Fifty Plus (50+) - Clipless pedal, grease and float

MY old pd1056 pedals with delta cleats and +/- 6 degrees of float had gotten so that there was some resistance making unclipping a little harder than normal. I decided that a shot of spray lithium grease would be just the ticket. So I spray the whole pedal and go riding. Now the cleats slide around on the pedals like standing on ice. Is this the feel that most pedals with float have? Before I used the grease the pedals and cleats had enough friction to give a feel of not slipping on the pedals.

For months I have been hearing a creaking sound as I pulled up hard on the pedals. I thought that it was my straps on my shoes making the sound didn't try to do anything to stop the creaking. Well the creaking stopped after the grease was applied so it must have been the cleats making the creaking sound all along.

It is amazing how a little grease can make such a difference.

I use Armor All or Lemon Pledge on my cleats to stop the squeaking. Grease may be a bit of an overkill. Could be time for new cleats if they start squeaking again within a few days of a spray.

I only use grease on the inside of my pedals. Greasing the externals does indeed seem like overkill to me.

I only use grease on the inside of my pedals. Greasing the externals does indeed seem like overkill to me.

Same here but after a ride and wash down, I will spray the pedals and cleats with WD40 to stop them going rusty. By the time of the next ride they are dry and no oil on them. Must keep them lubricated however as I still have the original Shimano M515's on two of the bikes. They changed these to M520's about 8 years ago.

I guess it's all in what you expect. My Speedplays have plenty of float but after the first ride, I got used to the looseness and believe it has helped my knees handle long rides.

:)

I guess it's all in what you expect. My Speedplays have plenty of float but after the first ride, I got used to the looseness and believe it has helped my knees handle long rides.

:)

I currently have a knee problem---- At work. Walking up stairs carrying heavy weights and Both knees are in pain. Coming down with no weight is even worse.

On the bike- I have the cleats set up with minimal float on the shimano spds and with as much toe in as I can get. I never have knee pain on the bike- no matter how much effort I put in- so decided to try it at work

Today I thought of how I am walking and started going up the stairs with toes in. Has cured the pain going up stairs and the only problem coming down is tripping over the stairs.

On the bike- I have the cleats set up with minimal float on the shimano spds and with as much toe in as I can get. I never have knee pain on the bike- no matter how much effort I put in- so decided to try it at work

Today I thought of how I am walking and started going up the stairs with toes in. Has cured the pain going up stairs and the only problem coming down is tripping over the stairs.

Interesting... I started with almost static MTBs and gradually moved to more forgiving Speedplays. For me, it seems the more float the better. My left foot is pretty straight but my right( three knee surgeries leg ) points slightly in. Before the last surgery, I used to put a twist in my pantleg just walking. Now that doesn't happen anymore.

When riding, I find myself letting my feet slide around somewhat with no discomfort.

Watch out for those stairs!

:)

The cleats are made of a tough plastic and look about as good as new. I do very little walking on them. I think that I remember reading that this old design was prone to creaking. After about 20 miles of riding and cleaning the grease off, the pedals and cleats are beginning to creak a little and the feeling of standing on ice is going away. So things are returning to normal.

Thanks for the comments.