How loose should SPD pedals be?
12-15-23, 08:27 AM
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How loose should SPD pedals be?
I have a pair of Ultegra SPD pedals that are about 4-5 years old. I'd say I've removed the spindle a couple of times and relubed them (not a full disassembly). Although there is no play or grit in them when I'm finished... when they're on the bike they only spin about once on their own when spun. Is this to be expected due to the eneven balance and just the general way they work?
12-15-23, 08:48 AM
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Unloaded spin-down is irrelevant to loaded performance. If the spindle turns freely and smoothly, it'll be fine.
12-15-23, 09:11 AM
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I think that is by design so they are easier to get into...I think they kind of automatically come to rest in the position that you can get into them...at leas that is how mine work. I am always amazed at how they are always in the perfect place to clip in.
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12-15-23, 09:12 AM
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I like mine set so that if I forget to unclip, the motion of taking my foot off the pedal releases it
sorry I guess you are not asking about cleat tension. I don't care if mine spin, so long as my foot can turn it around when I want to
sorry I guess you are not asking about cleat tension. I don't care if mine spin, so long as my foot can turn it around when I want to
12-15-23, 02:09 PM
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If you just greased them, then there might be too much lube around the bearings at the moment for them to turn freely. Ride your bike for a while and they'll eventually get the excess grease pushed out of the way. Then they turn freely enough for the pedal to move to the proper angle for you to clip in with less fuss.
Next time you lube them, don't try to cram every empty space you can find with grease. You'll have a shorter "break-in" period then. Same thing applies to wheel bearings.
Next time you lube them, don't try to cram every empty space you can find with grease. You'll have a shorter "break-in" period then. Same thing applies to wheel bearings.
12-15-23, 06:43 PM
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I’ve had pedals that spin like they have ice axles and others that only manage a rotation or two (mine are all Keos not SPD-SL) and it makes no difference to real world effort.
12-16-23, 02:14 PM
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12-16-23, 05:40 PM
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You may want to try these: Shimano SH-56 Multi-Directional Release SPD Cleats | REI Co-op
yeah I have those already! I still like them loose! haha
12-17-23, 02:24 PM
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I was told the same thing by my LBS mechanic when I asked him to reinstall the crank I had already installed on my project bike because it does not spin for a few revolutions when I tap it like the cranks on my factory assembled bikes.
12-17-23, 03:12 PM
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i have a pair of ultegra spd pedals that are about 4-5 years old. I'd say i've removed the spindle a couple of times and relubed them (not a full disassembly). Although there is no play or grit in them when i'm finished... When they're on the bike they only spin about once on their own when spun. Is this to be expected due to the eneven balance and just the general way they work?
* SPD-SL
