General Cycling Discussion - SPD tension?

I just installed a new set of SPD pedals on an old mtn. bike and backed the tension off as far as it would go.

I discovered that it was MUCH easier to clip in and release (no surprise), but was wondering what the downside of this is.....

The pedals held my shoes just fine...it seems unlikely that I will pull out of them inadvertantly.

Why would one keep SPD on anything but the loosest setting?

Thanks

I use SPD peddles on my mountain bike and also keep them fairly loose. I think how rough the terrain you are riding over could cause you to need to tighten them up a bit. Also, as your cleats/peddles wear, you may need to tighten them also.

I keep them relatively loose for that reason. However:

1. You might want to feel when you actually unclip. I do; that's why they are 1/2 turn tighter than minimum tension.

2. I have no experience with this, but I suppose that bunny-hopping might be easier with tighter pedals. Ditto for extremely rough terrain like in mud races.

Regards,

If the tension is too loose and you're using a lot of body-english then you might accidently release.

I run mine about 75% of the fully tightened position. It's bad when you've been throwing the bike through a difficult bit of terrain and suddenly find yourself out of the pedals, worse if it happens when you're in the air...

worse if it happens when you're in the air...

That hurts just reading it.

I'm a clydesdale rider and would constantly unclip from my pedals when riding some of the more technical trails. I would actually turn them all the way in then back one turn. I then switched to Time A.T.A.C's and was much happier. I know ride platforms.

My riding has evolved from mostly XC with some jumps, to a lot more Freeride oriented riding with a lot of jumps, drops, and elevated trails. Clipless scare me, as I need to immediately Bail on a regular basis.

L8R