SPDs

teednab-el

I attached the cleats on the back of my cycling shoes, and attached union SPDs pedals on my road bike. The problem I have now is I can't seem to get the shoes to clip into the pedals. Do I need to make an adjustment to these pedals or is there something else wrong with what I've done?

AstraMonti

Sounds like the pedals are very tight. There is a screw on them, loosen that all the way down and check if you can clip in. Then start tightening it until you feel comfortable clipping in and out.

teednab-el

AstraMonti wrote: »

Sounds like the pedals are very tight. There is a screw on them, loosen that all the way down and check if you can clip in. Then start tightening it until you feel comfortable clipping in and out.

Do I need to loosen both of those screws on the pedals? Is there a danger of those screws slipping out?

AstraMonti

Usually there is only screw that you have to loosen, Which pedals are they?

Gavin

The adjustor screw is usually an Allan key head. It won't come out, it has limiters. Just screw it whichever way the arrow on the pedal points for loose.

Having said that you should still be able to get the cleat in on the tightest setting. Did you install the cleats with the correct orientation .. ? Arrow pointing forward

teednab-el

AstraMonti wrote: »

Usually there is only screw that you have to loosen, Which pedals are they?

The ones I have allow me to clip in on both sides of the pedals. Bike is out in garage so need to check in the morning to see the ones I have.

**Timbuk2**

If they're Shimano SPD pedals, there'll be a place to put an allen key to loosen the pedal tension - it'll have a + and a - above it. Turn it towards the minus. Do the same for both pedals.

Also make sure that the cleats are tight on the shoe, if they're in any way loose it may be hard to clip in!

teednab-el

**Timbuk2** wrote: »

If they're Shimano SPD pedals, there'll be a place to put an allen key to loosen the pedal tension - it'll have a + and a - above it. Turn it towards the minus. Do the same for both pedals.

Also make sure that the cleats are tight on the shoe, if they're in any way loose it may be hard to clip in!

I think they are union pedals.

**Timbuk2**

teednab-el wrote: »

I think they are union pedals.

I'm not familiar with union pedals, but check them as there will be some tension adjustment on them - there still might be a plus/minus sign.

If you've loosened the tension and it still won't work, then maybe post a picture of the bottom of your shoes (with the cleats) up here, it's possible they aren't installed correctly.

The cleats are shaped like arrows - they should be pointing pretty much straight ahead to the front of the shoe.

teednab-el

**Timbuk2** wrote: »

teednab-el wrote: »

I think they are union pedals.

I'm not familiar with union pedals, but check them as there will be some tension adjustment on them - there still might be a plus/minus sign.

If you've loosened the tension and it still won't work, then maybe post a picture of the bottom of your shoes (with the cleats) up here, it's possible they aren't installed correctly.

The cleats are shaped like arrows - they should be pointing pretty much straight ahead to the front of the shoe.

Yeah the instructions weren't 100% clear on the user instructions.

Il take photo shots later of the cleats and pedals to make sure I've attached them correctly.

teednab-el

Ok here are my pictures.

Hopefully its something that I havent done correct. There are pictures of shoes cleats and pedals.

Thanks.

Wishbone Ash

Here's a pic of the allen screw at the side of the SPD pedal for adjusting the tension of the spring:



You SPD cleats should be attached like this:

Wishbone Ash

I don't know if it makes much difference but you are using SPD cleats on SPD SL shoes. I know they have holes to accomodate them but SPD cleats are better suited to SPD specific shoes (the ones where the cleats are recessed making walking easier as in my pic).

teednab-el

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I don't know if it makes much difference but you are using SPD cleats on SPD SL shoes. I know they have holes to accomodate them but SPD cleats are better suited to SPD specific shoes (the ones where the cleats are recessed making walking easier as in my pic).

Just to be clear, Do I have my cleats attached wrong? Should they be up further in the shoe sole like your picture?

Wishbone Ash

teednab-el wrote: »

Just to be clear, Do I have my cleats attached wrong?

They seem to be attached correctly although you pics appear huge on my PC and I can't look at them in full without moving them around the screen.

Have you attached the pedals on the correct sides. They are right and left specific.

Wishbone Ash

teednab-el wrote: »

Should they be up further in the shoe sole like your picture?

