Road Cycling - Did I install my cleats wrong?!

Continuing from a previous thread. My DMT shoes have a plastic "plate" that sits in the recessed area of the sole. Should I bolt my SPD cleats to the plate, or directly to the sole? See pictures.

Anyone?

Directly to the sole, so you can walk around without scratching up the Starbucks floor.

Clarifying: If you are using small SPD-style pedals, bolt directly to the sole. If the pedals you're using are Looks, Times, or other, and when you mount the cleats to the sole, you can't clip in because the sole is actually hitting the pedal, then use the plate.

I'd mount the on the plate. You'll be able to adjust the cleat on the rails according to your stride. How's the mount /dismount without the plates, and does it feel comfortable? You're essentially changing the length of the crankarms by deciding one way over the other.

I'll try it without the plate and report back. Do I need to be worried about clogging up the other bolt holes?

Edit: and I"m using small SPD pedals that fit inside the recess.

I think as long as it doesn't interfere with getting in and out of the padel, either way should be fine. I personally would have it recessed a little to slow down the wear on the clips (or protect starbuck flooring :D) but I guess that's personal preference.

Just wondering if the user manual says anything? My sidi manual has quite extensive regarding mounting each type of clips.

I'll try it without the plate and report back. Do I need to be worried about clogging up the other bolt holes?

Edit: and I"m using small SPD pedals that fit inside the recess.

One of my bike repair guides suggested silicon filer from local hardware store for filing up bolt holes and screw holes to minimize wear and prevent mud/dirt getting in them. Have not tried it myself though.

How do you remove the filler?

How do you remove the filler?

I am not 100% sure. But I believe the silicon will harden (into a plastic like) so when you want to remove it, you just need to pry it out with a small knife.

personally I would get road pedals for the DMT's you can get a cheap set of shimano 105's or look keo's 40 60 bucks respectively at probike kit. If you mount the SPD cleats on the shown shoes I would go without the plates if you have entry clearance. The standard SPD cleat is very unstable on a road shoe while getting off and on the bike, stopping and starting and especially if you do any walking the plate will only make them less stable in these circumstances. As far as the holes go any waterproof caulk will do. removal is not a problem. caulks stay flexible, just dig it out, but silicone will leave a permanet residue on the sole.

Edit: It also just dawned on me that my specialized mountain bike shoes have allen set screws in the unused holes that you use an allen wrench to remove. I'm sure you could find metric allen screws at home depot they would be alot easier than caulk.

So you're saying I should ditch the SPDs and go with LOOK-type pedals and cleats?

yeah the shimano spd-r 540 105 level pedal from probikekit.com is $38 if your on a budget they have all the Look keos models and they have free shipping. you could also check out Ebay but road pedals for road shoes makes sense. the cleats come with the new pedals.

+1 I'll second the 105 pedals from probikekit.com. I couldnt touch that price and they shipped fast enough. The cleats alone are $25 at other places.

Tremor
05 Felt F70

Do you like hot spots? That's all I got out of SPD pedals when I used them.

Just bought Look Keo Sprint pedals.

What's wrong with the SPD's?????

They weigh too much