majwell

Not sure where to put this so I am putting in General.

I bought some Shimano M540 Petals for a new Cyclocross bike I got but I keep having trouble with them releasing when I pull on the hard side (going up a incline or accelerating). They feel like they are secure when I test them (e.g. try to pull them out while coasting, etc.). I am using the multi-directional cleat as I use the same shoes for riding and commuting.

I have a pair of A530 on my commuter bike and those feel very secure and I never have had a similar problem. I have the tension set about the same on both the M540 and A530 petals (by eye) so I thought they should have the same feel in terms of how secure they are. I thought my first pair of M540 were defective so I exchanged them, but the new pair are the same.

Should I just increase the tension significantly? I just don't think I should have to make the tension high on one pair, but not the other but maybe this is normal. Would the cleats wear in such a way that they fit the A530 better but won't work as well for other? Is it possible the larger base of the A530 would keep my foot from twisting in such a way to cause the M540 to release as it has no platform?

Nermal

I would say just tighten the adjustment, though I take it the same adjustment on other pedals don't cause a vertical release. I used to use the multi directional cleat and never had this problem, but I don't find it hard to believe you have more power than I. If adjustment doesn't work, try the other cleat, though darned if I know why they cost over $20.00.

GeneO 

I use the same pedals and multi-release on my Cyclocross with no unintended release problems. Second Nermal's suggestion.

GeorgePaul

Ragarding the multi-release cleats (see https://www.shimano.com/media/techdoc...9830672281.pdf):

Because the cleats can also be released by lifting your heel, they maybecome accidentally released when applying upward force on thepedals.These cleats should not be used for riding style which may involvepulling up on the pedals or for activities, such as jumping, in whichpulling forces are applied to the pedals causing possible release fromthe pedals.

So if you are doing a lot of pulling up on the pedals, you should use the single release mode cleats, SM-SH51. Nevertheless, I agree with the other posters that you should adjust your pedal tension first to see if the problem goes away.