Shimano SPD-SLs...overly tight on loosest tension

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Is it just me? I just got a pair within the past week and am having a b!tch of a time unclipping. If I had to suddenly unclip to avoid a dog or something I'd be SOL. By the end of today's century when my legs were tiring I was REALLY struggling. 90 miles or so in I toppled-over trying to unclip as we were preparing to stop. It really ticked me off. I've ridden >6k miles on clipless pedals in 2 years and this was the first time I simply could not unclip.

It's bumming me out, since I LOVE road shoes and pedals. The actual riding part on road pedals is SO much comfier than my 2-bolt mtn. SPDs...but today I actually started having second thoughts about my pedal choice. *sigh*

Will these ever loosen...perhaps as they wear-in a little? Or am I destined to go through this every time I have new cleats?

[RubyTuesday]

I also have Shimano SPD's and they are pretty tight on the factory (loose) settings. I have noticed that mine are getting a bit less tight with use, but I still have to give a pretty good heel kick to get them out. Mine are about three weeks old. I hope mine loosen a bit. I have bit it once and if I ever had an emergency, I would be SOL also.

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Well tonite was MUCH better. Yesterday I sprayed a light lubricant (similar to WD-40) around the mechanical areas of the pedals and it made a HUGE difference. Now it takes about half the force to release from the grip of the pedals that it took on Sunday. Phew!

[pll]

<what is "SOL"?>

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<what is "SOL"?>

Sh!t outta luck. I think it's an old military jargon thing. My dad uses that phrase all the time (former Army draftee during Vietnam).

[pll]

Thanks!