So my candy SL pedals aren't "spreading" to accept my cleats, almost as if they are seized.

Could I spray some penetrating oil on the springs to try and get them to work again? Or is there something better to use/do?


Thanks

The cleats should just click in and you shouldn't have any problem doing so.

I would think, if you're wearing MTB shoes, that the tread along the side of the shoe is possibly interfering with the cleat being able to fit in the pedal. I know with some shoes, you have to file down part of the rubber tread that runs along the side of the shoe to make enough room for the pedal to fit up against the cleat, to click in properly.

I'd take the pedal off the bike. Hold it right up in front of you and see if you can click it into the shoe, or if that's what is happening.

I'm already using the shims that Crank bros gave me, and I still can't seem to click in. I've tried to clip in while not wearing the shoes either (by holding the shoe and pedal), and I can't seem to do it. How much force is needed to clip in?

And am I incorrect in assuming that the wings are supposed to "spread" to accept the cleat?

I don't know if they 'spread' much, but I don't think that's the problem. Even though you're using the shims, the tread on your shoes could still be the problem.

Hold it up close again and try and clip in. Check to see if there is part of the tread on your shoes stopping this from happening. Otherwise, try it on some road shoes (that don't have tread) that will accept the Crank Bros cleats. That will tell you once and for all.

If you have never used these before now you may not know. Yes it will take quite a bit of force to clip in. It's usually difficult to do by hand, but you should be able to see if there is any interference with the shoe. Normally you will use your leg muscles to push your shoe into the pedal. When new they should be easy, but may need a little use before getting easy. Johnny is right though. The shoe is usually what will keep a new set up from working. If you are sure the shoe is not causing interference then try a little chain lube on the cleat.

Remove pedal from crank.
Put pedal on level concrete.
Put shoe on foot.
Atempt to clip in.
Try harder.

Click!

You are now clipped in.

Remove shoe.
Put pedal on crank.
Put foot into shoe.
Unclip.

No amount of penetrating oil would help, since there is nothing to penetrate into. Just springs doing what they were designed to do.
Oh, almost forgot - first make sure the cleats were not installed onto shoes upside-down!

Is the spring broken on the pedal so the hooks are together?

its usually shoe and pedal interference. You may need to shim the cleat more, or cut down the treads.