SPDs help!!! :(

[mrfacetious]

Hi, I've recently gone clipless and am so far having a really bad experience
I've had the obvious falls but i'm used to clipping and unclipping now, my pedals aren't treating me very nicely though. I'm using shimano m520 SPDs with Adidas Minrett shoes. Two main problems i get are:
- The cleats turn when screwed in and riding and so i can't unclip properly
- The cleats have gotten stuck in the pedals a few times, free of my shoes.

Now i am turning the screws VERY tightly but it doesn't seem to yield much. I have noticed that, well, i'm pretty sure they're knackered. My first real "ow" moment involved me accidentally ripping the screws clean out of the holes in my shoes, and i think i've killed the thread. I don't know if this explains both problems but i've included a picture to give you an idea. Should I, can I, and where can I replace these screws? I've noticed one site but it's american and i'd prefer something closer to home. And will this fix my problems?!
p.s please don't roast me for getting SPDs, cos it's what i have now
Thanks guys

pictures: http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e295/dafyddstephenson/DSC01163.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e295/dafyddstephenson/DSC01162.jpg

Please note all screws do still screw in.

 

[Bigtwin]

Any 1/2 reasonable shop will sell those bolts.

Have you adjusted the grab tension on the pedals. Looks to me like you may have them up full?

And have the cleats on the right way around on your shoes?

 

[mrfacetious]

thanks guys, the tension on that one is at minimum as this was just after i released the cleat that got stuck. I'm aware of the system of tension and how to set the system up, it just doesn't stay secure :
Bigtwin : what do you mean the right way round? L/R ? is there a way of telling these apart?

 

[Bigtwin]

thanks guys, the tension on that one is at minimum as this was just after i released the cleat that got stuck. I'm aware of the system of tension and how to set the system up, it just doesn't stay secure :
Bigtwin : what do you mean the right way round? L/R ? is there a way of telling these apart?

No L/R on SPDs usually, though there is on Eggbeaters. I mean F/R - i.e. pointy arrow to the toe.

 

[simon_brooke]

Hi, I've recently gone clipless and am so far having a really bad experience
I've had the obvious falls but i'm used to clipping and unclipping now, my pedals aren't treating me very nicely though. I'm using shimano m520 SPDs with Adidas Minrett shoes. Two main problems i get are:
- The cleats turn when screwed in and riding and so i can't unclip properly
- The cleats have gotten stuck in the pedals a few times, free of my shoes.

If your cleats aren't attached to the shoes tightly enough, you're basically shafted. They basically have to be screwed on firmly enough that you could lift the QE2 with them. Absolutely so that they will never, ever move again. Because if they do move, you foot will get stuck and you will fall off.

Now i am turning the screws VERY tightly but it doesn't seem to yield much. I have noticed that, well, i'm pretty sure they're knackered. My first real "ow" moment involved me accidentally ripping the screws clean out of the holes in my shoes, and i think i've killed the thread. I don't know if this explains both problems but i've included a picture to give you an idea. Should I, can I, and where can I replace these screws?

As others have said your LBS will sell you a set. More to the point you may have knackered the threads in the plates under the insoles of your shoes. If you've done that it's going to be trickier

p.s please don't roast me for getting SPDs, cos it's what i have now

They're the cleats most of us started with. They have their faults - they are small so tend to develop 'hot spots' on long rides, and they don't cope well with mud - but against that they're cheap and their release force is adjustable, which isn't the case with most other systems.

 

[mrfacetious]

thanks, man. I tend to use these as regular trainers as well so the cleats come off and the rubber covers go back on at the end of every ride. Not a good idea?

 

[Bigtwin]

thanks, man. I tend to use these as regular trainers as well so the cleats come off and the rubber covers go back on at the end of every ride. Not a good idea?

No - very very bad idea, and the reason for your problems. Put them on tight, and leave them.

 

[simon_brooke]

No - very very bad idea, and the reason for your problems. Put them on tight, and leave them.

Strongly agree. If you even can take 'em off without putting the shoe in a vice, they probably aren't tight enough.

For what it's worth I often wear shoes with ATAC cleats on round the office all day - no problem. You couldn't wear road cleats like that, but mountain bike cleats are fine.

 

[accountantpete]

The problem is that the screws only engage for three turns and have probably been stripped when not tightened sufficiently.They are probably made of some "lightweight alloy" ie crap metal - so try getting hold of some heavier stronger ones or as the others suggest keep them tightened to the max.

 

[mrfacetious]

ahh ok would they be alright for general use with the cleats fitted then? Just walking around in and outdoors i've found replacement screws.. 99p each.. eurgh extortion..

 

[Bigtwin]

ahh ok would they be alright for general use with the cleats fitted then? Just walking around in and outdoors i've found replacement screws.. 99p each.. eurgh extortion..

Depends on your shoes and the degree to which the cleats are recessed in the sole. If not enough, they will wear, and clip in/out performance gets ragged. You can tidy them up with a file though if needs be.

 

[4F]

Surely the whole point of SPD's are that they are recessed in the shoe hence giving the ability to walk around un-hindered. Use the new screws and get them tight and leave them in and that should sort out your problem.

 

[Bigtwin]

Surely the whole point of SPD's are that they are recessed in the shoe hence giving the ability to walk around un-hindered. Use the new screws and get them tight and leave them in and that should sort out your problem.

Or so you would think. I've yet to have a pair where they are properly recessed, just seems to be a law of nature.

 

[4F]

Or so you would think. I've yet to have a pair where they are properly recessed, just seems to be a law of nature.

You need some Scott shoes

 

[Bigtwin]

You need some Scott shoes

Frayed knott - just got some bargain boots ready for the winter - that's that for a while.

Bloody specialized ones last for bloody ever.