trek... I have NO problems clipping in and out of my zero's... on the contrary they are easy to use as they are doublesided!! I had a different kind (SPD's) prior that were much more difficult to use... the reason I lube is because like any cleat, over time they will collect dirt in them! I wipe them down periodically (same time I'm cleaning the bike) and spray lightly with White Lightening like once a month just to be sure... they really aren't hard for me at all...

emily has a whole different set of circumstances due to her horrific accident... lube may definitely help her...