SPD problem?

migrantwing
migrantwing Posts: 385
edited July 2012 in Workshop
I recently bought some Shimano R087's (SPD and SPD-SL compatible) as I had SPD pedals (PD-A530) and some unused multi-directional release SPD cleats (SM-SH56) lying around. Attached these to my shoes and off I went. When trying to clip in, but especially unclipping, I find it very difficult. I have noticed that there is a tiny gap at the front of the cleat where it is raised slightly away from the sole of the shoe, maybe 1 - 1.5mm.

Should the cleat be flush with the sole at the front, and is the tiny gap causing the effort to unclip?

fuu8wm.jpg
Ghost Race 5000 (2011) Shimano 105 Black
Carrera TDF (2007)

http://www.bike-discount.de/#

http://www.bike24.com/

Comments

  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    It should ideally be flush with the sole, but I can't imagine that's the reason for difficulty in unclipping. Have you got the spring tension on the pedal wound back to the minimum? Also a very thin coating of grease on the mechanism can help a lot.

    I noticed recently with new SPD cleats that they are a lot harder to unclip than the worn ones they replaced, and I had to back off the spring tension.
  • migrantwing
    migrantwing Posts: 385
    That's what I was thinking. That little of a gap really shouldn't make a difference. Tension is down to minimum. Have serviced the pedals and used light oil on springs/mechanism.

    It must be, as you say, because the cleats are new. They just seem very unresponsive.

    I'll keep trying.

    Thanks, keef!
    Ghost Race 5000 (2011) Shimano 105 Black
    Carrera TDF (2007)

    http://www.bike-discount.de/#

    http://www.bike24.com/