Question for the Crank Brothers fans...

[out_spokin']

Seeking some input here from those of you who use any Crank Brothers pedal with the standard two hole (non-Quattro) cleat.

I'm experimenting with some Candy pedals, inspired by the desire to learn 'cross. What I'm finding is that I get a rather annoying, inconsistent noise from the cleat area sometimes when I'm pedaling. Sort of a plastic on metal sound..."clacky" is the best I can come up with. It's not loud, but definitely noticeable. I can usually imitate/recreate it by rolling my foot a bit while still engaged.

The kicker is that I'm using 2 different pairs of shoes, 2 different pedals (one candy, one candy SL) and 2 different pairs of cleats (one standard, one premium) and still getting the sound. I thought at first it was because of the plastic shim that I need to get shoe clearance on one pair, then I tried the metal "shoe shield" instead. Still got the noise, though not as bad as with the original shim. So then I tried my old shoes without any shim, and again, maybe not as bad, but still present. Is this a common issue? If so, any suggestions for mitigating/eliminating the noise? I really like silence from my bike!!

[ridebikeme]

I too, am using the Candy SL and haven't had the issue that you are. After reading your description, I too, wondered if the noise was caused by a shim,rock, or something caught in the cleat area. You mentioned that you were using two different pair of shoes. Are both shoes and cleats new? How old is your pedal? Do you have problems clipping in or releasing?

Sorry for all of the questions, just trying to sort out issues that might be giving you some issues.[/I]

[out_spokin']

Issues for issues, I like it.

New pair of MTB shoes (Specialized BG, which have definite clearance issues with Crank Bros cleats) with new cleats w/ new Candy SLs and especially with the older Candy Cs - get the sound. Old pair of MTB shoes, older cleats, either pedals (I need to double check old shoes w/ new pedals) - get the sound. I need to do a little more testing on a warm day when I'm not wearing ear covers to see if I can isolate things a bit more. Thought I'd see if anyone else had insights before I take the step of trimming the new shoe bottoms a bit to eliminate the need for shims.

It's weird...I thought the problem really was the plastic shim and that some dirt/little stones had gotten trapped between shim & shoe, but replacing it with the metal (much better fitting than the plastic, no gaps) didn't seem to help.

[ridebikeme]

I'm wondering if the height of the shoe tread is bothering you clipping in and out. Is the height of the tread higher than the cleat? I know that you mentioned that you can clip in although difficult, but wondered if you truly are not fully engaged when you are clipped in? Ive forgotton, do you have the same cleat on both shoes?

Mine seem to bother some as well,and think that I will trim down the shoe a bit. My shoes are a bit older, although never been worn until now.(Diadoras) But the height of the thread is definitely higher than the cleat which is obviously brand new.

At any rate, definitely keep us posted!