Adjusting SPD SL Cleat position?...

JST
JST Posts: 158
edited August 2007 in Workshop
Have now done a few rides with my first set of clipless pedals. I have the shimano SPD SL 105 5600 pedals and Shimano RO98 shoes. On the whole I find them a vast improvement over the toe clips. Is there any particular way you should have the cleats set? Initially I have set them up with the cleats in the centre of the adjustment range on the shoe and all seems fine although after a longer ride my right foot felt a little more uncomfortable than the left....maybe a bit far back on the pedal. Is it just a case of making small adjustments until you achieve the best 'feel'? Is it bad to have each cleat set differently?

Thanks :)

Comments

  • Stuck on a Giant
    Stuck on a Giant Posts: 256
    I think you're supposed to have the ball of your foot over the axle of the pedal. I'd suggest that both cleats should be mirror images of each other, but that's probably the starting point only - if it doesn't feel right, try moving a cleat.

    Is your saddle height still correct? If you've changed pedals and shoes the distance from saddle to pedal surface may have changed a bit.
  • John.T
    John.T Posts: 3,698
    It is better to have the ball of your foot a little in front of the pedal axle with your foot in your normal pedalling position which may be slightly toe down. Anywhere between straight above and 1cm in front of is OK for a start then fine tune from there. The positions should be the same unless you have very different feet. Do not move the ball of the foot behind the axle as it will put more strain on your calf and achiles tendon.
    My Fleet.
  • aracer
    aracer Posts: 1,649
    Though recent suggestions I've seen are that the ball of the foot over the pedal is a load of baloney, and you can be just as efficient if not more so with the pedal under your arch (though that obviously requires custom shoes). :roll:

    Having said that I tend to have the cleat as far forward as it will go on most of my shoes.
  • Zendog1
    Zendog1 Posts: 816
    Take an allen key in your pocket. If either foot feels "wrong" get off and adjust it by a bit -
    keep trying until it feels right. Feet are all individual - I have one straight ahead the other bends to the left. Try and force them to be the same and you will get problems.
  • JST
    JST Posts: 158
    Thanks for the tips guys. Saddle height appears to be ok after the change of pedals. My feet seem to be the same size etc. The adjustment left to right and angle seems to be good as I don't feel my feet trying to twist out whilst peddling. Next time I'm on the bike I will bear the suggestions in mind and see how I get on. It's not like they cleats give you an awful lot of fwd/aft adjustment anyway I s'pose...

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