I go so frustrated I came back home and cried.

I need help. I'm trying to do the straight downward motion, but it doesn't seem to work. IT feels like part of the cleat connects, but not both. Any suggestions? I'd love to take the new bike out on a group ride tomorrow, but I can't clip in! I don't have a trainer, so I can't just stand around and try in the trainer. I tried holding on to a door frame, but I almost fell over.

[Pedal Wench]

For the first few weeks, Zero's are rough to get into, especially if you're light. I have to give them a big jump, and a slight wiggle if it's not working. After a while, they are very easy, and I've never accidentally unclipped. You don't need a trainer to work them in. Just do it as if you were clipping in from a standing stop.

[tctrek]

New cleats can take some time to break in. You might try oiling the cleat a little (Like WD40) to help get it going. I have Speedplay light action and had a dickens of a time the first day. So we oiled them a little and put the bike on a trainer and I clipped in/out a bunch of times to get them just right.

There also might be a tension adjustment you can do??

[lo123]

well, I was practicing clipping in, and I got it finally (on the right foot at least)... Then I couldn't clip out! Hubby had to come undo my shoe and he yanked the shoe while I held the bike... This is not a good night. We're trying to figure out how to adjust the cleats now. Thank God for the Internet!

Thinking I may just use my MTB shoes/pedals on the group ride tomorrow

[Miranda]

My humble vote fwiw... trash those things and get Look Keos. They make an Elle which I have on my bike 8-12nm release tension I think. The classics and sprints are now 9-12nm for 2009. Wee bit tougher to get out than my tiny weak ankles liked. Plus, the Elles ended up matching my new ride nicely.

OK.... I tried diff pedals and the light actions and zeros both. I average about 120#s & the zeros were a freakin nightmare. That I did not end up buying. I literally stood on those things and jumped etc. Nope. Not going in. Peeps told me they would loosen w/time just as posted. I just could not see them getting to a point where I would be comfy with them. Plus, I just hated how they engaged. Don't like that stomp straight down thing at all.

I love my Keos... they rock. Oh, and btw... I pretty much felt like crying myself when the pedals were not working for me either. It was honestly THAT frustrating!

Hope you get it worked out soon.

EDIT ADD: And congrats on the new bike!

[ccnyc]

The secret is not to have the 4 screws tightened down too much, or else it makes it very difficult to clip in and out. Loosen the screws just a little bit and see if that makes it easier. I've been using Speedplay Zeros for several years and just put on a new pair of cleats. Tried them on the trainer and it was scary-difficult clipping in and unclipping. I could barely clip in or out. I backed off the screws just a bit and it was much easier to clip in and out. Then I clipped in and unclipped for a few minutes and they're almost perfect now.
I love my Speedplays.

[emily_in_nc]

I tried Speedplay Zeros a few years ago, and despite giving them several months trial, loosening the screws as much as was safe, etc. I could NOT clip into the darn things half the time with the second foot, and would often have to ride a mile with only one foot clipped in - frustrating and not efficient. Clipping out also took more effort than with other pedal systems (Speedplay X series, Eggbeaters). My DH loved his Zeros and had no difficulties.

At that time, Speedplay hadn't yet developed the Light Action pedals. I read that they were developed in response to problems people (especially light females) had with Speedplay Zeros. I never tried the LA's but did end up selling the Zeros for almost what I paid for them. I like Speedplay Frogs and Eggbeater Candies. I'd rather use mountain pedals than road pedals these days anyway, as I like walkable shoes (esp. my Keen Commuter sandals!)

I weigh 102-104 and just couldn't use Zeros. I've heard of many women with the same problem. You can give them a bit more time (my DH did confirm that for him they did loosen up a bit over time), or cut your losses, sell them on ebay, and buy yourself another type of pedal!

Good luck...

[smilingcat]

+1 with ccnyc.

If you crank down the screws on cleats onto your shoes, there is a slight chance to bind the tension/pin/spring which is exposed on the "bottom" side of the cleat. The side that mates to the shoes. And when they bind between the sole of your shoes and the cleat, its nearly impossible to release.

Sometimes the difference is only a quarter of a turn on the screw. I would also highly recommend that you use the non-permanent kind of lock tight goop thingy. I'm not a car mechanic so I don't really know what it is called. Anyway, your husband should know what it is.

Give it a try with the zero/light... with backing out the screws by quarter of a turn. At most 1/2 a turn.

I've been happy with all my speedplay pedals. And I've been using them since when they first came out. Can't afford to switch over to zero cause all my bikes have X3 speedplay and my shoes all have X3 cleats. Have no intention of spending nearly $1000 to switch over.

I really love my speedplay. Phenominal cornering clearance. Sole of the shoe is about as close to the spindle center unlike other pedal system. And they are ultra light weight (if you are a weight weenie). I also love the fact I don't have to worry about which side is up.

[lo123]

You guys are awesome!

I was initially going to go with Keo Pedals (look style), but according to LBS, they've had problems with the cleats fitting on shoes under size 40 properly (I have Bontrager RL Road WSD in 38.5). They suggested the speedplays.

I'll try loosening the screws and see if that works. LBS installed the cleats and I didn't test before leaving. Dumb, I know. Never again!

In the meantime, hubby has removed my spd pedals from my 'cross bike so I'll have them just in case.

[lo123]

Well, loosening the screws didn't work.. and I ended up tweaking both my hips
LBS tomorrow.

[lo123]

I love my Keos... they rock. Oh, and btw... I pretty much felt like crying myself when the pedals were not working for me either. It was honestly THAT frustrating!

Hope you get it worked out soon.

EDIT ADD: And congrats on the new bike!

Thank you.. Now I don't feel so pathetic.

And thanks, I love the bike, just wish I could ride it! I did manage to get clipped in long enough to take her up a hill by my house... She flies.

[Pedal Wench]

Oh - I forgot that you should DEFINITELY put a few drops of dry lube on the cleats - a drop on each side of the exposed C-clamp.

I ride with people who use Look pedals. I always give them space, because they always swerve and look down to flip the pedals when they start. With the Speedplay, I just put my foot down, give it an extra 'umph' to clip in, and go.

[yetigooch]

I bought a pair of zeros for my wife's new bike and she had problems getting into them. My lbs said that speedplays have this problem with lighter riders. I swapped them out with my Look Keo carbons and she now has no problem getting in and out. The zeros are on my bike and seem to work fine.

[Eden]

Careful with the Speedplays and small shoes too - I have tiny feet.,36s, and the person I had do my cleat fitting didn't install the correct spacers. I was popping right out with hardly any pressure until I figured out that he'd set them up wrong. I tried the Light Actions, but they were way too easy - I could pull out of them unintentionally. I swapped them for Zeros and even though I'm only about 104 lbs, I haven't had any problems, especially not getting out, which seems very easy. I do have to twist, but don't have to pull up hard. Definitely do try lubing them. That helps with clipping in quite a bit. Give them a little time too. They seem to have a bit of a break in period.

[Becky]

Just wanted to echo what the others have said about break-in time, using dry lube, and using the proper snap-shims for your shoes to get the cleat perfectly flat on the shoe sole.

I'm ~125 lbs, and had a rough time with them initially. But, since they've broken in, I've been very happy. Everything I loved about my X-2s, but with the ability to fine-tune the float.