Cannot clip into one of my pedals ...

zummerzet-lou
zummerzet-lou Posts: 95
edited September 2011 in Road beginners
I have these pedals: Shimano PD-R540 SPD SL

From first getting them, even on the lowest tension they are incredibly tight, and require a huge effort to clip out of.

After a bit of knee pain, I re-adjusted the cleats and whilst their positioning looks identical on the left and right shoes (note - pedals are not touched) I cannot get the left foot to clip in.

It kinda clips in, and springs straight out again ... now I know they used to be OK so am getting frustrated.

Any ideas please?

Comments

  • MountainMonster
    MountainMonster Posts: 7,423
    Cleats may be worn if you walk around alot in them, failing that, you may have tensioned them accidently up instead of down.
    My London Road
  • MrChuck
    MrChuck Posts: 1,663
    Are you sure they're on the loosest setting?
  • zummerzet-lou
    zummerzet-lou Posts: 95
    There is very little wear on the cleats as I try to limit the amount of walking I do whilst wearing them (I put my shoes on just before getting on my bike)

    and yes .. the tension is definitely on the lowest setting. Even got my husband to double check as I thought I was going mad!
  • mouth
    mouth Posts: 1,195
    Using the right cleats? There are many types and it'd be easy to confuse between spd and spd-sl.

    Also, i'm surprised that the position of the cleats is identical. thats gotta be unusual.
    The only disability in life is a poor attitude.
  • fludey
    fludey Posts: 384
    Was gonna say that my left cleat is no where like the right as it points out a lot more!
    You say you can't clip in, but also say it clips in and springs back out :? You have not taken so much tension off that the screw has gone past it's stop point have you? Which shimano cleats are you using red or yellow, shouldn't make difference to clipping in but you may be best with yellow as red have no float in them.

    One last thing to try swap cleats over from one shoe to other see if fault follows, if it does got a dodgy cleat if not then deffinately pedal or set up of left side.

    Good luck :wink:
    Felt AR4
    Planet X Pro Carbon 105
    MTB Kona Kikapu Deluxe with a few upgrades!!
  • zummerzet-lou
    zummerzet-lou Posts: 95
    Thanks everyone ... I rigged my road bike upto my wind trainer last night and spent 30mins clipping and unclipping.

    I'm embarrassed to admit it was user error ... and there is a knack to clipping in, which involves pushing toes in, and rather than down with my heel, they seem to only clip in when I apply pressure to the outer edge of my foot.

    Anyway ... will test it out proper on a road ride tomorrow (weather permitting)

    Thanks for everyone's input,

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