Thanks, everyone, for the feedback.

I'm using Sidi road shoes, for the record.

Amelia, yeah, I'm also having trouble knowing whether the spindle is aligned properly to hook in. So when I'm not engaging, I don't know whether I'm missing the sweet spot or am in it but missing the spindle hook. And my spindle doesn't turn without some effort on my part, making me visually spot check my pedals waaay too much in L.A. traffic. That brings up a question: I'm surprised at how difficult it is to turn the spindle within the platform; did anyone have to adjust or lubricate theirs? Is this a manufacturing variable that may account for my and Amelia's difficulties?

It sounds like others are having a lot less trouble, so I'll definitely fiddle around with tension and position and talk to Cranks Bros. custo service before I give up on them. I owe myself that since I love the solidly connected feel of the pedals once engaged, and release is as fluid as can be—one reason I've liked Eggbeaters so much.