Clipless pedals - a couple of questions

[SoulOnIce]

I finally got around to fitting some clipless pedals over the holidays. Thanks to everyone on this thread who gave me loads of great advice - if you are going to fit some clipless pedals it's worth reading this thread.

Surprisingly I've got used to them very quickly and I like the feeling of being bound to the bike so rider and bike become one. But I have two questions:

Firstly, my left pedal seems to be a very good strong fit between shoe and pedal. But my right pedal has some left-right play and despite tightening the binding it still seems a loose. I've tried clipping in both sides of the pedal and it is loose on both sides. So I'm guessing the cleat is the problem. Am I right in assuming cleats (which were second hand) may bve worn down and need replacing?

Secondly, I've been adjusting the position of the cleats to get a decent fit so the pedalling seems natural. I think I've got the positioning ok as it all seems to feel the same pedalling as it was when I used toe clips. But after doing one of my usual rides, about 3 hours later I get a mild ache in my knees. Is this normal, or should I readjust my cleat positions?

 

[RedBike]

Firstly, my left pedal seems to be a very good strong fit between shoe and pedal. But my right pedal has some left-right play and despite tightening the binding it still seems a loose. I've tried clipping in both sides of the pedal and it is loose on both sides. So I'm guessing the cleat is the problem. Am I right in assuming cleats (which were second hand) may bve worn down and need replacing?

One cleat always seems to get worn more than the other. It's normally the foot you instinctively put down when you stop.

Secondly, I've been adjusting the position of the cleats to get a decent fit so the pedalling seems natural. I think I've got the positioning ok as it all seems to feel the same pedalling as it was when I used toe clips. But after doing one of my usual rides, about 3 hours later I get a mild ache in my knees. Is this normal, or should I readjust my cleat positions?

Thats a good sign that the cleats are wrong. It could also be that your saddle needs to be raised slightly to compensate for your new pedals / shoes.

As you pedal watch your knees. If the knee moves from side to side as it goes up and down then you need to adjust your cleats.

 

[Euan Uzami]

what pedals

 

[Joe24]

Its because when you unclip you take the edge off the plastic(or whatever your cleat is made of) which adds on more float. Look down the cleat from the side that slips into the pedal(back of the cleat) and you will see the wear marks)
It gives more float, so best thing to do it to get some more cleats if you dont like the extra float.

 

[SoulOnIce]

what pedals

Pedals are Shimano PD-M647 SPD


Out on the bike again this morning fro 20 mile jaunt and found myself readjusting the cleat's again on the right pedal as my knees were hurting a little.

Got home and a few hours later I have a dull ache in both knees - not really painful (say only 4 out of 10 on the pain scale) but a little worrying.

The left knee did not hurt at all when riding but it is aching too.

Any suggestions as to how to get the positioning of the cleats right? Or is it just constant trial and error?

 

[Euan Uzami]

cleats. 647s shouldn't have lateral float.

 

[SoulOnIce]

cleats. 647s shouldn't have lateral float.

Ok - ta. Thought it was this cos the other cleat seems well secured. Will order some new cleats.

 

[RedBike]

Put your flat pedals back on and go out for a short ride (just around the block) making sure you pedal with the ball of your foot like you would with the spds.

Stop against a wall and look at how you've got your feet. You want to set your cleats up so that your feet will be in this position. (If it helps take a picture)

When you put your SPDs back on it is also very important to make sure your saddle is at the correct height. You will probably find that SPDs will slightly raise your saddle compared to flats. Having your saddle too low will cause knee ache.

 

[SoulOnIce]

Quick update cos I am now sorted (I think)

Firstly Euan was right that the cleats were worn out. Ordered some new ones and fitted them. And now my shoes are clamped in very firmly - took a bit of getting sued to to put them in and out again.

And thanks to RedBike cos highering the seat by 1cm has now eliminated my slightly aching knees.

Am actually surprised at how quickly I've got used to going clipless and whilst I wouldn't say there has been a huge improvement in my speed but going clipless has made things a little easier.

 

[skwerl]

how come the cleats were worn out so quickly? were they bought used?

 

[02GF74]

how come the cleats were worn out so quickly? were they bought used?

there is a clue in the origianl post:

Am I right in assuming cleats (which were second hand) may bve worn down and need replacing?