That's a matter of personal choice. I like them up towards my toes - other prefer them on the ball of the foot. It shouldn't affect attachment to the pedal.

teednab-el

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

teednab-el wrote: »

Just to be clear, Do I have my cleats attached wrong?

They seem to be attached correctly although you pics appear huge on my PC and I can't look at them in full without moving them around the screen.

Have you attached the pedals on the correct sides. They are right and left specific.

Sorry about that I forgot to reduce the resolution before uploading, I have the pedals correct because there are L and R letters on the pedals themselves. I could have been adjusting the wrong tension screw, I must look at it again.

**Timbuk2**

Those cleats seem fine to me (although as Wishbone Ash has said, they might be better suited to mountain bike shoes which have recessed soles - makes walking around easier and the cleats don't wear as fast).

Were you able to find the tension adjustment on the pedal? I can't really tell from that picture - do you see the little screw at the very top - that is possibly it - are there any markings around it?

This is what my pedals look like, you can see the screw with the + and -

langdang

teednab-el wrote: »

attached union SPDs pedals on my road bike. The problem I have now is I can't seem to get the shoes to clip into the pedals.

They're gonna need at least 20% extra pay and a relocation bonus.
Hurrr hurrr hurrr.

There are 2 tension screws on each pedal, one for each side. They are at the top and bottom of the photos of the pedals.
There is a possibility with some pedals that the screws will come out, but you'll probably see a space coming between the plate and the end of the screw (look at them, easier to see than explain) before that happens.

Once they are at the loosest, just practice - one foot at a time. Clipping in AND out! I'm sure there's a knack, although it's so long since I learned it just happens for me... "catch" the pedal with the front of the cleat and push forward and down is the best advice I can think of...

teednab-el

langdang wrote: »

teednab-el wrote: »

attached union SPDs pedals on my road bike. The problem I have now is I can't seem to get the shoes to clip into the pedals.

They're gonna need at least 20% extra pay and a relocation bonus.
Hurrr hurrr hurrr.

There are 2 tension screws on each pedal, one for each side. They are at the top and bottom of the photos of the pedals.
There is a possibility with some pedals that the screws will come out, but you'll probably see a space coming between the plate and the end of the screw (look at them, easier to see than explain) before that happens.

Once they are at the loosest, just practice - one foot at a time. Clipping in AND out! I'm sure there's a knack, although it's so long since I learned it just happens for me... "catch" the pedal with the front of the cleat and push forward and down is the best advice I can think of...

I managed to get them to click in and out eventually but I feel that Its gonna take huge time before I get used to them. I have the pedals off the bike at the moment, trying to visualize how they operate with the cleats clipping in and out. From my understsnding I will have to push my shoe forward and down to clip in and to clip out I will have to push my foot forward and up. Would I be correct with this mechanism. Tried twisting my ankle out but it doesn't seem to release and don't want my shoe stuck if I need to release fast.

**Timbuk2**

Just try practicing it while leaning against a wall, you'll get used to it quickly.

Clipping in will be easy once you're used to it - it is kind of a down and forward motion as you say. I have the pedal tension set to the loosest setting on mine so I just really need to step on the pedal with the cleat in roughly the correct position and it'll click in.

To get out, you twist your heel outwards. This is easy to do, the hard bit is remembering to do it before you come to a complete stop (otherwise you'll have a dignity-bruising 0km/h slow motion fall ). At first I found it easier, if I knew I was stopping ahead, to clip out well ahead of time and just balance your foot on the pedal (don't put the cleat right over the pedal as you may accidentally clip back in if you go over a bump).

But after a few spins it'll become second nature!

langdang

Kicking the heel out is the only reliable way to do it with standard spd cleats. Other options are open with multi-release cleats (or so I'm told) but even then, the heel kick out is best. It may feel like you need to exaggerate the motion until you get the knack - try to bring your heel 45degrees around. In reality you'll release long before 45 but it kinda feels like a huge motion at first.

Signal_ rabbit

As said earlier, spd's are best suited to spd shoes. The reason for this is that having the recessed sole make it easier for the cleat to locate the pedal clip. From experience its is very difficult to get the cleat in the the right position as it skates all over the pedal, it take a lot of practice, not to mention walking on them makes it way harder than walking on any other cleat, it like walking on ice. I ditched the shoes in the end on got some with a recessed area for the cleat and never looked back.

teednab-el

Signal_ rabbit wrote: »

As said earlier, spd's are best suited to spd shoes. The reason for this is that having the recessed sole make it easier for the cleat to locate the pedal clip. From experience its is very difficult to get the cleat in the the right position as it skates all over the pedal, it take a lot of practice, not to mention walking on them makes it way harder than walking on any other cleat, it like walking on ice. I ditched the shoes in the end on got some with a recessed area for the cleat and never looked back.

