Cleat release-which direction do you?

**Zen** · 03-01-2009, 03:40 PM

I am putting some cleats on shoes and the instructions it says

"Release from the pedal is achieved by an outward twist of the heel. It is also possible to release by twisting inwards but generally this only takes place accidentally...If you prefer twisting inwards, we recommend you place the cleat with two circles on your left shoe."

For the life of me, I can't visualize how I unclip!
Twisting my heel outward/knee inward seems like an unnatural knee movement.

Still pondering this. the cleats may not get installed tonight

**Biciclista** · 03-01-2009, 03:46 PM

what kind are they? i move my heels towards the bike and my toes out.
I have SPD's

**VeloVT** · 03-01-2009, 03:49 PM

I twist my heel out. It DID seem unnatural to me at first, but now I don't think about it.

**uforgot** · 03-01-2009, 03:54 PM

I twist my heels in. I don't think you are suppose to do it that way and spds are the only ones that I can twist and release that way. My toes turn out when I walk and it really hurts my knees to twist my heels out. I can't ski either, you know when you have turn your toes in and put your knees together. Too much ballet I guess.

**woohoo** · 03-01-2009, 03:56 PM

I'll usually twist my heel outwards to release my SPDs, but it's possible to release by twisting my heel in too - although I don't know if that's only because I use the multi-release cleats. I tend to only release inwards if, say, I've dismounted the bike to one side and decided to get off completely rather than move away - it's sometimes easier to be able to twist your heel inwards with one leg on the ground and the other over the crossbar. It also helps if you've fallen off, lol

**emily_in_nc** · 03-01-2009, 03:57 PM

Heel out to release -- been doing it for years and never even give it a thought! Try it, you'll like it!

**Zen** · 03-01-2009, 04:09 PM

My problem may be too many cleat systems.SPD's on the spin, (formerly) Frogs on the road bike and Crank Bros. on the trail bike

I got rid of the Frogs, though.

I think I'll go with the heel out. We'll see.

**OakLeaf** · 03-01-2009, 04:52 PM

Heels out. It's not a large movement, and it's quick, and you're turning at the ankle much more than at the knee.

**Kalidurga** · 03-01-2009, 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by OakLeaf

Heels out. It's not a large movement, and it's quick, and you're turning at the ankle much more than at the knee.

Exactly. I've accidentally unclipped a few times with an inward twist when I've been flexing my feet while riding, but it's much more awkward and I've hit my heel on my chainring. Plus, moving your heel out also initiates an outward movement of the leg, prepping you to reach down for a stop.

**Miranda** · 03-01-2009, 05:46 PM

I twist heel out. I agree about the knee comment. I have tried some tighter tension cleats/pedals that required more force to get out... it was not knee pain... it was ankle pain (more like ache). But, I don't have really strong joints/ligaments either

.

**Cataboo** · 03-01-2009, 05:49 PM

I use frogs & twist my heel out.

**singletrackmind** · 03-01-2009, 06:09 PM

spds, heel out, almost always right first.

**HoosierGiant** · 03-01-2009, 07:01 PM

Heels out. Ride with multi-release SPD's, so I can release with an inward motion also, but that just feels awkward.

**Bike Chick** · 03-01-2009, 07:38 PM

Spds...speedplays.....Heels out........always. Never thought about heels in until I read this thread. Hmmmmmmm

**tantrumbean** · 03-02-2009, 05:08 AM

Heels out (with spd's) for me...

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