Clipless Pedals FAQ
- Thread starter Kestevan
- Start date
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vickster
Legendary Member
A statement followed by a hypothesis followed by a few questions if I may! I currently use SPDs (mainly Spesh Sonoma shoes and A600 pedals). I am a left foot unclipper...now I am having left leg/hip/back issues and the specialist thinks this may be down to my foot/ankle/shoes and possibly twisting to unclip.
Question 1 - can the SH56 cleats be unclipped by pulling up without twisting?
Question 2 - with SPD SL, how do you unclip - pull up/twist/weird dance moves?
Question 3 - how do other systems work in terms of unclipping?
Question 4 - I like SPD with recessed cleats as I tend to do quite a lot of walking while kitted up - what options exist for non SPD systems
Cheers in advance
Question 1 - can the SH56 cleats be unclipped by pulling up without twisting?
Question 2 - with SPD SL, how do you unclip - pull up/twist/weird dance moves?
Question 3 - how do other systems work in terms of unclipping?
Question 4 - I like SPD with recessed cleats as I tend to do quite a lot of walking while kitted up - what options exist for non SPD systems
Cheers in advance
Peteaud
Veteran
- Location
- South Somerset
A statement followed by a hypothesis followed by a few questions if I may! I currently use SPDs (mainly Spesh Sonoma shoes and A600 pedals). I am a left foot unclipper...now I am having left leg/hip/back issues and the specialist thinks this may be down to my foot/ankle/shoes and possibly twisting to unclip.
Question 1 - can the SH56 cleats be unclipped by pulling up without twisting?
Question 2 - with SPD SL, how do you unclip - pull up/twist/weird dance moves?
Question 3 - how do other systems work in terms of unclipping?
Question 4 - I like SPD with recessed cleats as I tend to do quite a lot of walking while kitted up - what options exist for non SPD systems
Cheers in advance
The spd SH56 are the easiest to unclip, but i have never managed to pull up and out on mine. You can however flick you ankle kind of up and out and they will release.
SPD SL, think sh56 sideways twist only and further than SPD
All systems work the same
Non SPD, i.e SPD SL, LOOK etc are all basicaly the same.
Imho for you its either SH56 or flats.
I was cycling through the woods on the way home and it was rather muddy (which made my Tricross very happy - it thought it was a real cyclocross bike for a while). One muddy patch was too muddy for it though, and I ground to a halt and put my foot down.
It was only just after I'd put my foot down that I realised I'd also unclipped first without thinking about it. It's the first time I've had to unclip in 'emergency', so I was pleased to see that I've managed to programme my muscle memory enough now!
It was only just after I'd put my foot down that I realised I'd also unclipped first without thinking about it. It's the first time I've had to unclip in 'emergency', so I was pleased to see that I've managed to programme my muscle memory enough now!
bigmig
Well-Known Member
I put my first set of clipless pedals on today. SPD m530's. Haven't been out for a ride on them yet, will probably try them tomorrow. however I did a little practice in the garage first and I had a little practice moving out in our shared courtyard. I had 3 clipless moments in about 40 seconds. First in the garage by foolishly letting go of the wall, and then 2 more times in the yard. My excuse is that it was only a 5 metre roll so not enough time to think to get feet out.
I am now worried about going out especially as all the roads round my way have got roundabouts and there are at least 2 sets of lights for me to navigate before I get out into the proper open country lanes where I do most of my riding !!!!!!!!! how long does it take before you get used to having your feet anchored to the pedals ?
I am now worried about going out especially as all the roads round my way have got roundabouts and there are at least 2 sets of lights for me to navigate before I get out into the proper open country lanes where I do most of my riding !!!!!!!!! how long does it take before you get used to having your feet anchored to the pedals ?
vickster
Legendary Member
@bigmig you may have got used to them by now, but have a read of this thread which discusses your very question
http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/how-long-to-get-used-to-clipless.158204/
http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/how-long-to-get-used-to-clipless.158204/
bigmig
Well-Known Member
so I had my first ride out today with my cleats. No comedy falling over happened, but I was super cautious unclipping a good 25 to 30m before each round about. It was actually really comfortable. The only issue is that my times and speed took a hit because it took me ages to clip back in and I found myself constantly looking down while trying to do this so couldn't really drop the hammer. I guess it takes a bit of time to get used to where your foot goes to clip back in without having to look down. I do have double sided SPD pedals so it should get easier as I don't have to mess around trying to get the pedal the right way up !!
Definitely easier than I thought it would be though.
Definitely easier than I thought it would be though.
Binz
Regular
- Location
- North Hampshire
had spds 6 months and still have to remember to unclip in time. but you can just twist your foot so it unclips but don't lift your foot away, just leave it resting it at an angle on the pedal then when you pull away you clip it back in. (someone may have already said that, but I haven't read all 38 pages of this thread 
)
)
Nigel-YZ1
Guru
- Location
- Somewhere else... maybe soon.
I'm going to try out my Crank Brothers Eggbeaters on the MTB again.
Anything to stop my fiancee's lad from wanting to borrow it. Oops! Did I say that out loud?
Anything to stop my fiancee's lad from wanting to borrow it. Oops! Did I say that out loud?
moo
Veteran
- Location
- North London
I had to replace my cleats recently and opted for the SH56 multi-release. I still only unclip to the side, but they do so far easier. The single side cleats were tight and got stuck a lot. I can now unclip after stopping without fear.
Vickie
New Member
Argh need help and in simple language as I am seriously new to all this. I have bought muddy fox shoes that have 4 screws on the bottom and shimono spd pedals that say I need to use only shimono cleats. Have I bought the wrong type of shoe or can I get something like an adaptor for the bottom of my shoe. If so what can I get? I don't remember my room mate having an adaptor on the bottom of his shoes and he bought the same ones as me. Please help.
bigmig
Well-Known Member
if they are the muddyfox-rbs200 shoes I think they are SPD-SL or LOOK cleats you need
if they are the muddyfox-tour-tbs100, you need SPD cleats
if they are the muddyfox-mtb100, you need SPD cleats
the code usually denotes if they arte road/touring/mtb shoes and you know then what cleats to get
road shoes usually need SPD-SL / LOOK compatible,
touring and mtb shoes take SPD (2 screws) cleat
I think there might be some shoes out there that can take either but I am not entirely sure.
Vickie
New Member
Thanks!!!!
Ended up going to my local cycling shop and they gave me the bits I needed for free! Just need to get used to them now!
Suffolk Cycling
Active Member
- Location
- Suffolk
Just remember to keep an eye on your cleats for wear - got mine replaced today as they had worn down quickly (matter of months) but I had wandered aroud in them too much!
