Trouble unclipping out of pedals

[Cowelly]

Hi, im very new to cycling, i bought a bike off of a guy from work its a Claude Butler Milano, i have put Shimano R540 pedals onto it, and have purchased a pair of Shimano R085 SPD shoes,the pedals came with 'floating' cleats and im having trouble unclipping from the pedals, ive loosened the clips and have practised time and time and have gone a ride with just the one cycling shoe on to practice but still have problems. will fixed cleats unclip easier and there is no 'play' in them, or do i just need to keep practising till it becomes easier?

 

[MajorMantra]

I've not tried fixed cleats but the movement to unclip from them would certainly be smaller. However I wouldn't get them unless you're very confident that your pedal stroke is perfect (no lateral movement) and that you could position the cleats perfectly.

IMHO you're better off persisting with your current cleats- there's a learning curve with any new pedals.

Matthew

 

[XmisterIS]

I think it's just down to practice!

I remember when I first fitted cleats to my mountain bike (standard Shimano ones, I'm not sure what "fixed" and "floating" are), I did a few falling tree impressions!

Once you find the correct angle at which to pull your foot out, it will start to become natural.

 

[trustysteed]

are you trying to pull your foot out of the pedal vertically rather than twisting your heel out horizontally?

 

[addictfreak]

Could need to adjust the tension on the pedal.

 

[gaz]

A few things to do.

- Check the tension on the pedal.
- Check the screws in your cleats, they should be as tight as you can get them.
- move the position forward or back to see if that helps.
- With SL's it's a lot easier to clip with your crank arm facing down so your knee is near striaght.
- Check your shoe is correctly on your foot. and it doesn't move too much whilst pedaling.

I wouldn't go with fixed cleats (the red ones) as they have zero play, and the cleat position has to be perfect. if you get it wrong you could do some damage to your knees.

 

[Cowelly]

Thanks for the fast replies, i have adjusted the tension as less as i can and i do twist my heel to release. i think it might be down to just more practice.