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Cleats damn cleats
By phil_denty - Sunday, 18th July 2010

At the moment I'm using a MTB pedal and cleat...which I'm having problems with...like getting unattached from the bike...especially at traffic lights....if I have enough time I can usually swivel my foot out of the pedal...does anyone have any tips please.




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716907
1 year ago
 
0
 
Patience - and all cleats are a potential source of pain. Mine got me in front of a lorry which thankfully saw what was happening and stopped before the wheels got to me. Frightening!! Unclip in plenty of time - well before the lights and if there is ANY potential danger on the road. Have you checked if there is a mechanism to loosen the hold of the cleats on the pedals? On the road SPD-SLs there is .. not sure about the MTBs tho

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462788
1 year ago
 
0
 
Also make sure you check the cleats are on nice and tight, you don't need these moving at the same time you are trying to unclip! 

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bensnowden
1 year ago
 
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The little allen key nut at the back and front of MTB spds loosens/tightens the sping in the pedal. Remember to do both as you never know which side you're going to use. Make sure they're well greased/WD40/GT85'd etc up.

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outlorebiker
1 year ago
 
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You need to loosen the spring that allows you to clip in to the pedals. I've found that road pedals are much harder to clip in 2 than MTB pedals. Don't loosen it so that you slip out when on the up stroke, just enough so it's not a problem at lights or when stopping. I've found clip-ins to be a problem too but am now getting use to them. They are dangerous in the wrong situations so make sure you plan every route you take now. Know your terrain so you can ride another day. Good luck!

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trips_
1 year ago
 
0
 
If you are using an MTB pedal on a road bike I reckon you should seriously consider ditching them in favour of a road pedal. Generally, most road pedals that use the traditional LOOK layout (Road SPDs included) are easier to get in and out of than the MTB alternatives as they sit angled ready for you to clip in. Getting out is usually easy peasy as there is one plate at the rear to overcome, not the mental jaws in the centre of the pedal, leverage principles and all that. Practice on a turbo too.

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723422
1 year ago
 
0
 
I use MTB spds on my road bike that I use for work and I used speedplay on my other road bike. Once you get used to cleats - they are all pretty easy, it just takes practice. I prefer a double sided one though - as pulling off from the lights can be an equally unpleasant experience when you are trying to turn the pedal and clip in. 

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713501
1 year ago
 
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I've been cycling (albeit on an amateur) basis now for around 20 years and have enjoyed many rides around the countryside up to 80 miles and often enter charity rides a couple of times a year and have never used cleats of any kind. They obviously have a place as so many people swear by them, but for the life of me I have no idea why? I have ridden in fine weather and foul and my foot has never slipped from a pedal yet. Why are they so popular???

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Houlie58
1 year ago
 
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I thought the same, but found a cheap set of own brand SPDs in a Decathlon store in France. I tried them and despite falling off because of them in the early days, I have since fitted all of my bikes with them. The SPD type are all I have tried, but because the cleats sit inside the sole of the shoe, you can walk about quite easily. Unlike some ultra roadie shoes I saw in Majorca, they were not walking friendly, as the wearers clattered and slithered all over the place on the slightest incline !;o)

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RussellT
1 year ago
 
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Really the advantage is one of continuous power rather the of foot slipping. Essentially once you get used to cleats you 'spin' your pedals in a 360 degree manner rather than pushing down each side - makes te miles fly by.

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Houlie58
1 year ago
 
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Evans can sell you an SPD pedal and cleat kit for £20! 

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RussellT
1 year ago
 
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yes but you will also need a shoe for £50+ but as I said above cleats - MTB or Road are great once you are used to them. I used MTB SPDs on my MTB, and my winter/touring bike, and SPD-SL road ones on my road bike.

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rascall
1 year ago
 
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Everyone falls off when they first switch to cleats be they MTB or Road Type.....me included. That feeling as you topple over while trying to get your feet unclipped is horrible. However once you are used to them and get into the habit of unclipping they really are worth using. Slacken them right off at first and as you get used to them incrementally up the tension until they are firm but unclip without any fuss.

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