Road Cycling - Cleat fitting.....overrated??

I just had my cleats fitted properly on my shoes and the cost was $30. It was the process of getting into these steel blocks with metal rods out the sides. The idea is to get the rods to move without fliping around. Anyways, riding my bike - I really feel no difference in the setup or more adaptability of the fitting. Is the fitting a good thing or was it a waste of $30?

Nikos,

IMO cleat fitting was a lot more important back in the days when the things didn't "float". Now that it's normal to ride a pedal/cleat system with some float built-in, it's a lot less critical.

I think it's still a good idea to make sure the cleats are adjusted so that your foot naturally floats around the middle of the range of the pedal, but I can usually get this done by myself.

Just my $0.02

thats a good point about the floating. I thought that things were okay for that simple reason. My other shoes seem to float good and I installed the cleats. Well its good to know either way.

Nikos,
Although I (think) I have found the right cleat position for myself, it surely doesn't hurt to get fitted to some standard.

I have been riding daily since last November, periodically adjusting seat position, bar position to seek nirvana. I feel pretty comfortable, but I am considering a professional fitting as you described in another thread. I may be where I need to be, but I may also be way off and just in a tolerable place or maybe just a centimeter away from amazing comfort. At least having been fitted to some "norm" I can make an intelligent informed decision about future adjustments.
Regards,
Raymond

$30 to fit your cleats? I'm a firm adherent to the method of "screw them on, then carry a big-@$$ screwdriver around for a couple of days" method.

I'm a firm adherent to the method of "screw them on, then carry a big-@$$ screwdriver around for a couple of days" method.

This is my attitude. A local bike shop where I bought my lovely Cannondale touring bike (I luv it!) was really pushing for me to go for a $45 dollar bike fitting. Sure, they site out what is the best position for your body, but over a matter of a couple days, I was able to tweak each adjustment and get a great comfortable fit.

Patience is all it took and an Allen wrench in my jersey.

Cleat fit is CRITICAL, you were very smart to get them checked. It sounds like you may have had them right already, if you didn't and just can't tell the difference you most probably saved yourself a future injury.
Ride well adjusted
Pat

Yeah, I had the alignment thing done, too. Despite the fancy alignment gadget, they didn't do a very good job. A little trial and error on my own worked much better.

Actually, I found most bike tune ups and wheel truings to be similar. Despite my lack of experience, I always seem to be able to do a better job myself (it takes a lot longer tho!). An added benefit of doing it youself is you get a better feel and understanding of the equipment.

hmmm...
so, even after paying $xx.xx for the fitting, the screwdriver-in-pocket method saved the day?
BTW, if anybody is worried about installing Look cleats, don't forget, if you are using the red ARC types, they have a certain amount of slop (float, actually) built in. The black cleats, however, require that you be much more accurate on installation.

Originally posted by D*Alex
BTW, if anybody is worried about installing Look cleats, don't forget, if you are using the red ARC types, they have a certain amount of slop (float, actually) built in. The black cleats, however, require that you be much more accurate on installation.

How true...

I use Keywin pedals; while they have a decent amount of float built in, they have a hard stop at either end of their float range. I found that getting the cleats dialed in so that I was able to float around without hitting either side took a little bit of fiddling. Looks with red cleats are much more forgiving.

Originally posted by cgonz
Actually, I found most bike tune ups and wheel truings to be similar. Despite my lack of experience, I always seem to be able to do a better job myself (it takes a lot longer tho!).

Granted, you will be more committed to spend the time and take more trouble with your own bike. Still, if the difference is that pronounced, it's probably time to check out some other shops.

Still, if the difference is that pronounced, it's probably time to check out some other shops.

Well, with every bad shop experience I end up buying a new tool or picking up a new skill. I've tried a few local shops. The common theme is low inventory, high prices and sloppy service. I go to the shop out of laziness and end up with MORE work to do. So now I do my own maintenance out of laziness! Strange but true.

Not that it's anything to feel that badly about, but I think you wasted your money.

How many adjustments are possible for cleats? A bit of departure from the perpendicular, and some lateral movement on some brands. That's all.

You can figure this out yourself. At least, I did.

I had pain in a knee from improper cleat adjustment. The LBS would have done a cleat fitting for $50. Instead, I paid attention to the position my foot fell into on regular old platforms. Then I adjusted the cleat to match my natural foot position. No more pain. That was all.

Not sure what is done in a professional cleat fitting. Never had a shop suggest one to me. When I bought my Klein road bike, the shop sat me up on a trainer, on top my newly purchased bike and plumbed me to the pedals. Is that the same.?

Its part of "The Fit Kit" its actually called RAD and you replace the pedals on your bike with what he desribed. I had it done when I rode with look cleats and can attest that it does help prevent injury by dialing your cleat position according to how you ride. IT WORKS
Im very finicky according to my position and this made it so much easier. not everyone is like me though