How to unclip?

[zoom-zoom]

I HATED SPD-SLs and had several issues with being unable to unclip and have permanent scars to show for it. Looks have been MUCH better in terms of unclipping.

[Catrin]

I've SPD-SL's, and have never had a problem with them. But, it seems like there was a bad batch of them in circulation last year where people had the problems you describe.

I think there was more than ONE bad batch, my problem was 2 years ago...and I had already learned clipless on dual-sided SPD pedals. I know a couple of people this year who had the same problem and moved to non-SPD pedals - but of course who can say when those pedals were manufactured?

[OakLeaf]

When I got my road bike I wanted Eggbeaters. When they were setting up my bike at the bike shop I tried them out, and I just could not get out of them no matter what I did. The shoes I'd chosen were drilled for either two or three bolts. I put on Looks, which I had experience with from way back in the day, and haven't looked back.

It stinks that they let you go home with pedals and cleats that weren't working for you on the trainer. I think the difference with me was that I DID have 20-year-old muscle memory of how unclipping was supposed to feel, and I KNEW that large amounts of force and >45° rotation aren't normal, safe, or acceptable. I didn't even begin to let them dismiss my concerns, I just told them to take those pedals and cleats off and give me Looks instead.

Maybe on that basis you can get them to take them back in exchange for something that you can clip and unclip at least on the trainer. If not, hopefully you can unload them either locally or here on TE for not too much loss.

[Owlie]

I've SPD-SL's, and have never had a problem with them. But, it seems like there was a bad batch of them in circulation last year where people had the problems you describe.

My boss says there were a batch or two of bad 105 pedals that have been running around.

He doesn't like the R540s because it uses the older version of the mechanism (that, and the plastic plate on the pedals that keep needing to be replaced). But he's something of a bike snob.

[thekarens]

For what it's worth I've managed to get the left foot unclipped, but it feels much tougher than the right foot. I'm taking the bike to the shop where I got the shoes and will put it on the trainer so they can watch me and get their opinion. After that I'm going to suck it up and go to an empty parking lot to try it out. Like most people, I'm slightly freaked "Everyone" keeps telling me it's easier to practice when you're actually moving, so we'll see.

PS....clipping in seems easy enough, though I'm not sure I can do it without looking because the pedal keeps flipping over.