Want to follow up (for some reason, I haven't received notice of any of these recent posts, though I'm subscribed for instant notice). Wish I had known about the Ultegra pedals being the stiffest of the bunch.
The local shop tech filed things a bit and that's loosened up the clips so that they are much more usable now, even if still a little sticky. I assume that will work in.
Went out on a 30 miler yesterday, the first on this Kona, and didn't have any serious problems with the pedals until near the end coming up on a red light and car in the left turn lane, when the right shoe wouldn't come out. Had to switch over to the other side, which came out quickly. And yes, heel down and turning is much easier, I assume because that's where the release is.
Thanks for everyone's advice and comments.
Last edited by highstream; 05-15-17 at 05:27 PM.