Worn cleats

[Killiekevin]

How can you tell when your cleats need replaced? Finding it more difficult now to clip in although clipping out is easy. I walk a little in my cleats so not sure if they just need replaced. How long do they normally last?

 

[vickster]

What sort of cleats?

 

[Killiekevin]

These ones

 

[mythste]

A difficulty clipping in and out sounds to me more indicative or a sticking spring in the pedal. A little GT85 in the mechanism might be worth a go.

 

[Killiekevin]

Thanks mythste.

Another quick question on a similar subject, is there a 'best' way of clipping in when moving from a stationary position? I generally have my clipped in foot at the top of the pedal stroke and then kick off and try and clip the other foot in while I have momentum but just curious if there is another way. Is it better to be in a lower gear when moving from a stationary position (with regards to clipping in). I find I can do it easier when there is no traffic behind me so not sure if its just a nerves thing making it harder.

 

[Apollonius]

Ah, that is easy. I use those and, to be honest, they don't last long. What happens is that the little lip at the back of the cleat wears away and you find your feet coming out. The yellow bit at the front also disappears. They wear away when you put your foot down. Replace the cleats when there is no definite "edge" to the locating lip at the back. They will continue to work for quite a while, but you want positive clipping.

As for your second question, there is no need to rush getting clipped in on the "free" foot unless you are sprinting across traffic lights that are set for cars and will change before you get there, for instance. The SL pedals are weighted so that they hang at the right angle, so just drop into clipped when you are good and ready. It is a wide platform, so you still have plenty of drive. Don't be in a hurry to clip in, and likewise, don't be in a hurry to unclip either. Have a look round, hover a little and then decide whether to go or to unclip. You have more time than you think.

 

[Racing roadkill]

Get some of these.

They are covers that clip over the cleats.

Your cleats will last a lot longer, when you walk about on them.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-spd-sl-pedal-cleat-covers/

 

[Blue Hills]

Ignorant question - what does the SL signify? I use what i think of as SPD, IE mountain bike style shimano cleats, not fancy "road stuff". Will those fit?
Ah, edit - one of the answers to one of the Qs seems to say that you cannot use them with Mtb style spds.

 

[Racing roadkill]

Ignorant question - what does the SL signify? I use what i think of as SPD, IE mountain bike style shimano cleats, not fancy "road stuff". Will those fit?

SPD is Shimano pedal dynamics. SL means Standard Look, as they are based on an original clipless'Look' Road pedal design, as 'Look' were the originators of the clipless Road pedal.

 

[Apollonius]

And SL are nothing like the metal MTB SPDs that many favour. They have a three-point fixing rather than two, and stand proud of the sole of the shoe. The MTB type can be recessed into the sole of the shoe. The mountain bike type are metal and shaped a bit like an arrow head: the SL road type are plastic and quite soft.

 

[Racing roadkill]

SPD, MTB / trail type

SPD-SL, Road type.

 

[fossyant]

A bit of sandpaper on the plastic road cleats helps keep things working. If they are looking right tatty, then replace. MTB SPD's are worn when you start unclipping unexpectedly.

 

[Ajax Bay]

How can you tell when your [SPD-SL] cleats need replaced?

My rule of thumb is: when one of the rear yellow bits is almost worn away (I find that the front yellow bit scarcely wears but riding and unclipping styles differ - make sure you are completely stationary before placing a foot on the ground.)

You may well find that one cleat wears down faster than the other - normally the one you tend to unclip first at a stop. Do not throw the (other) part used one away. Replace both but when you've worn out the (often) left one again, replace it (alone) with the salvaged (ex-right) cleat.

 

[Dec66]

Get some of these.

View attachment 122562

They are covers that clip over the cleats.

Your cleats will last a lot longer, when you walk about on them.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-spd-sl-pedal-cleat-covers/

Wow... They are ace. They think of everything these days, don't they?

If I had some of these "mates" people seem to talk about, to go for a coffee with at the end of a ride (or, hell yeah, even a pint), I'd get some of them so I could walk around the cafe, or pub, in total confidence.

As it is, I'll just get off the bike, unclip, walk like a penguin on my heels for the few yards up the drive to my door, and take my shoes off. Then get shouted at for dripping everywhere, if it's been raining.

*sobs*

 

[2IT]

Get some of these.

They are covers that clip over the cleats.

Your cleats will last a lot longer, when you walk about on them.

I've read where "proper" cyclists take the fewest possible steps in their cycling shoes. Such as they ride right up to the car, door or cafe and take fewer than six steps off their bike. As close to your destination as possible so you maximize your ride and time on the bike. Or were they kidding? Do you know riders like that?