New Pedals-Help!

[Catrin]

I don't know how adjustable those pedals are, but perhaps they could be tweaked? I have Speedplay Frogs and have no problem clipping/unclipping...

[westtexas]

Have you considered that it isn't a pedal problem but rather one with your cleats? When I got fitted on my bike the guy changed the positioning and tightness of the cleats to my shoes and it made getting in and out of my 105s much easier.

[azfiddle]

Here's my 2 cents worth. I used a pair of older Shimano (comparable to old style Look with Delta cleats) and they were generally okay. I have used SPD's on my errand bike with no problems, but prefer the platform pedals.

I gave Time pedals a try on my new bike and spent the last 10 weeks trying to be happy with them because I could not really ever get the hang of clipping in with them, though I didn't have any problems while I was riding or getting out.

Just today, I finally went out and bought a pair of Look Keo Elle pedals and they were instantly SO much easier to snap into. I haven't actually ridden in them but what a relief to be able to clip in without a struggle.

[nscrbug]

I use Shimano Ultegra pedals on my Cannondale, and I just bought a pair of Shimano 105 pedals for $69 at Performance Bike for my back-up bike - a Trek 2100 WSD. I like the Shimano SPD-SL's because they have a wide, stable platform and I find them easy to clip in/out. And since both the Ultegra and 105's are essentially the same pedal (only a weight difference), they use the same cleats...so now I have an extra pair of brand new cleats when my current ones need to be replaced.

[Becky]

I second the speculation that there's something wrong with your cleats. Wrong position, gunk/grit in the cleats, or maybe even the wrong shims for your particular shoes. Speedplay road cleats, IME, are a bit more finicky to install. If the cleat isn't matched to the curve of the shoe's sole (using the shims), the cleat can "twist", causing the spring to bind and making it very difficult to clip or unclip.

This link shows the shims needed. A trip to the LBS for some assistance may also be a good idea.

[Kathi]

Another thought is the bike shop tightened the screws to tight. Back the screws off a quarter of a turn or maybe half a turn. Speedplay warns about this on their website. If there is dirt in the cleats you will have problems clipping in as well as clipping out. My bike fitter recomended, for SPD's and I assume other types of pedals, that you initiate the action of clipping out from your hip joint, not your ankle. I've never had to think about it that way with my Speedplays.

I've been using Superfeet Berries in my shoes but they are designed for walking so I decided to try Esoles. I took my first ride in them yesterday and really like them. I called the company for advice on what size to buy for my 37 Sidi's. They sent me a 36.5 and the insoles fit my foot and in my shoes perfectly, no trimming required. I couldn't find a dealer in this area, so I had to order online. Even though I had to pay shipping it was cheaper to order directly from the company than from other online suppliers. Shipping was very quick, I received my insoles within a couple days of ordering.

[Crankin]

I have never had an issue clipping out on my Speedplay X-2s. I third the cleat installation problem. Also, I have had issues clipping in on one side (the one I clip in and out of all of the time) and when it happens that means it's time to lube. A few tiny drops of Pedro's Ice Wax water based dry lubricant is the key.