For Sale: SPD pedals and shoes. Used once.

[Serotta Jim]

When my wife was learning to ride clipless I got pedals that I could loosen up all the way. It was a lot easier for her to get the hang of it.

Maybe you can ask the LBS if you can trade the pedals you have now for another pedal that can be adjusted. If they are of good shop they should try to work with you to get you into something you can ride.

[dinabean]

Do you have a trainer? Or since they are SPD pedals, access to a spin bike? I practiced a lot clipping in and out in spin classes before I had the nerve to put the pedals on my bike. Then I practiced on the sidewalk, going slowly, in and out, so that I could fall on grass if need be. After a few short rides, it became second nature. It does get easier, really!

[Zen]

First of all, if you want to sell the pedals and shoes, list them in the for sale thread.
This thread is going to take a hard drift.
Let's start at square one.
What kind of riding do you currently do? Why did you think being clipped in would help?

[Eden]

Crank Bro's Smartys are not SPD's (that is a specific type of pedal made by Shimano, with some clones out there made by other mfg's).

Crank Bro's pedals do not have an adjustment for the amount of force it takes to clip in and out like many other types, *but* in general all Crank Bro's pedals are very easy to clip in and out of - as long as your cleats are installed correctly.

1. Make sure your cleats are well clear of the soles of your shoes. Many shoes made for recessed cleats have a cleat well that is either a bit too small or a bit too deep. You may need to use some of the little spacers that came with your cleats to raise them a bit and/or take an x-acto or box knife and trim away a bit of the rubber from around the cleat to allow it better contact with the pedal. It should not take a huge amount of force to clip into a Crank Bros pedal.

2. Check to see on which side you've installed your cleats. One has a little round dot on it. Which shoe you put that one on will make a difference in the release angle (I don't remember which - but you can go online and get the manual) You will probably want to make sure that the release angle is the least amount of foot turn, and turning out to make it easiest to unclip.

[pumpkinpony]

2. Check to see on which side you've installed your cleats. One has a little round dot on it. Which shoe you put that one on will make a difference in the release angle (I don't remember which - but you can go online and get the manual) You will probably want to make sure that the release angle is the least amount of foot turn, and turning out to make it easiest to unclip.

Put the cleat with the dots on the right shoe to make it easier... I learned something on the Trek group ride this morning.

[Zen]

I could never get clipped in to crank bros.

[wanzar]

I do have the right cleat installed on the right shoe. I had the little manual out as I was doing it.

I've already looked into the spacers when I first couldn't clip in. I tried the shoes up against the pedals and that doesn't seem it should be a problem. I could be wrong. I read that I should not use spacers unless absolutely necessary.

I find that when I do clip out there is force behind it. My foot will leave the pedal. Not sure if thats normal.

I know the manuel read that there was a break in period through wear the spring tension would loosen. How am I suppose to get to that point?!

I only ride for fun. I usually go for 30 or so mile trips. There are a lot of hills here. I have road bike I bought last year. I wanted to go clipless because I found my feet were slipping off the pedals.

Thank you for all your replies.