Clipless Spring Tightness

[st777]

Hi Everyone

I recently made the jump into clipless cycling using Specialized shoes and Shimano 424 pedals. The adjustment to clipless cycling was much easier than expected (knock on wood!) and I think alot of this was to do with the fact I loosened the spring tension completely so clipping out was not difficult in the slightest.

My question is, what benefit is there in tightening the spring? I haven't unclipped unintentionally yet, so it doesn't feel like it's an issue of holding me in. Is there actually any benefit to tightening the spring?

Thanks

 

[gwhite]

I would say that the only benefit would be if you are racing, where you'd need maximum effort and might tear your shoe from the pedal.
Otherwise for touring and pottering around, the minimum tension would be sufficient. I keep mine on minimum, as I know from experience that if I do come off my feet will be automatically freed.

 

[accountantpete]

As you get stronger you can feel a bit of play in the pedal when pulling up on the cranks without pulling out altogether- the tension adjuster prevents this.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

I have all mine set to the minimum tension and I've never had a problem, mind you I don't go very fast.

 

[martint235]

I prefer to feel tightly bound in partly to do with my climbing style which uses more power on the upstroke. That said though I do have my left pedal slightly looser than the max for commuting.