How tight should cleats be ?

1964johnr

Just purchased my first pair of shoes and pedals. Shimano Mo77 shoes and Shimano M320 pedals with cleats. Went for my first ride on Saturday. A short 30 mile trip. Had no problem at all getting used to the cleats after previously using toe straps, but was very surprised at how easy it was to release my shoe from them. Single release so just move the heal outwards. A small movement of the heal and they were out, no force at all. Is this normal ? I have them set at the tightest position possible using the adjustment screw. Any thoughts would be helpful.

CiB

If you're comfortable with them and get your feet out easily enough, leave them as they are.

Mine are a wee bit tighter than how they came out of the shop but are easy to get out of. It never occurs to me to think about getting in, or out. It's a learned action that doesn't involve thought 90% of the time.

Leave yours how you feel comfortable with them.

andrewjoseph

If you can't pull your foot out accidentally, then they are tight enough.

alihisgreat

1964johnr wrote:

Just purchased my first pair of shoes and pedals. Shimano Mo77 shoes and Shimano M320 pedals with cleats. Went for my first ride on Saturday. A short 30 mile trip. Had no problem at all getting used to the cleats after previously using toe straps, but was very surprised at how easy it was to release my shoe from them. Single release so just move the heal outwards. A small movement of the heal and they were out, no force at all. Is this normal ? I have them set at the tightest position possible using the adjustment screw. Any thoughts would be helpful.

I also found that SPDs weren't that tight -> if you want a stiffer release it could be worth looking at SPD-SL pedals.

My Guess is that because the SPDs are MTB pedals - where you are more likely to fall off?!? - they have a looser fit.

The road SPD-SL pedals on the contrary are designed more with power transfer (for sprinting, climbing etc.) in mind, so have a tighter release.

JoshMcIntyre

If you feel they are very loose you could try wearing an extra pair of socks to give a more secure fit.

andrewjoseph

JoshMcIntyre wrote:

If you feel they are very loose you could try wearing an extra pair of socks to give a more secure fit.

:?: :?: :shock: :?: :?:

you are joshin, right?

bompington

Tighter than JoshMcintyres, but not as tight as andrewjosephs

andrewjoseph

bompington wrote:

Tighter than JoshMcintyres, but not as tight as andrewjosephs

Why is that? I've never used road specific pedals/cleats, but i know that if i pull out accidentally with my spd's, then either my cleats are worn or the pedal spring is too slack (this is not an issue since I went to CB and then Time).

Release to the side is easy, pulling out accidentally practically impossible. I see no need for a really tight interface as long as there is no 'slop'. A bit of float is good for the knees, too much or none at all, is usually bad.

jgsi

Please do not start dissin 'zero float' cleat - red spd-sl and black keo.... some of us who have looked after our knees over the years can enjoy the feeling of firm tracking and a sense of real connection to the bike,, thats all thank yo

rozzer32

I use fixed cleats. Never ever had knee pain since the switch to fixed cleats after a bike fitting. If you have to have loads of float on the cleats then the cleat position is wrong and the float is compensating.

andrewjoseph

I'm not dissin zero float cleats, I'm just saying that for most people they may not the be best type.

is usually bad

I can't get on with zero float cleats and need a shallow release angle, which is why the CB and time pedals are best for me. I suspect a lot of newcomers to cycling will be older men (mamil's if you like) who initially know very little about biomechinics, have knee problems and less than perfect technique. Getting pedals with no float is not a good idea.

Also, zero float is not the same as a tight interface that makes release difficult. I understand you can have zero float but an easy release.