Originally Posted by
Bachman
I just started using Shimano 105 pedals last week. These are my first SPD-SL pedals and
man are they a pain in the butt!
The very first thing that I noticed is that it takes a huge amount of force just to click into the damn things. I checked and double checked that I had the lightest setting on the tension, and yet I still have to stomp on the pedal. And if I set it any tighter, it is completely impossible to clip in at all. I understand if they need to be worn in or something (do they?), but come on, the cleat is plastic. In fact the very first day I tried it, the rear lip of the cleat deformed and wouldn't even click in. I had to use a utility knife to reform the edge, but it seems to be working now.
So I'm getting a little more used to clipping in now, but half the time the pedals aren't even facing the right way, and I end up stepping on the bottom of the pedal with full force and slipping right off. I think I've sprained something in my ankle 3 times already doing this. I've learned not to blindly take off like that. I used to be able to find a hole in traffic and quickly take off from a standing start, but I can forget about that now. Every time I take off, I have to look down, and use my left foot to carefully flip the pedal right-side-up, and then *stomp* on it to clip in, and the whole time I am just barely able to coast along at minimum speed until I am fully clipped in.
But the most annoying part of all is the creaking/ticking/clicking noises. So far it has only happened on the left pedal. Every time I applied any force, it made a series of loud clicks (I mean, I could hear it echoing off nearby buildings). I could push and pull on the pedal with my hand when I was off the bike and it made the same noises. It took me a while to figure out what it was, but finally I removed the janky metal plate that is screwed on top of the pedal, and low and behold the clicking stopped. I replaced it and the noise hasn't come back yet. What is the point of this part anyway? It only seems good for making noise!
Am I doing it wrong? Did I receive some defective pedals? Or do I need to HTFU? I guess I'm just used to the 2-hole SPD cleats and double sided pedals. I didn't even have to think about it then, the cleats practically slid into place like a magnet, and I didn't have to worry about whether the stupid pedal was facing right side up.
tl;dr: I hate these things.
End rant.
My old bike had platforms, my allez had cheap toe clips when i first bought it, and i finally moved up to spd sl's 1-2 months ago. they are a bit annoying to clip in. It's a lot harder to cross a busy street during brief openings since i still dont know if it will be the first time without effort, second time, or possibly third attempt to clip in(still learning). Sometimes i just find a cross walk.
Ive never had any noises coming from my pedals though, only a click going in, and a decent pop coming out. also, as long as your aim is good, clipping in should be effortless, when i clip in, as long as i can get the toe in, moving my heel down to level out my foot does it.
I never even noticed the float on my pedals until the other day when i wiggled my feet in my shoes, and my shoes moved left n right. i never notice while pedaling, they feel rock solid like im friggin welded to the pedals.
I feel you on the slipping off the pedals though, taking a left turn at a busy 5 lane intersection i almost went down in the very center of the intersection because i thought i had my toe in and didnt! my coinpurse hit my top tube, and both ego and manhood were bruised
All in all, i love em. ill take annoying clip ins over platforms any day since i have a 12% hill i have to climb to get home. get a little more practice, check, check again, then triple check your cleat tightness. then go to the LBS and have them check. stomping efforts shouldnt be needed, and the fact you damaged the cleat on the first clip in is indicative of something....