CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Questions/Support/Help

SPD or not to SPD

(40 posts)
  • Started 8 years ago by SRD
  • Latest reply from SimonS
  • This topic is not resolved

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  1. Arellcat
    Moderator

    SRD, any 'proper' bike shoe that is designed for leisure, touring, trekking, mountain biking or light racing will have two slots in the sole to accommodate the standard "two bolt cleat" fixing that Shimano and other manufacturers use. When new, the slots are covered by a bit of sole that you unbolt or cut away, because not every shoe buyer wants to go clipless.

    The shoes will come with a metal plate under the footbed, and you bolt the cleat into it. Loosely at first so that you can get the position right, and then you tighten it right up. The cleat has a jaggy surface to dig into the sole to stop things twisting.

    Posh roadie shoes will have the triangular three hole arrangement for big cleats, but some also have the two slots.

    Mostly I buy touring or mountain bike shoes.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  2. Mandopicker101
    Member

    For everyday use, I tend to use mountain bike and touring shoes since they're wearable/comfortable 'off the bike'. In my case, it's mainly the necessity of 'ooops, no shoes' when I open my locker at work. Which is what happened today...

    I've always found Decathlon's range of cycling shoes to be pretty good value and not overly garish. Also, Gumtree, Facebook's cycling groups and eBay can be a source of nice shoes at relatively modest prices.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  3. SRD
    Moderator

    So, the mtb pedals that came on the bike seem somewhat stiff, although I don't have anything to compare them to. On one of the 4, when I adjust them, I can see the spring move, but not the other 3. I've liberally applied WD40, but not seeing any change. Any other thoughts? Can/should I take them apart?

    Thanks for any advice?

    Posted 7 years ago #

  4. barnton-to-town
    Member

    I'll readily bow to superior knowledge, but ...

    There's only one adjusting screw (usually via allen key) per pedal.

    Don't take them apart.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  5. SRD
    Moderator

    There's definitely 2 on each mtb pedal, but your advice might still be valid :)

    Posted 7 years ago #

  6. LaidBack
    Member

    Suggest using allen key to take them right back to very loose. Then screw them back up to around 5 or six clicks.

    You can't break them.

    If you take all the tension off spring anti clockwise then you'll feel how loose the allen bolts are.

    Then wind in and you'll hear clicks. I reckon 5 or 6 is fine. Others may say more.

    Yours are M540 - double sided 'knuckle' type? Two bolts per pedal. You'll see graphic embossed to indicate tighter and looser.

    They are often too tight from factory.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  7. SRD
    Moderator

    They're used and look somewhat dirty/corroded, but I probably need to see a new pair to compare them to, to really know how they're supposed to work,

    Posted 7 years ago #

  8. LaidBack
    Member

    The allen bolt will be sticky but should be fine. When you loosen the bolt bottoms out and the spring is not compressed. Once you tighten you can feel the pressure on the spring and you should hear clicks with every turn.

    You can tighten the whole way if you want then back off just to get used to the feel of the adjust.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  9. SRD
    Moderator

    Maybe we just need to replace them then...will see if I can get Hannah to take a look when I'' next at cycle service.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  10. SimonS
    Member

    I would suggest getting the -56 cleats which are MUCH easier to unclip in a panic.

    Posted 7 years ago #

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