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Old pedals extremely difficult to clip into. Still salvageable or time for a new pair

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Old pedals extremely difficult to clip into. Still salvageable or time for a new pair

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Old 03-18-21, 06:23 AM
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djdelarosa25
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Old pedals extremely difficult to clip into. Still salvageable or time for a new pair

My father gave me a very beat up pair of Shimano PD-R540s that he got for free from a friend. I noticed that they are extremely hard to clip in to, particularly the left pedal. I've already tried lubricating the mechanism and setting the tension to the lowest and it's still a PITA to use. One time I actually almost crashed as I lost my balance trying to force my cleats to clip in. Are these still salvageable or should I go get a new pair? If it's the latter, what's a good set for cheap (~$50)? Thanks in advance!

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Old 03-18-21, 06:33 AM
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Rides4Beer
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Are the cleats worn out? That's usually the issue with SPD-SL clipping in/out issues. Pictures of pedals and cleats would help.
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Old 03-18-21, 06:36 AM
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Steve B.
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Agree with Rides, it's usually the worn cleats that are an issue.
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Old 03-18-21, 06:47 AM
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djdelarosa25
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The cleats are brand new. Here are pics of the pedals.

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Old 03-18-21, 06:54 AM
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Trakhak
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In addition to lubricating the moving parts, you can try greasing the pedal surfaces that contact the cleats.
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Old 03-18-21, 09:29 AM
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big john
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Are you sure you got the correct cleats?
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Old 03-18-21, 07:26 PM
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djdelarosa25
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Originally Posted by big john
Are you sure you got the correct cleats?
I am new to this forum but I am not new to cycling. They are SPD-SL cleats. Sometimes I can get them to clip in using A LOT of effort but most of the times I can't and it's extremely annoying (as well as dangerous).
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Old 03-18-21, 07:42 PM
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big john
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Originally Posted by djdelarosa25
I am new to this forum but I am not new to cycling. They are SPD-SL cleats. Sometimes I can get them to clip in using A LOT of effort but most of the times I can't and it's extremely annoying (as well as dangerous).
I wasn't implying anything, it's just the first thing I thought of. I've never used SPD-SL , been on Look Delta for most of the last 30 years. A little Pledge or silicone spray makes them real easy to get in and out of. I spray it all over the pedal, makes it slippery.
The only pedals I have real trouble clipping into are the SPDs on the mountain bike after a wet ride and a shot of WD-40 frees them up.

Shimano PD-RS500 SPD-SL Pedals | REI Co-op

Last edited by big john; 03-18-21 at 07:45 PM.
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