Quote Originally Posted by tzvia View Post
I use both Shimano (but not the 520/530) and Candy SLs on the commuter. I find that the Shimano is more of a pressure ramp-up/pronounced snap in and out, and the CBs are a bit less of a resistance then a softer snap. The tension to release feels a bit less. But sometimes starting from a light, I have to pull up a bit to confirm 'yea I'm in' because I did not feel anything snapping in.

If the issue is generating enough force on that outward heal movement, maybe the Speedplay Frogs would work. They require no effort to get out; just rotate your heal outward enough and they will 'fall' out. I've been intrigued with the design but been happy with XTRs and single release cleats so never tried 'em.
I don't know anyone who uses Speedplay Frogs, which makes me leery to even consider them. I don't really even know all that many people who use Speedplays on their road bikes, as we live on a big sand dune.

I don't think the issue is heel strength. We have my pedals set on the lowest resistance...sometimes I'll hit a bump and a pedal will release, but then other times when I actually want it to release I get stuck. Not so much when I'm just clipping in and out for simple stops, but with a rolling dismount I don't have a second chance for that left foot to unclip. Once my right foot is on the ground it has to release or I'm goin' down...which is what happened yesterday. Usually it unclips automatically, but when it didn't yesterday it was really painful. Gravel is not my body's friend, heh.

That same side seems to have issues engaging, too. I don't know if it's the actual pedal or the cleat or maybe some interference with my shoe.