Clipless pedals installed, but how to engage?

[wildeny]

I read the manual and installed the pedals (... removing old ones took lots of efforts). Adjusted the tension (the less the red thing the less tension?).But I just can't engage the cleat with the pedal.

I put the cleat on the pedal (Shimano PD M-424) and tried to understand how it is engaged.


Another angle


I pushed it hard and the back of the cleat was still outside. Is that normal? Do you need to push it hard to be engaged?

I checked the part numbers of the pedals and the cleats, and they are frm the same set.

What did I do it wrong?

[alpinerabbit]

DONT!!!!!!!!!!!

don't do it off the shoes, it might be *quite* hard to get them out again.
Put them on the shoes. Get on the bike and try. it's an easy snap-in motion and a twist of the ankle to get out but with your hands, you might have a hard time. you don't have the power in your hands that you have in your legs.
Also set the tension low with the little hexagonal screw inside the pedal mechanism.....

[ny biker]

If you have an indoor trainer, practice clipping in and out with the bike on the trainer.

If you don't have a trainer, put the bike someplace where you can hold yourself steady with your hand while you practice. E.g., I put mine next to the wall with a door so I can hold onto the doorknob with one hand, or out on my balcony where I can hold onto the railing.

[alpinerabbit]

Yeah, or outside on a fence, garden wall, lamp post, tree.

[wildeny]

DONT!!!!!!!!!!!

don't do it off the shoes, it might be *quite* hard to get them out again

Too late.

Just few minutes ago I adjusted the tension on this pedal and tried again. With a (hard) push on the back of the cleat. I finally put in. YA! Then found it so hard to get out. Had to get the pliers (no use) and flat skrewdriver (used to push back the part that holds the back of the cleat).

This is my first time to try the clipless pedals. I didn't expect it can be this tight (maybe because I used hands), even with the lowest tension (the red indicator is barely visible). Do you engage the cleat with the pedal when the pedal is at its lowest position?

I don't have a trainer to practice (I do think of getting one but I'm afraid that I'd get bored in ridding indoors). I'd tried it yesterday in the office. Fortunately no one found me tied to the bike, lying on the floor and calling for help.

Maybe I should buy some body armor before going on road. (IXS Battle EVO Ladies Jacket)

Thanks all of you for the suggestions.

[tulip]

If you put your bike in a doorway, then you can use the door jambs for support. Do put the cleats back on the shoes and just try it. They are no use with your hands, only on your shoes.

[wildeny]

Bad news: It seems that my Diadora shoes do not fit with Shimano PD-M424 pedals. Please give me some suggestions.


The front of the cleat in the position.


Probably because of these parts.


Cannot press down to for cleat engagement. The back of the cleat is visible (marked in red circle).

I have emailed Shimano & Diadora and both said that it seems there's no room for the cleat engagement.
Shimano said: their shoes should fit all their pedals. (I asked whether PD-M424 has special requirement on the shoes)
Diadora said: their shoes can fit with standard SPD pedals. (does that mean no cage outside?)

I wonder which part is the culprit: the cage or the pop-up angle (12.5 degree)?

[Biciclista]

are you anywhere near a bike shop or a bike club where you could get some instruction with these things? I'm glad you have the tension as loose as you can get it, that's good. I'm concerned the cleats aren't in the shoes right or something.
I would be very surprised if a major brand of shoe doesn't work with SPD's
at the LBS they could check that for you.

and if you do venture outside, find a soft grassy area for starters. and then ride UNCLIPPED. Then clip ONE foot in. then unclip it. do that for a while and then try the other.
good luck.

[Zen]

Diadora said: their shoes can fit with standard SPD pedals. (does that mean no cage outside?)

I think that's likely it.