Well I paid 90 euro for the shoes so i won't be able to dump them any time soon. Funny enough the bike shop guy never warned me of this. I always have regrets when I buy stuff afterwards.

langdang

Practice, you'll be fine. There is a plastic yoke you can buy to put between the cleat and the shoe to give you that recessed effect if you really need it. Will put a link in later.

http://www.roseversand.com/article/shimano-spd-adapter-with-cleat-protectors-sm-sh-40/aid:417163
Not essential really. Not sure how much they'd help "line you up" for engaging the pedal. More intended for walking around but I don't think ANY road shoes are all that great for walking around in, I've yet to see any roadie in a tiled shop that didn't look like a penguin.

Pedals usually come set at the loosest or almost the loosest - if you did any more than 2 full turns I'd say you may have been tightening them rather than loosening them. Anti-clockwise to loosen.

dave_o_brien

teednab-el wrote: »

Well I paid 90 euro for the shoes so i won't be able to dump them any time soon. Funny enough the bike shop guy never warned me of this. I always have regrets when I buy stuff afterwards.

Was it a local shop? Have you used the shoes yet?

If the shop is nearby, and the shoes are in good nick, I'd consider going back and asking for some mountain bike shoes, which have the advantage of working better with those pedals and being easier to walk in off the bike.

teednab-el

Ok guys, I attached the spd pedals onto the bike yesterday, bloody hard job and then tried to engage and disengage the cleats from the pedals. I put the bike up against the wall to practice. At first I was brutal. I couldn't even get my shoe cleat to clip in to the pedals. I kept missing and slipping off the pedals with my shoes. So I studied my shoe cleat position and then practiced for an hour engaging and disengaging. In that hour I got much better and I think I have found the knack to it. I was naturally able to click in after all that practice. I'm going to practice for an hour each day on the bike against the wall, then going to take bike out on the lawn and practice while the bike is in motion. I have the tension on the pedals relatively loose with minimal tightness. It doesn't slip out until I twist my heel with a bit of force.

Should be confident soon of hitting the road with my new shoes and pedals.

SomeFool

What size shoe are you?
If you like, as you're in Cork so I can either lend you mtb shoes (43) if they'll fit you or a spare set of look keos with cleats so you can decide which is for you. Once you decide you might be able to get a swap/sale on the adverts section here.

Wishbone Ash

teednab-el wrote: »

.... and then practiced for an hour engaging and disengaging. In that hour I got much better ................ I'm going to practice for an hour each day.........................Should be confident soon of hitting the road with my new shoes and pedals.

There's something wrong somewhere! You should have the knack after a couple of tries and shouldn't have to practise that much.

Did you try putting a little lubricant on the pedals?

teednab-el

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

teednab-el wrote: »

.... and then practiced for an hour engaging and disengaging. In that hour I got much better ................ I'm going to practice for an hour each day.........................Should be confident soon of hitting the road with my new shoes and pedals.

There's something wrong somewhere! You should have the knack after a couple of tries and shouldn't have to practise that much.

Did you try putting a little lubricant on the pedals?

I got the hang of it after 10 mins but the problem I was having was my sole was slipping on the pedals before finding the correct position. I'm able to do it now alright. I didn't put any lubricant on the pedals. Would that help?

teednab-el

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

teednab-el wrote: »

.... and then practiced for an hour engaging and disengaging. In that hour I got much better ................ I'm going to practice for an hour each day.........................Should be confident soon of hitting the road with my new shoes and pedals.

There's something wrong somewhere! You should have the knack after a couple of tries and shouldn't have to practise that much.

Did you try putting a little lubricant on the pedals?

I'm a bit awkward and like what was said earlier, it is harder to engage with cleats and the shoes that I have. Its probably much easier with mtb shoes.

smacl

teednab-el wrote: »

I'm a bit awkward and like what was said earlier, it is harder to engage with cleats and the shoes that I have. Its probably much easier with mtb shoes.

