Bicycle Mechanics - New pedals and shoes! Now getting them on..?

I'm just wondering, if it is very easy to put pedals. I just bought the Shimano 324 pedals ($70) with Airwalk Hammer shoes ($40 CDN) at toronto bike show. Now i just have to put the pedals in. What tools do i need? Just an allen key i'm assuming, and a screwdriver to fix the tension. But i'm wondering now, because i put the cleat on my shoe and tried to snap it into the pedal, but it looks as if it can't get in? (I'm using hands) Can any shoe fit any pedal? Because it looks like the show is "deeper" in..like the cleat part is deeper so the side of the shoe stops it from going into the pedal. I dont know if this makes sense, but i hope it does. Hopefully after i get the pedal on, and when i apply pressure with my foot it'll snap on.

TFTH

Aquaria

I'm just wondering, if it is very easy to put pedals. I just bought the Shimano 324 pedals ($70) with Airwalk Hammer shoes ($40 CDN) at toronto bike show. Now i just have to put the pedals in. What tools do i need? Just an allen key i'm assuming, and a screwdriver to fix the tension. But i'm wondering now, because i put the cleat on my shoe and tried to snap it into the pedal, but it looks as if it can't get in? (I'm using hands) Can any shoe fit any pedal? Because it looks like the show is "deeper" in..like the cleat part is deeper so the side of the shoe stops it from going into the pedal. I dont know if this makes sense, but i hope it does. Hopefully after i get the pedal on, and when i apply pressure with my foot it'll snap on.

TFTH

Aquaria

Pedals aren't hard to install. A pedal wrench is a helpful tool, but not strictly necessary. A pedal wrench is a thin 15mm wrench that fits the flats on your pedals and gives plenty of leverage. Leverage is more important for removing pedals than installing. It sounds like you will be using a 6 mm hex key to install the pedals from the rear. The most important thing to remember is this:

The left pedal is reverse threaded.

Both pedals tighten toward the front of the bike and loosen toward the back. There should be an L or G on the left side pedal. Put a little grease on the threads before you install the pedals or you may never get them out again. Wrench them down good and snug.

Some shoes need a little work to fit some pedals. If the sole on your shoes is in the way, you can carve some of it away with a knife.

Barnett's manual probably has the best advice for installing and removing pedals.


Go here:

http://www.bikeforums.net/barnettes/barnetts_ch24.pdf

Here's a picture of Park's Pedal wrench, for purposes of illustration.

And here's a picture of the sole of one of my shoes. The arrows point to the places where I carved a little of the sole away so that I could clip in and out of my pedals. It wasn't easy cutting. I think I used a carpet knife, but it has been a while.

Oh yeah, it's a good idea to put a little blue loc-tite on the allen bolts for your cleats. Grease works, too if you torque those bolts down good and tight.

OK...one last tip. Put the chain on the big chainring before installing or (especially) removing pedals. This way, if your wrench slips, you won't gouge huge chunks of skin out of your had on the chainring teeth.

I'm just wondering, if it is very easy to put pedals. I just bought the Shimano 324 pedals ($70) with Airwalk Hammer shoes ($40 CDN) at toronto bike show. Now i just have to put the pedals in. What tools do i need? Just an allen key i'm assuming, and a screwdriver to fix the tension. But i'm wondering now, because i put the cleat on my shoe and tried to snap it into the pedal, but it looks as if it can't get in? (I'm using hands) Can any shoe fit any pedal? Because it looks like the show is "deeper" in..like the cleat part is deeper so the side of the shoe stops it from going into the pedal. I dont know if this makes sense, but i hope it does. Hopefully after i get the pedal on, and when i apply pressure with my foot it'll snap on.

TFTH

Aquaria

Some pedals use an hex head (allen key) wrench from the back side. Some use a 15 mm wrench from the front (pedal) side. I've found most hardware store wrenchs work just fine, no need for the special ones.

As for clipping in, trying to do it without wearing the shoes is not a real good indicator. Some shoes have a slightly deeper tread and this can be a potential interference point (EggBeaters can have this problem). With some cleats, you can put a shim between the cleat and the shoe to lessen the amount of recess. But in practical terms, you do want the sole/tread of the shoe pressing onto the pedal to some extent as this increase the contact zone and decreases the likelyhood of developing a hot spot.

Its tought to give you much help here, without seeing the exact situation. Suggest you ask your local LBS for some insight.

Some pedals use an hex head (allen key) wrench from the back side. Some use a 15 mm wrench from the front (pedal) side.

And some, like the 324s, use either. :)