Speedplay Zero Question
 

I have used Shimano SPD SL type pedals for years but recently decided to give Speedplay Zeros a try. With my Dura Ace and Ultegra pedals when approaching an intersection I could disengage from the pedal but leave my foot resting on the platform and if the intersection was clear I would simply apply a small amount of downward force and the cleat would re-engage. With the Speedplay it seems like once I disengage the pedal I have to completely lift the shoe off the pedal before I can re-engage. If I don't lift my shoe off the pedal first I can't seem to re-engage the pedal like I can with the Shimano SPD SL systems. Does this sound right?

I've definitely re-clipped in without lifting my foot.

i've done the same as umd. i can half unclip and step right back down. or i'll fully unclip and let it rest right on top of the pedal then just step right down

OK ... perhaps I have over tightened the cleat? Seems to engage OK with a distinct "click" when it locks in but I had to tighten down the 4 cleat mounting screws pretty far to keep the cleat from moving left / right when I twist my heel in or out to disengage from the pedal. The cleat also seems to disengage much easier when I twist my heel out away from the bike vs in. I also would assume that similar to the SPD SLs engagement / disengagement requires less force after they break in a bit?

it's probably because the springs are new.
once they're worn in a bit, it should be easier to do that.

I have no problem doing that... unless I stepped in mud...

agree with the rest. as mentioned brand new springs take a few cycles to really "break in"

Same, I just stuck my shoes on the bike in the trainer and imitated the clipping in/out motion a few dozen times with my hands until the spring was a little easier.

just need some practice. you should be able to do the same with some practice and some wear on the spring in your cleat.

I think you have over tightened the cleat. The screws for the cleats already have lock tight on them, and the directions say to screw them in one quarter turn past snug. If they are tightened too much, it becomes more difficult to clip in.

I think you have over tightened the cleat. The screws for the cleats already have lock tight on them, and the directions say to screw them in one quarter turn past snug. If they are tightened too much, it becomes more difficult to clip in.

I find it harder to clip into the Zeroes if the cleats arent aligned properly with the pedals (that isnt a very good description actually... it has more to do with the pedal position, actually, but I dont quite know how to describe it).

Could be that when you are resting your foot on the pedal, the cleats or pedals are slightly "off"?

V.

Speedplay's directions that come with the Zero pedals specifically say "twist heel OUT to disengage", which is why you find it easier with an out twist than an in twist. I used Look pedals for 22 years and just switched to Zeros and will never go back. However, I found it took a little getting used to clipping in at intersections because it is a totally different motion than Looks. The Looks were more of a "toe-first" action whereas the Speedplays are a "ball-of-the-foot-push-down" action. Also, I found that I clipped into the Looks at the top of the pedal stroke, but I clip into the Speedplays more towards the bottom. After having ridden them for about 400 miles now, I can attest that they do break in and it does get much easier. Give them more time and it'll get easier. By the way, you should definitely lube the cleats as Speedplay recommends. I picked up a can of Blaster Dry Lube at Home Depot for $4 and just spray the C springs and the cleat "cavity" before each ride. It literally takes longer to shake the can than it does to lube the cleats. I also use the Coffee Shop covers whenever I walk in them (but I also used Look Kool Kovers for 22 years, so cleat covers are just second nature to me). That being said, I think these pedals are the best I have ever ridden.

I'm of the same opinion as deeClimber. I think your cleat spring screws are to tight. Remember if you loosen them that you need to put new loctite on them or you will be headed to the hardware store for replacements in no time. The spring screws should not make a difference in cleat location only spring force.