SpeedPlay Pedal issue, please advise..
 

:love:I use SpeedPlay X5 Pedal for long. My current shoe cleats are only 5 months old. My problem is, due to 'Cup' type cleats, it catches up mud very easily. Once it get mud, I cannot engage the cleats into the pedal. (As it happened in one of my bike event). But the float is fine.

My Q's to you, I am considering 'Shimano Ultegra PD-6800 SPD-SL'. Please answer me if you use it..

1) Do you need to clean and lubricate the pedal and cleats before every ride, like SpeedPlay?
2) Does it require a cleaning to make the engaging spring, free from mud, dust? (as I am doing for SpeedPlay).
3) Does the pedal and cleats engage, after you get into a muddy aid station?
4) Shimano does not two sided entry (like speedPlay), do you get the 'entry side' always up?
5) Has it got any float like SpeedPlay?

-thanks..!

Get the cafe covers for your cleats and use them when you get off the bike. Nothing else has the same type of free float as the Speedplay pedals.

Yep. This is the total way to do it!

Agree with the above comments get covers but in your case don't stop in mud, you know its an issue so avoid it.
I have never had a problem in many years using SpeedPlay pedals but I also make sure I don't step in mud and use covers when I need to walk in them.
If you do take your water bottle and spray it out before you get back on.
This is a user issue not a pedal issue, if you always are getting into mud get the SpeedPlay frog series pedals.

Anyone uses Shimano Ultegra PD-6800 SPD-SL? Is is a problem for them in gravel, off road for a aid station? Or even for a simple group ride day, while walking for a restroom on un-paved area..?

Road pedals don't like dirt. MTB pedals are made for it. If you are really worried, switch to Crank Bros EggBeaters and be done with it. The SPD-SL cleats, like LOOK cleats and a few others, are made of a nylon composite, and will wear much more quickly if you walk around on them WITHOUT COVERS. Easy answer is to get covers for your cleats and stay with the pedals that you know and like.

I've used Speedplay X-1 pedals for 14 years and love them. I put my cleat covers on at every stop. The cleat covers can pull off if you are walking in mud or gravel. I like the X series because they have full float and can be engaged and disengaged quickly from any angle. And I've never had a premature release.

Shouldn"t need to clean them that often (I can't remember the last time I cleaned my cleats). It sounds possible that the screws that mount the cleats to the shoes are too tight. If the cleats are forced into an arc due to the curvature in the bottom of you shoes the cleat spring will have too much friction against the cleat body. There should be wedge shims under to front and back of the cleats to create a flat surface for the cleat to mount. All of the screws should have #242 blue "Locktite" on the threads and the screws should not be pulled down too tight.

I use (similar to) those Shimano pedals, walk in dirt, gavel, etc., sometimes ride off- road.

I keep the cleat covers with the helmet bag and the saddle cover- oh wait, I don't have any of those.

In the worst case (stepping off the road into muck to take a piss), it has been necessary to scrunch the shoe around a little to get the cleat engaged.

Cleaning, lubricating- hardly ever.

The pedals hang 'toe up' so you engage the same each time.

The amount of float is fine unless you have some special issue.

I can't remember the last time I actually cleaned my cleats as well, and I may lube them once in several months with silicone spray that's it.
Get some MB system that will solve some of your issues.

Hi Al1943,

Sounds like this could be a possible reason. The problem is, the screws are too small in length. Moreover, if the screws are not tighten hard, and fall off during ride, the cleat becomes non-functional. As you know the entire spring housing is array of small parts. I will try to loose the screws as you have said, to make the springs play easily. This may stop the need for regular lubricating. Thanks!

My data point- I've used X-2s since they first came out (with the machined Alu body) and have about 5 pairs in play currently. I never lube the cleats. I do watch where I walk. I every so often need to clean out the cleat springs from dirt but this is my fault for where I walked. The shop I work at doesn't like Speedplays and loves Looks. I have ridden with them a few times and they are what I would use if Speedplay wasn't around. They are pretty good WRT dirt and such but no non "SPD" system likes mud. The cleats do wear a lot if you hobble/walk a lot. Current Look road systems don't need lube but do like to be clean. They have float amount options but no where near as much as Speedplays. The pedal settles into a toe up position allowing a foot moving forward/engage the toe first then step down motion to enter the pedal. If you want a truly mud capable syatem go to a "SPD" one, shoes and all. Andy.

It sounds as if you have some installation issues. If you contact Speedplay they can help you with any parts you may need, like longer screws or wedges (that go under the front and back of the cleats). Are you using an adaptor kit that came with you shoes? Is it possible that you have the wrong kit?