SPD cleats set up

padyjoe

Got my first shoes this week. Shimano M064's going on M324 pedals. They are size 48, I found I needed to push the cleats to the most forward position to get the ball of my foot over the pedal axle. The setup feels ok but I still have to go on a long spin to find out how they behave. Is it normal having a good bit of float when clipped in?(cleats are tight) I've no problem with it, gives me confidence after the toestraps. What else to watch out to have them right? Mt. Leinster Challenge coming up and I don't want to fail with the shoes. Thank you!

Wishbone Ash

padyjoe wrote: »

... Is it normal having a good bit of float when clipped in?(cleats are tight) ...

Which type of cleats are you using? There are 2 types of SPD cleats - M51 and M56. M51's unclip in one direction only and generally feel a bit tighter. M56's will unclip in any direction and usually feel a bit looser. New cleats will always feel tighter regardless. Over time, the metal wears and they tend to loosen up. It's only when you replace them that you realise how loose the previous one were.

smacl

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Which type of cleats are you using? There are 2 types of SPD cleats - M51 and M56. M51's unclip in one direction only and generally feel a bit tighter. M56's will unclip in any direction and usually feel a bit looser. New cleats will always feel tighter regardless. Over time, the metal wears and they tend to loosen up. It's only when you replace them that you realise how loose the previous one were.

Hmm, time to replace the cleats methinks....

Hunterbiker

The pedals will have an adjustment screw for tension too. Its suggested to start out with less tension set.

DaithiMC

Hunterbiker wrote: »

The pedals will have an adjustment screw for tension too. Its suggested to start out with less tension set.

On those pedals it is a Hex Key bolt at the back of the pedal that adjusts tension on the spring. There is a small cutaway in the wall of the pedal to allow you to put the key in to adjust. When I get a new set of pedals I usually adjust them all the way out, i.e., turn that bolt anti-clockwise all the way. This is the "loosest" setting. Then successively, in half-turns, tighten it up, clip in at each half-turn until you are happy with the clip-in and release action and you're done.

With new pedals and cleats there should be very little lateral movement and almost no vertical movement, as they wear you will feel both coming into the action. You can adjust by tightening up a quarter-turn until you decide you need new cleats!

Cee-Jay-Cee

I would suggest you go for a long spin and take an Allen key with you to adjust the clear position if need be. It took me several weeks and maybe 9 or 10 spins before I got a position my feet remained comfortable with.

The ball of the foot position is only a rough guideline, not everyone is the same so be prepared to adjust/move the cleat if your not happy with it. My cleats are more or less as far back as the shoe will allow, I'd have them further back if possible.

padyjoe

Thanks lads! The cleats are M56's but I unclip moving outwards as I used to do with toestraps. Moving inwards with feet large like mine it's impossible!!;-) Getting used to the new system, feels natural, sometimes I wonder where did I lost the straps then I realise they were taken off! :-D I'm extremely happy with the setup, I know it doesn't look like a pro on my roadie with mtb system but I can walk easily in my shoes and one side of the pedal can be used without clipping.

DaithiMC

padyjoe wrote: »

Thanks lads! The cleats are M56's but I unclip moving outwards as I used to do with toestraps. Moving inwards with feet large like mine it's impossible!!;-) Getting used to the new system, feels natural, sometimes I wonder where did I lost the straps then I realise they were taken off! :-D I'm extremely happy with the setup, I know it doesn't look like a pro on my roadie with mtb system but I can walk easily in my shoes and one side of the pedal can be used without clipping.

Check out PD-A520 or PD-A600 pedals for as good a looking road pedal as any (IMO!).

padyjoe

Thanks DaithiMC, it's a good idea, nice looking pedals! Keep them in mind for upgrades for sure.