General Cycling Discussion - Question for Speedplay users

I've been riding with my Speedplay Zero pedals for about 1-1/2 months. You may recall I switched from Look for the additional float.
My question (or my problem) is: Whenever I start off after stopping for a stop light or stop sign, I have a devil of a time getting the foot that was on the ground to clip in. I'd say this happens about 2/3 of the time. Being in traffic is not the time or place for this to happen.
I've tried spraying the cleats with Triflow before each ride but that hasn't helped.
Got any suggestions or thoughts?

I've had the same problem with my Speedplay X-2's. Look users have an ingrained habit of sliding the foot forward into the cleat as it hangs slightly downward...doesn't work with Speedplay. You more or less have to stomp the foot directly downward with the cleat almost directly above the pedal. This takes a high degree of body position awareness which can only be learned over time. Incidentally, the more you concentrate on your foot position, the harder it will be to click in. Be as relaxed as possible.

Thanks.
I've tried the "stomping" technique. Doesn't always work. :(
I'll just try to be more relaxed when I go riding tomorrow.

Maybe you cleats are not mounted completely 'flat' on the soles of your shoes. The bolts may be over-tightened. Speedplay cleats are very sensitive in this regard. I stomp on my pedals when clicking in and rarely encounter any problems engaging.

I used a pair of Speedplay X/3 for about 6 months before I got soo frustrated with hard clipping in that I went back to SPDs. I found that you have to keep the cleats very clean or the spring wires don't move freely enough to lock in place.

I used a pair of Speedplay X/3 for about 6 months before I got soo frustrated with hard clipping in that I went back to SPDs. I found that you have to keep the cleats very clean or the spring wires don't move freely enough to lock in place.

That's one big problem with the X-series wire-hanger springs. They're a bit tempermental. The Zero cleats use C-clip flat springs which are much better at tolerating contamination. My springs got pretty smooth after about 50 click-ins/outs.

I've been riding with my Speedplay Zero pedals for about 1-1/2 months. You may recall I switched from Look for the additional float.
My question (or my problem) is: Whenever I start off after stopping for a stop light or stop sign, I have a devil of a time getting the foot that was on the ground to clip in. I'd say this happens about 2/3 of the time. Being in traffic is not the time or place for this to happen.
I've tried spraying the cleats with Triflow before each ride but that hasn't helped.
Got any suggestions or thoughts?

I don't seem to have much problems engaging my Zero pedals unless I get a little too conscious about my foot positioning and second-guess my instincts. Give it a little more time and practice.

I was using x3s for a year or so, and last week switched to Zero.. I find the zero much tighter, but have no problems getting in and out.. I weight 200+lb and takes me one pedal mush and I'm in.. I assume that they'll loosen up over time, just like the X3s did..

I was using x3s for a year or so, and last week switched to Zero.. I find the zero much tighter, but have no problems getting in and out.. I weight 200+lb and takes me one pedal mush and I'm in.. I assume that they'll loosen up over time, just like the X3s did..

Yes, the Zero springs will initially be fairly stiff but they will loosen over time. It only took mine about 50 click-ins/outs to break them in. I would suggest just spending a half-hour working the mechanism will holding onto a wall. Also, you might want to check the tightness of your mounting bolts. If they're too tight then they can bind the springs. The design of the Zero springs is much different than those of the X-series. The spring in the Zeros are a flat C-clip as opposed to the X-series' wire-hanger springs. The Zero springs are also allowed to rotate to accomodate the adjustable float feature thus the float mechanism is also implemented differently. When the mounting bolts are too tight, they will compress against and restrict and compress the C-clip spring thus making it hard to work the action. Also, you should lube your cleats. Speedplay recommends White Lightning but just about any lube will work.

Make sure you didn't over tighten the screws that hold the 2nd portion of the cleat in place and that the spring portion moves freely. Other than that, it just may take some practice.

I find them just as easy to get into as my old Looks but it is different.

For me (and we are all different), going from look to Speedplays ment I had to get used to not doing the toe-heel ting and just step in. I now just use a natural pedaling motin, and it hits perfectly 80% of the time. No looking or thinking about it.

My shins used to get bloody from the Looks, but that is gone now.

As long as I just "step down", I am ok.

Good luck.

I've been riding with my Speedplay Zero pedals for about 1-1/2 months. You may recall I switched from Look for the additional float.
My question (or my problem) is: Whenever I start off after stopping for a stop light or stop sign, I have a devil of a time getting the foot that was on the ground to clip in. I'd say this happens about 2/3 of the time. Being in traffic is not the time or place for this to happen.
I've tried spraying the cleats with Triflow before each ride but that hasn't helped.
Got any suggestions or thoughts?

Triflow tends to collect gunk which will hinder the zero cleats. Use a dry lube.

loosen the 4 screws that hold the top plate of the cleat onto
the cleat body.
It is a common problem when the screws are over tightened that
clipping in is difficult.

Marty