After a major cleaning yesterday I headed out to find that I had an annoying squeak coming from the right side whenever I pedal. It seems to happen on the down stroke, but not when i'm grinding out of the saddle. I can make it happen at a stop and apply pressure to the right side. Not sure if it's the crank or pedal... then i realize it's the cleat.

When I get home I clean everything and it still squeaks. I apply some oil.. still squeaks. Finally I apply a small amount of grease and it's gone.

I'm just concerned that the grease will attract dirt and grime.

There must be something better... suggestions?

Of course it depends on what kind of shoes and cleats, but the Look Keo genuine cleats with the soft plastic perimeter cushions don't squeak. The old Deltas with no so plastic bumpers on them used to drive me crazy. I had to carry extra water to drench the pedal surface periodically to keep them from squeaking. Not now.

You did not mention the brand and make of the pedals. Regardless, stay away from the grease if you can. Try a dry film lubricant on the cleats.

Pedals are Look Keo Blade with grey (solid color) cleats.

So the bi-material ones don't squeak?

I've been using the solid cleats for 4 years and 7000 miles and this is the first time they squeaked.

I have on-off squeaking with my old Deltas

I use Finish Line Extreme Flouro grease or my speedplay cleats squeak. The syringe that it comes it is probably a 2X or 3X lifetime supply you use so little of it. With this on the cleats, I've actually stepped in sand and it picked up nothing. It also seems pretty durable when applied too.

J.

Thanks... looks like a winner.