As was mentioned earlier, I'd tend to go back to the shop and see if you can swap the shoes. I reckon you've been sold a bit of a dud with that combination, as one of the main reasons that people use SPDs on road bikes is because the cleats are recessed. No point starting off with increased difficulty and reduced functionality if you can possibly avoid it.

teednab-el

smacl wrote: »

teednab-el wrote: »

I'm a bit awkward and like what was said earlier, it is harder to engage with cleats and the shoes that I have. Its probably much easier with mtb shoes.

As was mentioned earlier, I'd tend to go back to the shop and see if you can swap the shoes. I reckon you've been sold a bit of a dud with that combination, as one of the main reasons that people use SPDs on road bikes is because the cleats are recessed. No point starting off with increased difficulty and reduced functionality if you can possibly avoid it.

With the shoes I have at present, can I use them for anything?

dave_o_brien

teednab-el wrote: »

With the shoes I have at present, can I use them for anything?

The shoes that you got are very good for their purpose, which is for use with road specific pedals. They are, however, more difficult to get into because they are only one side entry pedals, meaning you need to make sure the pedal is facing the correct way in addition to centring them correctly.

The double sided pedals you have are reffered to as mountain bike pedals, although they are frequently used for cyclo cross, touring and commuting as well as mountain biking. You'd find the engagement between your pedals and these type of shoes much easier, which is why we are recommending that you see if the shop will exchange them for you.

Once you're used to the pedals you have, you'll find it easier to pick up using other shoe/pedal combinations, as the whole process will feel more familiar. On the other hand, you may find that moving to another combination is unnecessary.

The shoes you have seem an odd choice to sell with mountain bike pedals to a beginner. I'd go back and ask for an exchange for a set of mountain bike or touring shoes. If they didn't have them, I'd ask them how long it would take to get them in, and that I was willing to wait. If they were unhelpful, I'd ask for my money back and get these: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-m10-mountain-bike-cycling-shoe/

SomeFool

teednab-el wrote: »

With the shoes I have at present, can I use them for anything?

Might work out cheaper to change pedal system if you can't return the shoes.

RossieMan

What type of pedals are you using?

i have Union SPD 5700's myself and find them very easy to use.
have had no problems engaging or clipping out.

teednab-el

RossieMan wrote: »

What type of pedals are you using?

i have Union SPD 5700's myself and find them very easy to use.
have had no problems engaging or clipping out.

I think they are 5600's.

teednab-el

dave_o_brien wrote: »

The shoes that you got are very good for their purpose, which is for use with road specific pedals. They are, however, more difficult to get into because they are only one side entry pedals, meaning you need to make sure the pedal is facing the correct way in addition to centring them correctly.

The double sided pedals you have are reffered to as mountain bike pedals, although they are frequently used for cyclo cross, touring and commuting as well as mountain biking. You'd find the engagement between your pedals and these type of shoes much easier, which is why we are recommending that you see if the shop will exchange them for you.

Once you're used to the pedals you have, you'll find it easier to pick up using other shoe/pedal combinations, as the whole process will feel more familiar. On the other hand, you may find that moving to another combination is unnecessary.

The shoes you have seem an odd choice to sell with mountain bike pedals to a beginner. I'd go back and ask for an exchange for a set of mountain bike or touring shoes. If they didn't have them, I'd ask them how long it would take to get them in, and that I was willing to wait. If they were unhelpful, I'd ask for my money back and get these: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-m10-mountain-bike-cycling-shoe/

One quick question, before i try and return my shoes, it was mentioned here earlier and a link posted that you can get these fittings that go on the sole of my shoes for easy mounting on and off of spd pedals. Here is an example. http://www.bike24.com/p212839.html Has anyone any experience with these? Just enquiring.

dave_o_brien

teednab-el wrote: »

One quick question, before i try and return my shoes, it was mentioned here earlier and a link posted that you can get these fittings that go on the sole of my shoes for easy mounting on and off of spd pedals. Here is an example. http://www.bike24.com/p212839.html Has anyone any experience with these? Just enquiring.

They are designed to protect the cleat from scraping on the ground while walking around. This is not a problem if you use mountain bike shoes. There are other solution (cleat covers) for road cleats.

