Clipping-in with Shimano SPD-SL Pedals
04-20-08, 12:18 PM
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Clipping-in with Shimano SPD-SL Pedals
I just bought some Shimano SPD-SL 105 pedals for my girlfriend. I put the cleats (SMH-11) on her shoes, but when she tries to clip in, it is very very difficult (she can't do it without my help pushing the shoe into the pedal). I tried reducing the tension on the pedals, but that didn't seem to help.
My bike's set up on a trainer with ultegra spd-sl pedals. When she tried clipping in to my bike with her shoes it still didn't work, but shen she used my shoes on my bike she could clip in without difficulty.
Anyone know what gives?
My bike's set up on a trainer with ultegra spd-sl pedals. When she tried clipping in to my bike with her shoes it still didn't work, but shen she used my shoes on my bike she could clip in without difficulty.
Anyone know what gives?
04-20-08, 12:29 PM
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Batüwü Creakcreak
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Your cleats are probably a little worn.
Make sure she puts the front part in first and then stomps in the rest of the cleat.
Make sure she puts the front part in first and then stomps in the rest of the cleat.
04-20-08, 12:41 PM
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My girlfriend had the exact same problem yesterday when she tried out her SPD-SL pedals for the first time. I loosened them all the way and she still had problems. But then I had her actually try and clip in as she was moving forward. It was immediately easier for her. I think trying to do it for the first time with brand new cleats as you are trying to stand still is actually kind of difficult. But when you can put some forward momentum into it, it's much easier.
04-20-08, 03:24 PM
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I don't remember if mine were sided but are you sure they're on the correct side? Is she very light? I had to definately press down hard to get mine snapped in fully. Ended up being a problem in metro areas so I went SPD which are working fine for me.
04-20-08, 03:43 PM
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I am a lite weight dude(125#) and have the same problem, Mine don't clip in till I give a good pedal stroke,even on thier lowest setting
04-20-08, 04:57 PM
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Try to clip in when actually moving, on the down stroke. Don't try and 'trim' the edge of the cleat, as said earlier this makes it harder to clip in. If your still having trouble try twisting, rotating your foot away from the bike a little as you put pressure on the pedal. My cleats have worn down a lot and this helps when they won't go in straightaway.
