Disengaging from SPD-SL pedals
#27
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Just get used to it.
I prefer the more solidly clipped in feeling of a road SPD pedal.
If you don't like it or have some physical issue with applying the required rotational force go back to your old pedals.
I prefer the more solidly clipped in feeling of a road SPD pedal.
If you don't like it or have some physical issue with applying the required rotational force go back to your old pedals.
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Even in the US, there are plenty of one-way, multi-lane streets where it's legal and safe to ride on the left. Many downtown/midtown streets in Sacramento even have bikelanes on both sides.
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#30
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#31
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True enough. Increasing tension is the least of my issues. And yes, the cleats and shoes are both new since the pedals are new and my old shoes wouldn’t take a 3-bolt cleat.
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Since making the switch, I’ve noticed they seem much harder to disengage from than SPDs. Even after loosening the pedal tension as much as possible, they still don’t seem nearly as responsive. It’s interesting to me that they’ve become so popular given this issue, but I realize it could just be the adjustment and that some people may find it more challenging than others.
One thing that helped me transition was to intentionally "lead with the heel" whenever I was thinking about it (ala coming up to a stop). This gets the heel out in front of the foot, causing the twist you need without having to think about twisting as a separate motion, and it also engages the downward motion of the calf instead of just the anlkle making the twist more... I dunno... powerful? Or something. Just try it and see if it helps. "Lead with the heel, lead with the heel, lead with the heel"
Eventually that just became a habit and I seldom have an issue now.
#33
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Even though I’ve been road cycling since 2008, I only recently made the switch from SPDs to SPD-SL pedals. I wanted a wider pedal platform and needed to replace my existing shoes anyway, so I figured now was the time.
Since making the switch, I’ve noticed they seem much harder to disengage from than SPDs. Even after loosening the pedal tension as much as possible, they still don’t seem nearly as responsive. It’s interesting to me that they’ve become so popular given this issue, but I realize it could just be the adjustment and that some people may find it more challenging than others.
Interested in hearing other’s experiences.
TIA.
Since making the switch, I’ve noticed they seem much harder to disengage from than SPDs. Even after loosening the pedal tension as much as possible, they still don’t seem nearly as responsive. It’s interesting to me that they’ve become so popular given this issue, but I realize it could just be the adjustment and that some people may find it more challenging than others.
Interested in hearing other’s experiences.
TIA.
Last edited by blinky; 01-09-21 at 04:48 PM. Reason: punctuation and grammer
#34
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I need to recall my previous response - I have the bike on an indoor fluid trainer and just double checked the dismount - now I have to agree with you , it's much more difficult to disengage the SPD-SL cleats ( in my case Blue Shimano SPD-SL cleats ) from the pedal , i.e. DuraAce SPD-SL , as compared to my old red SPD Look cleats with Look SPD pedals - I'm in the market for new shoes , my test was done with old shoes but new SPD-SL cleats , but first I'll try setting the pedal tension to the smallest amount and if it's still harder to dismount I'll probably opt for new DuraAce SPD pedals with regular Shimano SPD cleats - will hopefully find a buyer for the DuraAce SPD-SL pedals , Ughhhhh !!!!
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#35
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I agree , I'll be more concise : OP , I recant my first reply , I double checked and dismounting with my SPD-SL cleats is tougher than how I remember with my Look cleats - Litespud , my bike was originally Chorus 10 but two years ago I switched out to the Shimano components , drive train and brakes and just recently replaced the Look pedals with Shimano Dura Ace SPD-SL pedals - had a Hybrid with SPD cleats and dismounting with the SPD-SL cleats is much much harder .
Last edited by blinky; 03-15-21 at 03:53 PM.
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They’re R540s. Maybe that was part of my mistake. Perhaps I should have bought either the 5800 or R8000 model.
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"These pedals are designed for on-road recreation. These pedals can be engaged with and released from the cleats more easily than other SPD-SL pedals. These pedals are designed for non competition and non aggressive uses. If you use these pedals for such usage, the cleats may become accidentally released from the pedals and you may fall off the bicycle."
If you seriously cannot adapt to the lowest resistance of 540 pedals, either your definition of "hard" is very different from ours (unlikely), you're not setting the tension right (most likely), or the pedals are defective (also unlikely).
How about a video clip? I'll post a clip of how easily I can get in and out of my pedals. Just give me a few.