Just installed clipless pedals/cleatsd - some advice needed

rob\'s_lexx
rob\'s_lexx Posts: 95
edited August 2011 in Road beginners
Hi all,

I've just fitted some Look Keo Easy road pedals to my bike. They seem to be fine :-)

I have fitted the Grey Look cleats to my new road shoes also and i've noticed that the cleats move slightly on the shoe when unclipping etc - I assume they need tightening some more? Is this correct? I didn't want to over tighten the cleat bolts as its my first time using these and so wanted to be sure before I tighten them up as hard as i can.

Thanks

Rob

Comments

  • smurfylicious
    smurfylicious Posts: 96
    Cleats should never move on the shoe. If this happens there is a risk that the attachment point in the shoe (the metal plate with threaded holes) and the surrounding area of the sole could be damaged.
  • sloppyschleckonds
    sloppyschleckonds Posts: 8,019
    Cleats have a degree of "float" or sideways movement so your knees don't get knackered. From memory, I think the red Look cleatc have zero float and the black about 9 degrees and the grey, about 4.5 degrees which is fine for a bit of side to side movement when the cleat is engaged. Don't overtighten the screws!! have fun!
    I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles
  • rob\'s_lexx
    rob\'s_lexx Posts: 95
    yes its the cleat moving on the shoe - as in if i push the cleat hard enough it will move around. which makes me think i just need to tighten the screws? is it worth using a ;ittle loctite as well perhaps?

    i am aware there is a little float when the shoes are clipped in, but the issue I have is with the cleat moving on the shoe.
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    Yup; cleats should be firmly attached to the shoe. If not, you can have problems clipping out. Which, as I'm sure you can imagine, can be dangerous. But at the same time hilarious to onlookers.
  • thescouselander
    thescouselander Posts: 549
    Yes - Do them up tight and you shouldn't need threadlock although it probably wouldn't hurt to put some one if you have it.
  • Ron Stuart
    Ron Stuart Posts: 1,242
    SloppySchleckonds wrote:
    Cleats have a degree of "float" or sideways movement so your knees don't get knackered. From memory, I think the red Look cleatc have zero float and the black about 9 degrees and the grey, about 4.5 degrees which is fine for a bit of side to side movement when the cleat is engaged. Don't overtighten the screws!! have fun!

    The Red and black you have back to front 9 degs Red 0 degs black. On some shinny soled shoes the cleats like to move, this can be lessened considerably by drawing round the area of the sole covered by the cleat, and then rough that area with some abrasive paper (it will get scuffed anyway over time).
    I have found the best set screws are the ones with the Allen key head (more positive) put some anti seize paste on thread before securing in sole then tighten up. Ride then check tension again on return. :wink:
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    Yep +1 for the antiseize. They can be a right bugger to get out again if you put them in dry then ride for a couple of years in all weathers.

    Either that or periodically loosen / retighten them.

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