Fifty Plus (50+) - Watch those cleats...

It may seem like a little thing, but...

My average speed has been dropping slightly, climbing has been harder, and my hip was giving me more problems through the night. I couldn't figure out what was wrong, and feared for the worst. Well, three days ago, I discovered that the cleats in both shoes had slipped forward slightly (maybe 1/2 inch or so). I can't for the life of me figure out how they moved forward, but they did. Of course, I adjusted them back to where they belong, and for the past three days, my average speed is where it should be, I'm climbing better and my hip is blissfully silent. So, watch those cleats. (I realize, of course, that those of you who don't use cleats will likely have a reason to feel good that you've made that choice.)

Thanks. I never thought to check. I will. Seemingly nothing has changed, but you never know.

Haven't used cleats long enough and I do not thing mine CAN slip...so wil have to check that out...
peace

Before putting my shoes away after every ride, I give each of my cleats a twist to check for looseness. (Speedplays)

that wouldn't have occurred to me. Thanks for the tip. :)

Once you have them fitted and in place, outline their position in either permanent marker or lightly score the sole to check for position, placement and movement. I ride looks and need to replace the cleats on a regular basis and found this a help.

Not only can they slip forward, if they come loose they can move as you try to release and you'll be stuck on the pedal. We all know what comes next. :eek:

Before putting my shoes away after every ride, I give each of my cleats a twist to check for looseness. (Speedplays)

Don't you mean to check for forward and backward motion on speedplays?
3 screws mounting frame to shoe, 4 screws cleat to mounting frame- no rotation possible?
I've had my speedplay 3 screws come loose while riding and the cleat asm slid back and forth relative to shoe -1 shoe only. Long way home and a wierd feeling.
And Yes when you clip out it can be perceived as a rotational problem.

I'm not using "clipless" now, but when I did give them a shot, the instructions (yeah, I'm one of those weirdos who actually read them!) said to check the cleats often, especially after first installing them, as the plastic can "give" (or something like that, forget exact wording), which will cause the cleat to be loose. Doesn't sound like much fun, trying to clip out while your cleat is slipping around on the bottom of a shoe!

Don't you mean to check for forward and backward motion on speedplays?
3 screws mounting frame to shoe, 4 screws cleat to mounting frame- no rotation possible?
I've had my speedplay 3 screws come loose while riding and the cleat asm slid back and forth relative to shoe -1 shoe only. Long way home and a wierd feeling.
And Yes when you clip out it can be perceived as a rotational problem.
Guess I wasn't clear that it was the frame that was loose, and not the cleat itself. The three screws holding the frame to the shoe were what had worked loose. So I had to remove the cleat, which was completely secure, and tighten those three, then replace the cleat. Held my riding partner and me up for about 15 minutes (yeah, dropped one of the tiny screws in the gravel), so we did a slightly shorter ride that day. I've learned that they tend to loosen a bit after every 100-150 miles, so I just expect to do a quick tightening when I get home before putting my gear away. I know. I could use Loc-tite. But I hate to do that in case I want to transfer the cleats to another shoe....

I could use Loc-tite. But I hate to do that in case I want to transfer the cleats to another shoe....

Just use blue Loc-tite, you can still remove the bolt, but it will hold it there as long as you want it to. You might see it as Loc-tite Tite'N in some stores.

Guess I wasn't clear that it was the frame that was loose, and not the cleat itself. The three screws holding the frame to the shoe were what had worked loose. So I had to remove the cleat, which was completely secure, and tighten those three, then replace the cleat. Held my riding partner and me up for about 15 minutes (yeah, dropped one of the tiny screws in the gravel), so we did a slightly shorter ride that day. I've learned that they tend to loosen a bit after every 100-150 miles, so I just expect to do a quick tightening when I get home before putting my gear away. I know. I could use Loc-tite. But I hate to do that in case I want to transfer the cleats to another shoe....

Gotcha - agreed, these don't have loc-tite. I remove the cleat portion and check the mount to shoe screws about twice a season. I always fear over tighting them.

This brings up an interesting point...which I became aware of a few weeks ago.

My bike was in the shop for a week, and I started spinning on Mrs. Paulie's LeMond Revmaster. With her old style pedels and clips, combined with my wide, ugly feet, my Q-factor was now much wider than on my bike (with it's clipless peldals and my cleats set all the way out.)

At first, I hated using the spinner with a wide Q-factor. But after a few days, it started feeling pretty good to me. Then I got back on my bike, and I absolutely hated the narrow cleat setting. My thighs rubbed against the seat, and my knees started hurting.

I'll admit, I was a victim of all the hype about trying to get the narrowest Q-factor as possible. Because of this "mistake," I moved my cleats inward, got my feet a bit further apart, and I'm now generating more power, and am more comfortable.

Live and learn, eh?

Live and learn, eh?


That's the name of the game!