Hey guys,

A while back I figured I ought to learn to skid. I'm not super enamored with it as a primary means of stopping and I kept both brakes on my bike, I just figured someone riding fixed for two years ought to know how to do it. I spent a night after a drink with friends just cruising the neighborhood practicing, and lately I've been using it a bunch to get good enough to use it in an emergency (i.e. brake failure) situation. (Who am I kidding, its mostly super f****** fun).

I've gotten adept enough to use it to slow down/stop with some efficiency from high speeds. Obviously if I need to stop really fast I'm still reaching for my brakes. On a ride home from school/work earlier, I pulled out of my front pedals clip at a stop sign. No crises was caused, but it made for an awkward intersection.

What is the most likely cause of the problem and hence best solution? I'm using shimano pd 520s. I rode them at the loosest setting (as set by the bike shop where I purchased them) for about 8 months, then tightened them about 2 revolutions and have stayed there (as an aside, I'm not sure how to properly gauge tension if someone cares to explain that). Should I just tighten them? That pedal does feel looser than the other. Is my cleat just ready to be replaced? Had em for a bit over a year now, so definitely possible (my bike is an everyday commuter for me), but it doesn't look worn. Just don't want it to happen when it counts. Thanks for any help, as always!

P.S. Probably doesn't merit a thread. Sue me. I figured others might benefit from the info, and the "ask scrod" thread goes all over. Plus I'm not sure how familiar he is with clipless. I know he wrenched for a bit, but I'm under the (perhaps incorrect) impression that he rides clips and straps.