Question for Look Riders

[CorsairMac]

I just switched my pedals over to Look pedals to give them a try and I've got a mixed question:

I'm currently using the red cleats (came with the pedals) which I know are the ones with the most float. I've also loosened the tension on the hinge to the absolute loosest I can get them - until I get used to using them.

So here's my ??: I DO have a lot of float which I Don't want. Is it because I'm using the red cleats OR is it because I've got the tension so loose OR is it a combination of both?

Just to be clear: I do NOT want a lot of float so I know I"ll need to switch cleats out, but wasn't sure if the tension on the hinge would create that much float also.

Thanks for the help.

[SadieKate]

Tension should only affect the ease with which you clip in and out, not float.

Yes, you need to change the cleat. Are you using old style Looks or a newer Keo model? I find the Keos easier to clip in and out. Something about 'em, don't know what.

Also, are both the pedals and the cleats new? Old cleats will tend to rock under your foot while float is your heel swinging from side to side (which also changes the clip in/out point). Non-Look brand cleats may also rock a bit even when new.

Just observations from 20 years of using Looks.

[CorsairMac]

That was exactly the answer I was looking for. Thanks SK.

I'm using the older style Looks and it Is the heel that is swinging from side to side. I got the whole system used for $10 just to see if I would like them better than SPDs. So far: I do except for the this one little bitty thing. I'm going to stop by tonight and pick up the black cleats but knowing you've used them for 20 yrs - I've got another question (if it's not too much of a bother?)

Right now I've got the cleats pushed all the way forward and it feels like I"m pedalling on my toes! I'm planning on playing with the position some but I"m just curious - where do your cleats sit that work the best for you??

and have you ever had any problems with your feet? I'm trying the Looks coz the SPDs are killing my feet - I can "feel" the cleat right across the ball of my foot and on my cenutry Sat I knew I couldn't do this anymore. I like that the Looks have a triangular shape to them and the pedal is a cradle shape......am I making any sense? lol


oh - and so far I haven't had any problems with clipping and unclipping or flipping the pedal over to clip in (which I thought would be a bear but it isn't).....But - right now I Do have the tension as loose as I can until I get used to using them.

[SadieKate]

Ah, you're making me engage gray matter today!!!!! Just for you though . . .

In general, the ball of your foot should be over the spindle of the pedal. According to Andy Pruitt, this works well for a men's size 9 foot. Longer feet may want the cleat farther back for stability and shorter feet will want it forward for the leverage. I wear a US women's 6 and run my cleats forward.

Ultra distance riders will frequently move their cleats back to solve hot foot problems because it takes the pressure off the ball of the foot.

Ok, everyone, run, don't walk, to your LBS (Local Book Store) and buy Andy Pruitt's Complete Medical Guide for Cyclists. It has a wealth of info for positioning.

[SadieKate]

Oh yeah, $10 is a great price but don't use someone else's used cleats unless they have very little wear. Worn cleats can cause their own instability problems. And replace yours more frequently than I do.

[CorsairMac]

Thanks for your help SK! For making you engage grey matter - you should get 2 peppermint mochas!!! and yes - one of the cleats is pretty scratched up, the other is pristine. I wasn't going to buy replacement cleats until I knew rather or not I was going to like these. I noticed yesterday when I was pricing cleats that they also sell covers for them - looks like they just pop on/off.....do you use covers for yours?

Walking/stopping/standing et al didn't seem any different than in the SPDs but was just curious.................