Adjusting tension in clipless pedals?

[Anonymous1502]

How do I know how much to adjust the tension, how can I get it just right?

 

[Deleted User]

Until you are happy with how difficult it is to unclip?

Pretty obvious really.

 

[Sharky]

Just try them as they arrive. I've only ever had one pair of pedals that I had to mess around with.

 

[Anonymous1502]

Until you are happy with how difficult it is to unclip?

Pretty obvious really.

A bit more guidance would be useful, what is the benefit of your pedals having very high tension?

 

[accountantpete]

Most clipless pedals have varying amounts of tension. Some are made for casual users with very low tension and are very easy to unclip.

Other more "serious" pedals have greater default tension.

The tension has two effects

a) ease of clipping in and out (low tension)
and
b) Securing the shoe when pedalling (high tension)

Obviously we want a) to be as easy as possible and b) to be as secure as possible.

So you just have to use trial and error to find the middle ground that suits you.

 

[vickster]

When starting out (as the OP is, don’t think she has the pedals or shoes yet) put it as low as it’ll go, you won’t come adrift accidentally.
Once comfortable with clipless and if you think you need more, tighten it up a little bit at a time.

 

[Colin S]

As Vickster says. If you are just starting on clipless loosen the pedals right off to start with. Then tighten them up a little at at time till you think they are tight enough

C

 

[Anonymous1502]

When starting out (as the OP is, don’t think she has the pedals or shoes yet) put it as low as it’ll go, you won’t come adrift accidentally.
Once comfortable with clipless and if you think you need more, tighten it up a little bit at a time.

I have the pedals and cleats now just waiting for the shoes and overshoes to arrive

 

[vickster]

I have the pedals and cleats now just waiting for the shoes and overshoes to arrive

My point stands that you’ve not used yet so loose as possible.

 

[Anonymous1502]

As Vickster says. If you are just starting on clipless loosen the pedals right off to start with. Then tighten them up a little at at time till you think they are tight enough

Thank you very much I will do that, I was worried if there's a thing as too low

 

[Anonymous1502]

My point stands that you’ve not used yet so loose as possible.

Yes that's true

 

[fossyant]

Did you go SPD in the end - the easiest to use ?

 

[vickster]

Did you go SPD in the end - the easiest to use ?

She went 3 bolt road I think

 

[Mo1959]

I usually back mine off to the loosest setting and have never unclipped accidentally, but touch wood, have always released when needed.

 

[Gunk]

I usually back mine off to the loosest setting and have never unclipped accidentally, but touch wood, have always released when needed.

me too, I’ve never unclipped accidentally