SPD weirdness.

[Owlie]

I just got SPDs and shoes and tried them out yesterday. I found it easier to clip out by turning my heel inward than by turning it outward. Technically, I know it's wrong. I've tried reducing the tension, but one turn and it's loose enough that I can unclip by accident. It's just that my ankle does not like that outward motion. Anyone else do this? Any input?

[tulip]

I've been turning my foot inward for 20 years with no problem.

[AnnieBikes]

Me, too! ...inward gets me out!!! ...but only for 6 years!!!

[ny biker]

We had a thread on this once...

I clip out with my right foot first, and due to scar tissue from ankle surgery back in '93, it is more comfortable for me to turn my heel inward to clip out with that foot. Also I clip out when my foot is at 12:00, not at 6:00.

I think I turn my left heel outward when I unclip that foot, and it's down at 6:00. But honestly I'm not sure! I stopped paying attention a while ago.

[Owlie]

Good to know that I'm not alone. Does it damage the cleat or pedal at all?

Now, how do I do it without getting grease all over my socks?

[Zen]

Now, how do I do it without getting grease all over my socks?

Stop wearing socks?

[tulip]

Wear black socks.
Keep your drivetrain spotless.
Learn to turn foot outward.
Don't spend time worrying about a little grease on your socks!

[MartianDestiny]

If I remember correctly SPD's are designed to disengage with either an inward or outward motion. I don't think it's "wrong" or that you are hurting anything. Do whatever works for you.

[ny biker]

I don't get grease on my socks. Where is the grease coming from?

I've been clipping out the same way with the same cleats and pedals since 2003. The manager at the LBS has seen me do it and hasn't told me to stop. He did mention that it would prevent me from switching to some brands of pedals if I couldn't unclip by turning my heel outward.

[WindingRoad]

I'd just say grease colored socks are the solution to your problem. Of course I also don't buy a car if the interior isn't the color of coffee

[uforgot]

I unclip heel in always. Can't turn my toes in enough to unclip the heel out way. I can't ski either, because you have to toe in there too.

[Owlie]

Stop wearing socks?

Heehee, an excuse to buy the Keen sandals! Ny biker, I spend all my time in my big chainring unless I'm climbing a steep hill, so if I'm not careful or have the tension set too high (I think I've got that sorted now!) I occasionally get my socks into contact with the chain. I've also managed to get all the grease out of my socks thus far, so everyone's happy.

I think I've got it to a point where I can clip out by turning my heel either way on my right foot. My left, I still have to clip out by turning inward, because I don't have that range of motion in that ankle.

[tulip]

I was thinking about this thread on yesterday's ride. If you unclip with your unclipping foot/pedal at 12:00, then there's no way you'll come into contact with the chain--the pedal is above the chain.

Just another idea to keep your socks clean. Shout works well, too.