Originally Posted by
daviddavieboy
I put my Eroica bike back on the trainer and installed the pedals I am going to use. When I tried it out the shoe cleats were having a very hard time seating all the way on the pedal. I thought about making the slot wider but Is it normal to open the gap to allow them to fit better? Also the way there are now there would be ZERO float and I am sure that would kill my knees.
Are you talking about traditional slotted cleats for quill pedals? Yeah, they are zero float. Float wasn't really a thing. That's why they were aligned very carefully.
I don't see any big reason not to open the slots up a bit. I've never done it, nor do I know of anyone who has. Perhaps someone on the forum has done it.
Edit: oh yeah, the hourglass thing. I've heard of that before but don't remember anyone doing it. That would be the smart way.
Regardless, I suggest starting by getting them positioned as well as possible before you do any filing open. If they are the later 70s/80s type with adjustable plastic cleats, bring an allen wrench with you on a ride and tweak the angle until it feels just right.