RoscoeP

I have 4 sets of Shimano pedals 3 sets are the XTR spd mtb pedals and all work great on any of my shoes. I got a nice set of A600 SPD pedals for my touring bike and use Shimano RT 5 shoes with them and am not happy with them. I use SM-SH51 cleats with all my pedals. The A600 pedals take a lot of pressure to release outward compared to the other XTR pedals and I only have them tightened down 1 click. I have more clicks on the others and they release easier.
The A 600 pedals are listed under "road pedals but are spd pedals" and are called Ultegra and are the Ultegra colour. I think on the lowest setting they should release much easier. Any others here have issues with them or any ideas on what to do? They look really nice and are lighter than the XTR and look pretty classy on a touring rig. Thanks in advance, Cheers Roscoe

Western Flyer 

Try a set of SH56 multi directional cleats. They're much easier to use and maybe a little safer.

https://www.jensonusa.com/Shimano-SH5...-Multi-Release

manapua_man

How long have you had the pedals? I have the same set on one of my older road bikes and I found that it loosened up and needed to be tightened after using em for about a month. Don't think I'm using the same cleats though.

Tourist in MSN

When you say they are hard to release, there are two possible issues. One is the cleat retention system that holds the cleat to the pedal. The other possible issue is that on SPD cleated shoes, your shoe sole is in contact with the pedal and maybe your shoe sole fits a bit too tight on that pedal.

For example, I find that some of my shoes fit quite tight on A530 pedals, but fit looser on M324 pedals. I think the A530 pedals have more pressure on the shoe sole. It takes some effort to make the shoe move within the "float" range on the A530 because the sole pressure on the pedal is quite high.

If you cleat your shoe into the pedal by hand, then rotate the pedal so the shoe is underneath, it is easier to see what is going on.

If you find that the sole is rubbing too hard on the A600 pedal, then you probably will never be happy with that shoe/pedal combination.

zebede

I am a long term fan/user of the SH56. You will probably need to increase your spring tension over what you use for the SH51.

Last time I checked SH56 was the cleat delivered with XTR pedals.

Being an semi-urban daily commuter the the SH56 with moderate spring tension suits me. I probably also could use the SH51 at low spring tension (but I was all ready used to the 56 at moderate).

But if your all ready at low tension using a 51 with some of your pedals than the advice of western flyer gets my +1 as an option to try.

RoscoeP

I had the pedals replaced and also sanded a little off the bottom of the shoes where they touch the pedals. I will try them out in the next day or so, thanks for the replies. Cheers Roscoe