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Adjusting float

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Old 05-26-09, 08:37 PM
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Adjusting float

I just put a new pair of SPD mountain bike pedals (don't know the model number, I think they're bottom of the range, double sided) on, and bought new Shimano mtb shoes to go with them. Now, the right pedal/shoe is fine, but the left has a lot of what I think is called "float" - the shoe can move a long way before disengaging. I've checked, and the cleat is definitely tight against the shoe: it's the cleat moving within the pedal.

I've also tightened the only adjustment I could find (an allen key screw with a +/- guage), but that just made the cleat harder to get in: once it was in, the float didn't change.

The only thing I can think of is that when I first got the pedals I was playing with them, and ended up loosening two phillips head screws on the crank side. Of course I tightened them again. But otherwise I can't see why I have this problem just on one pedal?

(Also, just checking - the pointy end of the SPD cleat points towards the front of the shoe right? )

Any advice would be great, thanks.
Steve
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Old 05-26-09, 09:41 PM
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there are no float adjustments on those pedals.

the only pedals, that I'm aware of, that allow float adjustment are speedplay zeros.

you likely just need to do some one leg drills with your left leg if the float is causing you problems.

the float on shimano SPD is what... +-5 degrees, far less than what other SPD style pedals can do.
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Old 05-26-09, 09:43 PM
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Yeah but why does only that foot move? We're talking like 25 degrees of rotation, compared to 5-10 on the right foot.

PS It's also not my foot that's the issue, even just attaching the shoe while I'm not in it, it wiggles freely.
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Old 05-26-09, 09:52 PM
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get a buddy with spd cleats to clip into your shoes and you clip into his.

youll find out if its the peadals or thecleats taht way
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Old 05-26-09, 09:54 PM
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could be broken. or you're bad at judging angles...

shimano SPD: ±4° float, spring loaded self centering.
TIME ATAC: ±5° and 5mm lateral
crank brothers: ±5° float, unrestricted for first 5°, Spring self centering after 5°
bebops: 20° float, unrestricted (-5° heel in, +15° heel out)
look quartz: ±3° Angular Float, ±1.5mm Lateral float

after those angles are reached, the cleat will pop off the pedal.
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