Bicycle Mechanics - Speedplay Cleats - Lubrication Recomendation

I have x/2 speedplay pedals and have recently been having problems getting the cleats to release from the pedals. A problem I unfortunately has resulted in falling with my cleats still firmly attached to the pedals!

About two weeks ago I lubricated the cleats with Finishline Teflon Plus lubricant and I think it got things gunked up and not letting the cleats release. Since the falling "incident" I've cleaned the cleats with degreaser and am about to put on a new lubrication.

I had previously had good results using a lubricant made for firearms: Remington Rem Oil with teflon.

Does anyone have a better recommendation for cleat lubrication that will not gunk up?

I really don't like falling down on my bike with my feet still connected to the pedals so this is an important questions!

I don't think that Speedplay recommends any type of lubricant on their cleats. The lubricant attracts dirt and causes the problems you are experiencing. Try cleaning them and leaving them dry.
I have been using X2's for three years now and have not had one problem with them whatsoever (knock on wood). I do lubricate the bearing in the pedal once in awhile but never the cleats.

Speedplay specifically mentions Whitelightning (chain lube) in the literature I
have for pedals as an acceptable pedal/cleat lube externally. Might check the cleats where the wire spring is and see if there is gunk or debris in the cavity the spring has to recede into to bind/release, though this should cause problems both ways. Spring should also be round, it flattens more and more as it wears but this again is more noticeable clipping in than out. Steve

Capt'n,

I wasn't expecting this feedback. I had assumed that some lubricant must be applied. I'll give it a try and see how it works dry.

Thanks,

Jim

Our Speedplay rep suggests any wax based lubes (he did say he prefers White Lightning) be applied to the ring in the cleat and also to the metal portions of the pedal itself.

Make sure the screws on the cleats aren't too tight. I was having the same problems with my cleats. One of the springs was hanging up and I couldn't figure out why. Since these are my second pair of cleats and I never had this problem I looked at the directions. The cleats should move freely with the hand.

I loosened the screws and retightened according to the directions and no more problems. I snap right in.

I do lube them frequently with white lightening.

Kathi

When I can't get into my Speedplays it is usaully because dirt gets behind the spring and doesn't allow it to expand to open.

I have the stainless steel road ones. I love them to death but they are highly susceptable to dirt and mud.

The design is grossly simply, if you look at the cleat springs, you can see how dirt will impede the performance. I never put any lube on mine as it would just attract more dirt. Just don't walk on any loose dirt or mud.

If you do find you can't get into them because they are dirty, I will look for a puddle to clean the gunk out of the cleats. Stick you foot in the puddle and try to work the dirt out. This usually works for me.

Also check your cleats regularly to see if the screws come loose. This usually presents itself in the form of a squeak.

I'm glad someone mentioned it (thanks Lovemyswift)
Its probably the screws being overtightened, I don't think
that lube has a lot to do with it since the pedal is engaged
to a single metal "spring" (for lack of better word).
I use white lightening just to keep parts moving,
but anytime I have difficulty clipping in/out of my speedlplays
its been the outer fastening screws.

Marty

Try taking your shoe (without your foot in it) and clipping it on the pedal. The shoe should move from side to side freely. If it doesn't and the cleats don't appear to be dirty, possibly your cleats are not mounting squarely to the fixing plate.
I bought a pair of 2003 Specialized shoes and the Speedplay fixing plate would not mount squarely to the shoe.