uncleating

[gbs]

New bike with Shimano M970 pedals and I find the setup is v agressive ie difficult to release even on the lowest tension settings.

With my other bike(M540 pedals) I found that having the non-release foot at 6 o'clock provided a brace and release is simple with the pedal at the top of the stroke. I do not find this with the M970.

I am using the same shoes on both bikes and the cleats (plates on the shoe) are in good nick so the difference must be in the pedal.

I would be interested in technique suggestions.

 

[HLaB]

I've no experience of those specific pedals but I never had a problem unclipping; I think I raise the ankle and pivot it out to un clip. Usually when the unclipping foot is in the 4-8 O'clock position but I've not really thought about it.

 

[Cubist]

Do the current pedals have an adjuster to reduce the force required to unclip? Do they unclip at the same angle as the old ones? Sounds like you need to explore the above possibilities, preferably in the comfort of the lounge.......

 

[gbs]

Well, egg on face but I think I have solved my own problem. After further trials my conclusions are that the springs on the 970 are stronger than on the basic SPD pedals and the float seems to be greater. My mistake was to try to protect my ligament and cartilage damaged L knee by not using sufficient twist and force. So I have changed to R foot release as the default and am thinkingo of a two part action 1) gentle twist to take up the slack/float and 2) further twist to release.

 

[gbs]

II think I raise the ankle and pivot it out to un clip. Usually when the unclipping foot is in the 4-8 O'clock position but I've not really thought about it.

Interesting that you have got to the stage of subconscious action. I have found effective pushing down and so raising the heel prior to twisting. Same action - different way of initiating. All very conscious - I hope in an emergency muscle memory will take over.

Alll comments welcome.

 

[swee'pea99]

I'm with you - I just fitted my first ever pair of brand new Shimano spds and bugger me but they're tight. On their 'easiest' setting, they're ok - anything harder and they grip your feet like a vice. Don't get me wrong - they're fine - but I did think I'd find the 'eight' setting somehwre in the mid-range, not right at one end.

 

[ASC1951]

I found that having the non-release foot at 6 o'clock provided a brace and release is simple with the pedal at the top of the stroke.

Really? It's far easier IME to release with your foot at the bottom of the stroke - just flick the heel out. If you try to move your heel with a bent knee, the body instinctively moves the knee inwards instead.

 

[Black Sheep]

over the two years i've had mine on i've had to gradually increase the spring tension - presumably due to weakening with age and the cleat wearing.

it should get easier as time goes by

 

[Dave5N]

Bike in doorway facing telly. Sit on bike. Watch telly for an hour. Clip in and out whilst doing so.

Sorted.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

+1

Really? It's far easier IME to release with your foot at the bottom of the stroke - just flick the heel out. If you try to move your heel with a bent knee, the body instinctively moves the knee inwards instead.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

+1 for cleat wear

over the two years i've had mine on i've had to gradually increase the spring tension - presumably due to weakening with age and the cleat wearing.

it should get easier as time goes by

 

[grhm]

I found my SPD's getting difficult to unclip - and assumed it was cleat wear. However, after giving the pedals a good dose of WD40, I now find that unclipping isn't too difficult. I'm not saying WD40 is the best thing for pedals - someone else will surely be along to state how to service pedals - but as a quick fix it worked for me (and hasn't needed redoing for over a month now).

 

[simongrant]

I found my SPD's getting difficult to unclip - and assumed it was cleat wear. However, after giving the pedals a good dose of WD40, I now find that unclipping isn't too difficult. I'm not saying WD40 is the best thing for pedals - someone else will surely be along to state how to service pedals - but as a quick fix it worked for me (and hasn't needed redoing for over a month now).

When i clean and relube the chain i just give the springs of the spd's a drop or two with finish line dry lube

Simon