I haven't used them, but can't imagine they would help with the cleat location problem it sounds like you're having. Mountain bike shoes most definitely would. Seriously, I'd have no hesitation going back to the shop: I used to work in a bike shop, and if somebody came back to me with the problem you've described, I'd have had no trouble exchanging them. It's not rude: they've sold you a product that is not fit for your specific use. It's a perfectly good product, for it's use, but not for your use. I'd imagine they'd be very accommodating.

teednab-el

dave_o_brien wrote: »

teednab-el wrote: »

One quick question, before i try and return my shoes, it was mentioned here earlier and a link posted that you can get these fittings that go on the sole of my shoes for easy mounting on and off of spd pedals. Here is an example. http://www.bike24.com/p212839.html Has anyone any experience with these? Just enquiring.

They are designed to protect the cleat from scraping on the ground while walking around. This is not a problem if you use mountain bike shoes. There are other solution (cleat covers) for road cleats.

I haven't used them, but can't imagine they would help with the cleat location problem it sounds like you're having. Mountain bike shoes most definitely would. Seriously, I'd have no hesitation going back to the shop: I used to work in a bike shop, and if somebody came back to me with the problem you've described, I'd have had no trouble exchanging them. It's not rude: they've sold you a product that is not fit for your specific use. It's a perfectly good product, for it's use, but not for your use. I'd imagine they'd be very accommodating.

Ok thanks for the advice, Il get the mountain bike shoes altogether,Il.get the right equipment . Is it ok to use spds on a road bike with mountain bike shoes? Does it look ridiculous?

hardCopy

teednab-el wrote: »

Ok thanks for the advice, Il get the mountain bike shoes altogether,Il.get the right equipment . Is it ok to use spds on a road bike with mountain bike shoes? Does it look ridiculous?

If you like the shoes would it be better to get a set of road pedals?

teednab-el

hardCopy wrote: »

teednab-el wrote: »

Ok thanks for the advice, Il get the mountain bike shoes altogether,Il.get the right equipment . Is it ok to use spds on a road bike with mountain bike shoes? Does it look ridiculous?

If you like the shoes would it be better to get a set of road pedals?

I will buy a set of road pedals too and see how I get on. I have a mountain bike also that I might upgrade.

dave_o_brien

teednab-el wrote: »

Ok thanks for the advice, Il get the mountain bike shoes altogether,Il.get the right equipment . Is it ok to use spds on a road bike with mountain bike shoes? Does it look ridiculous?

I've had spd's on a few road bikes, for the practical benefits when it comes to commuting. I also used those bikes for training and touring. I also have spd's on a cross bike and my mountain bike.

On a road bike, they may not look 100% professional, but it looks an awful lot better than looking like bambi every time you push off before you manage to clip in. I'd be less concerned about looking pro and more concerned about getting comfortable on the bike first, to be honest.

petethedrummer

teednab-el wrote: »

Ok thanks for the advice, Il get the mountain bike shoes altogether,Il.get the right equipment . Is it ok to use spds on a road bike with mountain bike shoes? Does it look ridiculous?

No. I train and commute on a road bike in MTB shoes. You can get ones that look like road shoes if it bothers you.

smacl

teednab-el wrote: »

I will buy a set of road pedals too and see how I get on. I have a mountain bike also that I might upgrade.

If money is an issue, it makes sense to use SPD pedals, and have a single pair of shoes that will work with either. I've a single pair of DHB MTB shoes, and SPD pedals on my road bike and hybrid. (Hint: For off road, avoid white shoes).

Wishbone Ash

teednab-el wrote: »

Is it ok to use spds on a road bike with mountain bike shoes? Does it look ridiculous?

SPD shoes generally come in two types.

The first look like road shoes and look fine on a road bike.

The other type look very much like ordinary casual shoes or runners and can be laced up. They look better with ordinary clothes like jeans/loose shorts but they don't cut the mustard if worn with lycra.

teednab-el

I got mountain bike shoes and in fairness to you'd guys here you'd were correct, so much easier to engage and disengage with my spds. I have no problem with it. I returned the road shoes and got the mountain bike shoes. Enjoying my cycling much better now. Thanks for all advice here.

MediaMan

teednab-el wrote: »

I got mountain bike shoes and in fairness to you'd guys here you'd were correct, so much easier to engage and disengage with my spds. I have no problem with it. I returned the road shoes and got the mountain bike shoes. Enjoying my cycling much better now. Thanks for all advice here.

'Scuse me - all well and good that you are enjoying your cycling, but you are in violation of Rule 34.

But seriously, glad you got sorted.