2 screws in spd-sl cleats + other ???

fastercyclist

I got my new dhb cycling shoes last night and was very excited. Went riding with cleats for the first time today. I ended up falling over in an empty lane because I couldn't get my feet out :roll: However it seems they might of been too tight as later on on a dual carriageway the cleat detached itself from my shoe and I ended up riding the 20 miles home one legged.

A few quick questions: A) Could someone please describe how I'm supposed to twist my feet to get the cleats out - it feels hit and miss. Do I point my toes inwards? Is it worth replacing the cleats as the one that came out of my shoe now has 2 screws supporting the load (I know...but I'm unemployed £18 is a lot to me and I don't fancy ending up one legged on my 60 mile ride for tomorrow ) C) On an unrelated note - I'm not a member of a club - do local clubs generally hold some form of races throughout the winter for members?* I'd like to do informal races but feeling allergic to the idea of cafe stops

*I know this will vary - it's a cycling club culture question.

softlad

exit the pedals by twisting your ankle outwards.

I don't fully understand what you mean about your cleats,, but SPD-SL has a three bolt fixing not two..??

races do not usually include cafe stops - not the ones I've ever entered anyway. I presume you mean club runs...?? If so, these are not races in any shape or form.

fastercyclist

softlad wrote:

exit the pedals by twisting your ankle outwards.

I don't fully understand what you mean about your cleats,, but SPD-SL has a three bolt fixing not two..??

races do not usually include cafe stops - not the ones I've ever entered anyway. I presume you mean club runs...?? If so, these are not races in any shape or form.

Sorry I explained badly. When my cleat broke from my shoe I lost one of the bolts so I've got 2 bolts now - was just wondering if they would be OK with the load or anything I can do to stop it repeating. Thanks for the heads up on how to get them out - hopefully less embarrassment now on.

Well I meant if clubs generally held their own unofficial races often. Just a probe at cycle club culture really.

softlad

you need three bolts fixed securely to spread the load evenly - I wouldn't risk it with two. They are a standard metric size - take one along to your local engineering supplies shop and they should be able to match it quite easily...

I don't believe there is any such thing as 'unofficial' races. Road racing takes quite a bit of planning and organisation - it's not something you can just decide the night before. You might get a few people sprinting for road markers towards the end of a club run or training run, but that's about it...

disquieting_museeuws

New cleats can come undone for no apparent reason - carry an allen key for the first few rides in case they need re-tightening. And yes you will need the extra bolt I would think (a friendly bike shop might give you one if the have some spares, I usually have a few myself).

On getting out of the pedals - it's best to make your outward twist with the foot at the bottom of the pedal stroke, you get better leverage there, plus your released foot is near the ground for putting-down. Don't try to pull the foot up, you just flick the heel outwards (they will work by twisting inwards as well). You can always slack off the release tension & practice in a safe area. After a while you won't even think about it.

Most clubs have social winter club runs which can become friendly semi-competitive 'races' at times - it depends on the club and the make up of the riders who happen to be out on a given day. Really you have to test the water as to how these things work (as in any new social situation, I suppose). Clubs sometimes do have a winter racing series, or cyclocross, for example, again it depends on the club.