Shoes cleat pedal problems
 

Hello. OK such a rookie question, I know, but I never rode clip in shoes before. Giving it a try cause I hear it should improve performance all around. Having issues with the pedal, cleat combo here. So i have a Shimano PD-a530 pedal, but my shoes (Mavic Ksyrium Ultimate 3 bolt pattern) with the Shimano SM10 Cleat does not seem to be compatible. So Im assuming that I can just change the cleat out? Does anyone know?

You'll need two hole spd shoes or you'll need to buy adapters for the 3 hole.

Can you recommend an adapter?

I would get the correct shoe or pedal. Haven't tried the adapter, but the road cleats sit up pretty high if you need to do any walking. What's nice about the two bolt spd is they are recessed. Good luck...

https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-esmsh...g%2C233&sr=8-6

There's also these, but they are about the worst to walk in.

https://www.amazon.com/Wellgo-Cyclin...s%2C230&sr=8-6

With adapters being half the price of decent pedals, I'd get pedals that match the shoes you have.

If either the shoes or pedals are new enough to return, then return one or the other.

Adapters will just be more screws to chance coming loose. Also, I'd think they'd be more issue to walk with them in the mix.

Yes I totally agree with this logic, would really not prefer to have any more hardware on there then needs to be. But how does one know which cleat is for which pedal etc? I am not changing shoes cause they were a steal for a 300$ pair. They came with brand new cleats (the 3 bolt one). So how do i know which pedal i need?

Cleats generally come with the pedals you buy. The only real thing you need to consider is how many mounting holes they have. 3 or 2.

3 hole cleats are generally thought of as road bike cleats. 2 hole cleats are generally thought of as mountain bike cleats. Many of us on a road bike use 2 hole mountain bike cleats because they generally will be easier to walk in when you have to walk.

I'm sure there'll be plenty of 3 hole road bike aficionados disputing my generalization because of their experience specific to them. I watched a guy get off his bike on the road to take a picture of some cows in a field. He busted his butt as soon as he got both feet on the ground. I stopped to help him and he had on 3 hole cleats. So I know that there are specific instances supporting my generalization.

If you want to keep your road bike shoes, then get a pedal that uses three hole cleats. Generally they'll be advertised as road bike pedals. But learn what the different cleat types are so you'll know which are 2 hole and which are 3 hole. SPD and SPD-SL are examples of 2 hole and 3 hole. They aren't compatible.

https://completetri.com/cycling-clea...lay-vs-spd-sl/

https://www.modernbike.com/cycling-cleat-types

If you have more than one bike, you might consider using the same type cleat for all. Otherwise you'll have to have different shoes for every bike.

Cleat and pedals for $60.
https://www.backcountry.com/look-cyc...waAisREALw_wcB
As stated, new pedals should come with cleats. The different brands have their own cleat designs, so research that before buying.

So will my SPD-SL clear work on this pedal?

Love that breakdown in the links. Thanks alot

No. Shimano and Look 3-bolt cleats look similar but they are not interchangeable. If you want to get the pedals that fit the cleats already on your shoes, I think your cheapest option is these: https://www.rei.com/product/161411/s...-spd-sl-pedals

The pedals include the cleats that work with them.

Look/Keo cleats are 3 hole cleats. If your shoes are 3 hole, you should be good. Just swap the SPD-SL you have on them for the Look/Kea that comes with the pedal.

But if you want to use a Shimano SPD-SL cleat, why not buy a Shimano SPD-SL pedal? They make them in every price range.

Yeah looking at this now.

Yep I get in now. The cleat will fit my shoe, but necessarily an SPD-SL pedal but rather its own Look pedal system. But yeah, to make things more integrated, Im looking for SPD-SL pedals now.

So i have local sale pending for a pair of Dura Ace 7401 pedals. I believe that these work with SPD-SL cleats, can anyone confirm?

No. they do not. They use a different 3 bolt cleat that predates SPD SL

How about the Shimano PD-7810s?

Don't buy pedals that don't come with cleats. What are you saving buying a used pedal? Do you have confidence in your ability to disassemble, clean and grease the bearings? And when the cleat retention part is worn out, it's worn out.

Maybe there are people out there that sell used pedals in good shape, but I don't change pedals until they are ready for the trash bin.

I like where your heads at.....Its just I have never tried clip in pedals, and wanted to try it out on a budget. But I am also the type, that if I am into it, i will want to upgrade to premium stuff LOL. So was looking for middle of the road. But on second thought, i might just go with a cheaper R540 pedal but brand new, and see how it goes.

Premium stuff isn't going to be that much better with respect to clipping in. What premium stuff gets you is fewer grams to haul with you for the distance you ride.

Personally, I'd rather have a new pair of R540 pedals than a pair of 30 year old DA's.

How about ease of use? Like clipping in easier? And less cleat wear?

If you are worried about cleat wear, buy some rubber covers. The cleats will wear out either way. As far as ease getting into them, until you've fallen a few times, I'd be more concerned on getting out.

Yeah i mean that as well