Problems clipping in

boxxer750

Hi guys!

I got some Shimano R540 SPD pedals with my bike. As they only clip in one side i'm having problems getting clipped in when setting off from traffic lights etc. I end up fumbling around trying to spin the pedal around so its the right way up and it is preventing me from getting a quick getaway.

I had some M520 SPDs on my last bike and had no problems as you could clip in either side of the pedal.

Are there any techniques to clipping in quickly or should I try some different pedals. Can anyone recommend some half descent pedals that clip in both sides that wont break the bank.

Thanks!

Strith

Keep one foot clipped in when you stop.

Strith

And practice somewhere quiet first.

alihisgreat

Its all about practice and developing muscle memory, before you know it you won't even be thinking about clipping in...

but until then just focus and practice.

tiredofwhiners

boxxer750 wrote:

Are there any techniques to clipping in quickly or should I try some different pedals.

If left alone, the pedals should align themselves automatically so that the front part of the cleat will go into its place when your foot is moving horizontally. That is NOT to say that the pedal is horizontal - its vertical with the gap open at the top awaiting the front of the cleat.

When the front bit of your cleat moves into the top hole, forward pressure of the foot causes the back of the cleat to move up and lock in to the rear of the cleat.

So, don't keep titting the pedal with your foot to align it - leave it alone and it'll be in the right place. Move your foot forward horizontally to engage - not put your foot down into it. make sure your foot and cleat are aligned in the same axis as the pedal as it will not engage unless the back of the cleat is aligned with the pedal.

Try it all when static - if you cannot do it when static, then either the pedal is done up too tight, or you have the wrong cleats

dai_t75

boxxer750 wrote:

Hi guys!

I got some Shimano R540 SPD pedals with my bike. As they only clip in one side i'm having problems getting clipped in when setting off from traffic lights etc. I end up fumbling around trying to spin the pedal around so its the right way up and it is preventing me from getting a quick getaway.

I had some M520 SPDs on my last bike and had no problems as you could clip in either side of the pedal.

Are there any techniques to clipping in quickly or should I try some different pedals. Can anyone recommend some half descent pedals that clip in both sides that wont break the bank.

Thanks!

If you got on well with the M520's why not put them back on? You can pick them up with cleats for less than £20 new. They are the ones I use and as a complete beginner I have been getting on with them pretty well.

Don't know if you have all the right tools, but I had to buy a spanner designed for taking off pedals as I could not manage with a normal spanner/hammer combo. Just something to think about if you do intend on changing them.

boxxer750

Thanks for the replies! I like to use road specific pedals hence not going back to the M520s. I'll stick with them and practice more for the time being however I do quite like the look of the speedplay pedals. Does anyone have any feedback on these?

Thanks again!

carl_p

boxxer750 wrote:

Thanks for the replies! I like to use road specific pedals hence not going back to the M520s. I'll stick with them and practice more for the time being however I do quite like the look of the speedplay pedals. Does anyone have any feedback on these?

Thanks again!

I changed from Shimano SPDs to Speedplays. I love them, so easy to clip in and out and I can't envisage ever going back to a single sided pedal. You have to be careful where you walk with the cleats though as dirt, mud and so on can jam up the mechanism and you won't be able to clip in. Cleat covers are recommended.

They can be very expensive new, so I bought some used ones off ebay to see if I liked them. Now into their 3rd year of my ownership and still going strong. Best £40 I ever spent on cycling!

kayo74

Speedplay pedals can use both sides very easy, as others have said keep one clipped in when stopping.

peat

The way the pedal hangs, it just needs knocking round with your toes, as you do that move you foor forward and it should find its seat.

I find that i get on better if i do it by feel rather than looking down. If i look, it usually takes 3 or 4 goes by which time my mates have buggered off....

Stick with it, you'll get it.