Shimano pedals smoothness

Hello

I was wondering if you could help me with this problem - on this build: http://www.pedalroom.com/bike/ribble-57cm-dream-bike-no1-19933, I have these pedals, brand new: media.performancebike.com/images/­performance/products/1500/50-7650-SIL-AN­GLE.jpg

The problem is that I have been riding on that bike like mad for almost a month now, and the pedals are still not very smooth. They are smoother than they were when I got them, but still not smooth as for example my MKS Sylvan track pedals that I bought in used condition. There is like this black plastic adjustment ring to tighten and loosen the pedals (no.2 on the picture of the pedals). I tried moving it with pliers to both directions and I couldn't get it to move at all. Any idea on how I could make them smoother? Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Your link to the pedal pic doesn't work, so difficult to comment.

ah.. there we go:

Any idea on how I could make them smoother? Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Sell them. Buy better pedals.

such as?

http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/spd-pedal-overhaul

Yours is like the bottom one I think.

Alternatively, go to a bike shop and ask them nicely.

But if they're not squeaking or grinding, there's no need for them to be super smooth and spin forever. I believe the friction they'll give when under load is not necessarily related to the friction when you spin them with your hands - external bottom brackets are like this too.

thank you for all your help :)