first crash... do I need to replace my shoes?

[Cataboo]

It sounds to me like her cleat just crumbled and broke around the screws on the shoes - which may mean that the release setting on her pedal is a bit high - or something was wrong with the cleat. I don't think I'd be worried about the shoe though and am glad that she's not too badly injured.

[malkin]

Glad you are ok.

Go ahead and ride with your shoes a while. Shoes aren't protective in the same way as a helmet, so there isn't the same issue with replacement after a crash.

I think you'll be able to tell if your shoes are wrecked. They won't feel right any more.

[Aggie_Ama]

I have never heard of shoes being compromised because of a wreck, except maybe the stiffness of the sole. Or maybe the bolt holes would be stripped but it doesn't sound like the screws/bolts that attach to your shoes were even part of the issue.

Did you install the cleats or the LBS? If you did maybe they can go over what might of caused it. If it was the LBS I would personally make sure another employee did it. Not that people can't have a bad day but I would keep wondering on my new cleats! Glad you're okay, that is the important part.

[aicabsolut]

The only thing I can think of is that you stripped the threads. Since the cleat was screwed into a separate plate, then I'd think the only thing you could have stripped would be the threads in the screw holes on that plate. (BTW if you damage the ones in your shoes, they are likely replaceable). Unless you had some kind of impact to a non-replaceable part of the shoe (such as breaking a carbon sole), then the shoes should be fine.

I'm the most concerned with why your cleat didn't release before being ripped off the plate. It's not that uncommon to break a composite cleat with the right kind of fall, but I've never seen Speedplays do what yours did.

[loopybunny]

Thanks for all of the input on this issue.

I need to play with the float on the new cleats before I can get out and ride again. I didn't realize until late this afternoon that I don't have a tiny screwdriver and didn't think to ask while at the shop.

I'm eager to get back out though. I have a ride in less than 2 weeks and it's really important that I'm prepared to hold onto the group for more than a few seconds.