New Pedals-Help!

[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.

[angmom]

I agree with you 100% in the belief that it is the cleats. My LBS actually replaced the cleats and I still had problems. It's probably me but I'm tired of feeling anxious everytime I need to clip out.
So I decided to give Look pedals a try and love them. From the first day I have never had problems clipping out! The platform also feels great and I feel more stable on them. Anyone need a pair of Speedplays!?
Thanks for everyones help and suggestions, love this forum!

[emily_in_nc]

I agree with you 100% in the belief that it is the cleats. My LBS actually replaced the cleats and I still had problems. It's probably me but I'm tired of feeling anxious everytime I need to clip out.
So I decided to give Look pedals a try and love them. From the first day I have never had problems clipping out! The platform also feels great and I feel more stable on them. Anyone need a pair of Speedplays!?
Thanks for everyones help and suggestions, love this forum!

You should definitely advertise them in the "For Sale" section of the forum as people might miss this thread. There are a lot of folks here who like Speedplays. If no luck here, try ebay. I've sold several pairs of Speedplays there (they were road models and I now use mountain pedals) for nearly what I paid for them! Plenty of demand.

Glad the Looks are working for you! A lot of folks seem to have problems clipping INTO them (not out), but if you' don't, then it's all good!

[Bike Chick]

angmom, good luck with your Looks. Sorry I didn't see this thread until today. I switched to Speedplay Light Actions and Specialized Pro Carbon road shoes a couple of years ago after having hot foot problems with my SPD's and SIDI's. It helped the hot foot issue a bit but I didn't like the Speedplays either. I've since switched to the Time Icliqs and love them. I think you will be happy with your new pedals. So many people like the Speedplays (we are in the minority) that I had no problem selling them here on the forum.

[alpinerabbit]

Do you unclip slowly or quickly?
I find on my Speedplays that trying slow makes them "stick" like you're not gonna get out. Getting out with a quick twist makes a clean exit.


I loooove my Speedplays for the ease of entry, and I have had SPD and Look.