Tightening Cleat Bolts
 

Hello everyone...

I just got back from my first ride with my clipless pedals and shoes. I noticed that when I clipped out with my right foot, it seemed that the cleat was moving, making me twist further. How tight do you tighten the bolts down? I torqued them down pretty hard when I got back, but didn't want to go much tighter for the fear of breaking something.

Thanks in advance!

You should be able to get them tight enough that they don't move.

Put lots of grease or anti-seize compound on your bolts before tightening. That way they will hold better without having to overtighten them.

Until just before the break, but preferably ~50 in-lbs for Shimano (35-55 depending on brand/type of pedal/cleat)

Al

Depends how big you are. I am 150 lbs and I use a 4" allen key. I tighten them as tight as I can- put them down for 5 minutes and then I put some real effort into tightening them. 1st mistake is thinking you can overtighten them- Second mistake is trying to take the bolts out after a weeks use.

That is on SPD's by the way- Just in case "Proper" cleats need more care.

Maybe you just have a different release setting on one of the pedals.

Thanks. I am just getting into road biking. I am using Shimano Spd-SL pedals and have Specialized Comp Carbon shoes. So, using a regular screw driver, I should torque them as tight as I can?

I use blue loctite. That seems to do the trick.

[Edit: This is for my SPD-SL's, by the way]

loctite

There is no need to put loctite on them.
Just wrench em down good and tight and you will be fine.

LOL Okay... i'll take them to my LCS (Local Car Shop) and see if they'll weld them :eek:

+1 Lubricate the threads and use a torque wrench-50" lbs.

+2 lubricate threads with grease; my first set I didn't grease them and they rusted and they never came out!