SPD pedal/ cleat problem

Hi peeps,

The other day i almost died after for some strange reason I found myself finding it incredibly hard to clip out suddenly, despite having adjusted the release tension to pretty daym low. This happened a few more times, and having experimented a little bit more, I realized that once I clip in, and clip out straight away theres no problem - at all. But once I start to pedal, or putting some downwards force onto the pedal, a soft, single click noise is heard. When I try to clip out after hearing this click, it becomes incredibly hard to clip out. The cleat doesn't seem worn out either =(

Any of you guys experienced this? Would appreciate any advice/ help..

Loose cleat?

Loose cleat?

nope. checked that all the screws were tight..

What pedals are you using?

What pedals are you using?

using the Shimano A530s. SPD on one side, platform on the other.

1 Attachment

How old are the pedals/cleats?

Cleats: Barely two months.
Pedals: Since X'mas. But only started using the SPD side in mid January.

Got your cleats on the right way?

The potential problem with those wide-platform SPDs is the platform's contact with the shoe tread stops the cleat fully engaging until you really push down hard i.e. when pedalling hard (the second click). At that point the sole of your shoe is in compression and adding pre-load to the release tension. Depends a lot on the combination of shoe and platform. You could try packing out the cleats slightly so they engage better, the downside is they will be protruding a bit further from the sole when you walk. SPDs without wide platform e.g. 520s aren't obstructed by the tread on your shoe so engage fully as soon as you clip in.

The potential problem with those wide-platform SPDs is the platform's contact with the shoe tread stops the cleat fully engaging until you really push down hard i.e. when pedalling hard (the second click). At that point the sole of your shoe is in compression and adding pre-load to the release tension. Depends a lot on the combination of shoe and platform. You could try packing out the cleats slightly so they engage better, the downside is they will be protruding a bit further from the sole when you walk. SPDs without wide platform e.g. 520s aren't obstructed by the tread on your shoe so engage fully as soon as you clip in.

Thanks Corsa for the advice, might give that a try. But the thing is, i've set the tension to the bare minimum and this still occurs. I've never had this problem since using it, it only started a few days ago! And also, never had this problem (so far) with the right pedal + cleat..

I have the same pedals on my winter bike - had the same problem - put a shim under the cleats and the problem went away - I used some 10 mil (1/4mm) shim stock.

Mine have gone tight too and look a touch rusty. I gave them a squirt with WD40 - instant cure.
Probably too much road salt.

Yeah, corsa's probably on the money. I've owned maybe 6 or more sets of SPD pedals and a few shoes and never had this problem. I almost never changed cleats too. Clean the soles of your shoes, engage the pedals and see if there are any marks on the shoes from the pedal around the cleat.

Also, new or used?

I have a pair of pedals here you could try out. If you get the same problem then it's your cleat/shoes.

Also, new or used?

I have a pair of pedals here you could try out. If you get the same problem then it's your cleat/shoes.

The pedals? or cleats? The pedals I got 'em off Evans new.. Same with the cleats supplied with them.. Probably no need for you to find me somewhere in London to try pedals/ cleats, I'll probably go to my LBS and try that there =)