can't unclip

[eva13]

Hello
I'm fairly new to cycling on a road bike and bought clipless SPD/SL pedals last year. I used them a couple of time but stopped because I found it really hard to clip out, especially my right foot which is the side I would preferentially put down first. I double checked that I have them on the lowest tension setting and have practised lots using turbo trainer, but it still takes so much effort to get my right foot out it hurts my knee. I make sure that the pedal is level with the crank before I try to clip out too.

Does anyone have any suggestions how to solve this, any advice really appreciated

thanks

 

[SteveBM]

Stupid question, but can you explain your unclipping technique? Specifically, which way are you twisting your ankle?

 

[xxDarkRiderxx]

I heard that a little WD40 on the pedal can help.

 

[Apollonius]

Are you sure your cleats are really tight in the shoes? I can't see how you can fail to unclip otherwise.

 

[RoubaixCube]

Its all about seeing whats ahead of you and clipping out with the foot you use to balance on (or hold yourself up) before you come to a complete stop rather then trying to unclip when at a complete stop or almost complete stop.

I was terrified when i first started using cleats and of course i did have moments where i failed to unclip in time and ended up falling over - Its inevitable, everyone who switches to cleats has the same teething problems when they first start using them so a tumble or two along the way is to be expected.

Its much like taking your first step when youre a baby. Sure you fall over and you'll have a whinge about it but you keep persisting at it till it becomes second nature.

If you use SPD cleats then Shimano SH-56's might help a little instead of the regular SH-52 cleats.

Ive had an occasion where I was rolling too slow and went over a big pot hole that i failed to see which causes me to lose my balance but the SH-56's I have saved my bacon from ending up on the tarmac.

 

[mjr]

Does anyone have any suggestions how to solve this, any advice really appreciated

Flat pedals

 

[Tin Pot]

Stupid question, but can you explain your unclipping technique? Specifically, which way are you twisting your ankle?

Indeed. Sounds like you're jiggering too much.

Just push your ankle away from the bike, the unclipping takes virtually no effort.

 

[Citius]

I heard that a little WD40 on the pedal can help.

I heard that makes absolutely no difference whatsoever....

 

[vickster]

Sounds like something might be faulty or loose? Perhaps get your local friendly LBS to check

If not an issue with the hardware, maybe try the Shimano light action SPD-SL pedals?

 

[PhilDawson8270]

Push your heel down while twisting. You may be trying to lift your foot up at the same time. All this will do is lock your cleat into the pedal.

 

[Stevec047]

Not had any issues with my spd pedals in fact on the lowest setting I have unclipped without realising. Could be worth checking the cleats on the shoes making sure they are positioned correctly and tight.

There could be an issue with the pedal itself speak to your lbs and get them to check them over.

 

[MikeW-71]

Try unclipping at the top or bottom of the stroke.

Otherwise, the only time I've had issues unclipping is when the cleat was damaged.

 

[winjim]

Don't know about SPD-SLs but my experience with SPDs is: Take them off the lowest setting, that just makes the unclipping action spongy and inconsistent. Make them a few turns tighter, this will give a more positive unclipping action.

 

[Citius]

There must be something else going on here, because there are 8 year-olds routinely unclipping from Look and SPD-SL pedals almost every day, without issue...

 

[HLaB]

Have you loosened the retention screw?