zippy83

Hi Everyone,

I just got this set of pedals and I am not very please with them. The price was ok but the problem is that even though it is adjusted to the lowest level it is very hard to get out of them. I have crashed so many times that now I am considering putting on my regular pedals back on the bike. Does anyone have the same issue? Is there anything I can do to make this process smother? I am using all shimano cleats, shoes, etc.

Any help would be highly appreciated

Thank you
Zippy

Zephyr11

Put the bike near a wall, sit on it, and keep a hand on the wall to steady yourself. Practice clipping in and out until it's second nature.

randyprice

Get the Shimano multi-release cleats. They have a large M on them.

Randy

Lexi01

What he said...

Also, I always find that new cleats are a little sticky at first. So the practicing that Zephyr recommended will (i) get you more proficient at unclipping and (ii) loosen things up a little.

kenhill3

Don't forget that as SPD cleats wear out, it becomes harder to get out.

robncircus

I always add a touch of lube to the pedal springs. Seems to help a little.

bikeme

I just got some myself and have the same issue. I haven't crashed yet and I am using my old cleats. I'm going to swap out for some new ones. These pedals don't release as smoothly as my old XTRs (a more aero looking silver design). The new ones' "clips" look like they are stamped from steel plate and thus not as refined as my old which appear to be cast or forged. They're chromed too which adds to smoother release. I like to put a little Pedro's Ice Wax on my pedal/cleat interface to smooth them out. Hasn't helped a gob with the new XTs. We'll see after my cleat swap.

zippy83

Thanks for all the tips. I am using the cleas that came originally with the pedals. I do not see an (M) so I dont think these are multi-release cleats. I will go to the store and see if they have some today. I have also heard on some other reviews that oaking them in WD-40 overnight helps. I just sprayed on some last night on the springs and will test it out today. Another person mentioned to "slightly" grind off your cleats with a file of some sort. Im not sure if that would make things better or worst.

I will let you know how it goes today after the DW-40 soak.. and maybe new cleats.

Thanks again
Zippy

Zephyr11

FWIW, I had multi-release cleats. I borrowed a pair of shoes from a friend who used them when I forgot mine once, and they were terrible. Kept accidentally unclipping.

kenhill3

SH51 = single release, most folks use these

SH54 = multi release

-the cleats are embossed with those model numbers.

I have ridden SPD's for allmost 20 years now, never a problem except when doing the learning curve at first. Now it is second nature. They function very consistently/reliably for me.

ColinL

Practice is key for any clipless pedal system, and once you get very familiar with any of them you will be a lot more proficient with all of them.

However, I briefly used Shimano when I first started riding clipless and I strongly disliked them.

I now use Eggbeaters on my MTB and Candy on my CX bike. Both release very easily, and there's nothing as easy to clip in as an Eggbeater because they have 4 sided entry-- mash down, roll forward, roll back-- doesn't matter. You clip in. Candy aren't quite as simple but still work better for me than Shimano SPD. They also have a lot of float, if your knees require it.

On my road bike I have Time iclic and they take some timing to get in efficiently, but I like the definitive SNAP because there is no possibility of being falsely clipped in and then yanking your foot out. They have tunable float resistance too, which is nifty.

Daspydyr 

SHE said, she is the thread princess! Bow to the Z-chick!