too light for speedplay zeros?

bobpzero
bobpzero Posts: 1,431
edited July 2008 in Workshop
havin serious trouble connecting cleat to pedal with a pair of speedplay zeros. done all to the instructions given. it says to give extra pressure than usual but i must be forgetting something. any help would be much appreciated, i really really need help please or i end up with look keo classic.

Comments

  • Eddy S
    Eddy S Posts: 1,013
    You might have over-tightened the metal plate - that's the main reason for difficulty to engage. Back the screws off a bit, lube the cleats as recommended and try again.
    I’m a sprinter – I warmed up yesterday.
  • bobpzero
    bobpzero Posts: 1,431
    yep all done, right one goes in good tho the left one may take sometime. i doubt even ironman could overtighten the scews.
  • neeb
    neeb Posts: 4,473
    I had the same trouble with zeros at first, but they're really easy to engage now.

    There are several things that act together I think:

    - overtightening the screws on the cleats, as mentioned. You really just want to screw them in until just after you start feeling a little resistance. Use threadlock if you're worried about them coming undone. Before tightening the screws all the way, press the springs in with your fingers to get a feel for them (you need to press quite hard and they dig into your fingers - use a blunt implement instead if necessary!). They should still be able to move just as easily when the screws are tightened - if not, loosen the screws a bit. Spray the cleat springs with a teflon-based lubricant before using them and every now and again afterwards.

    - Unfamiliarity with the system. Like any pedal, it takes time to get a feel for engaging them and knowing when to press hard. If the cleat isn't aligned properly you can press as hard as you like and it won't engage!

    - Brand new pedals and cleats are a little stiffer but loosen off quite quickly. The fact that you have to learn to use them while they are new is an unfortunate combination of circumstances.
  • don_don
    don_don Posts: 1,007
    I've got to say I found mine difficult to get into at first and still do occasionally, especially if I have not lubricated the cleat. They have definitely loosened up a bit after several hundred miles - maybe the metal 'spring' opens up a bit?

    I would recommend perservering with them. A little bit of teflon lube (Finish Line dry etc) every other long ride and keep an eye on the cleat screws. This minor hassle is well worth the float combined with great security on the pedal IMO.

    Incidentally, I weigh 83kg. One of my LBS mates (about 70kg I guess) moved to the lighter sprung version of the Zero because he found them too hard to engage. I can't remember what those are called but they are reviewed in the latest Cycling plus mag.

    Hope this helps :)

    ps. I also strongly recommend 'Cafe cleat covers' from Wiggle, which will stop you breaking your neck on shiny floors!!
  • neeb
    neeb Posts: 4,473
    I'm 62kg, so weight alone shouldn't be a problem!
  • bobpzero
    bobpzero Posts: 1,431
    yea im 60kg lol. thanks for all help, guys. finally got the left one in & done 4-7 times just to be sure with more added screamo metal singing. compared to the amazing easy of the right one which needed small amount of extra pressure.

    and yea i got the coffee shop caps with the pedals from ribble, u may not notice but ribble can be cheaper than wiggle even after adding slightly under £3 for p&p
  • Gr.uB
    Gr.uB Posts: 145
    Lube the cleats too. I use White Lightening on mine ( only time and place I use that though ).
    Just a dab on each spring.
    TCR
    MonstaThorn

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