getting used to SPD's

geoffdds
geoffdds Posts: 6
edited August 2007 in Workshop
Just made the switch to SPD's and just really want the way to get used to wearing them

I have Shimano PD-R540 pedals
and
Specialized BG Comp Road shoes if that helps.

Thanks

Comments

  • spasypaddy
    spasypaddy Posts: 5,180
    quiet car park, ride around unclip, clip back in, ride around. repeat

    probably not best to learn on the road...
    BMC TM01 - FCN 0
    Look 695 (Geared) - FCN 1
    Bowman Palace:R - FCN 1
    Cannondale CAAD 9 - FCN 2
    Premier (CX) - FCN 6
    Premier (fixed/SS) - FCN3
  • ddraver
    ddraver Posts: 26,697
    spend some time getting the cleats in the correct place...makes everything else 10 x easier
    We're in danger of confusing passion with incompetence
    - @ddraver
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    using road shoes with spuds is a little unusual as most people use mtb shoes which have the benefit of a tread, so walking is much easier.

    exposed spud cleats are tricky to walk in, are slippy, and can do a whole lot of damage to wooden floors :oops:

    Just set the release pressure on the spuds to minimum so they unclip easily, then practice, practice.

    Just remember, twist to release.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • aracer
    aracer Posts: 1,649
    You could always get some road cleats with pontoons to make walking easier http://wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx? ... 4000000887 Don't think they're supposed to be compatible with MTB pedals (particularly not the newer ones), but given I happily use current MTB cleats in the road pedals which are supposed to work with those they should be compatible. Fairly sure I've also used those in the past with older MTB pedals.
  • pipeman
    pipeman Posts: 48
    If you ever rode quill pedals with straps and shoe plates you won't have to get used to SPDs,,,the old way made sure you were FIRMLY attatched to the bike and you had to preplan every release,,i remember on clubruns seeing everyone reaching a hand down to the bucle and releasing the strap to be ready to put a foot down at a junction,,,,,oh happy days,,SPDs are sooo simple!!! :D:D
    time is running out,use it wisely!
  • John.T
    John.T Posts: 3,698
    SPD-R540 are road pedals. Set them to the slackest setting and lean on a wall. Practice picking up the cleat with a forward movement to hook the front of the cleat into the pedal. then press down. To release twist your heel outwards. The pedals will hang better when they loosen up a bit after a few miles use. If you think you may have to stop then unclip early, not at the last second.
    My Fleet.
  • aracer
    aracer Posts: 1,649
    John Tiffany wrote:
    SPD-R540 are road pedals.

    Ah yes of course <note to self - read the whole message> SPD-SL rather than SPD
  • MattBlackBigBoysBMX
    MattBlackBigBoysBMX Posts: 398
    You'll be fine once you've fallen off a few times, and it will happen. :oops:
    Wheelies ARE cool.

    Zaskar X
  • ddraver
    ddraver Posts: 26,697
    try not to make it a patch of stinging nettles like i did!!!
    We're in danger of confusing passion with incompetence
    - @ddraver

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