Old pedals extremely difficult to clip into. Still salvageable or time for a new pair
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
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!
Last edited by djdelarosa25; 03-18-21 at 06:46 AM.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: VA
Posts: 1,437
Bikes: SuperSix Evo | Revolt
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 733 Post(s)
Liked 815 Times
in
414 Posts
Are the cleats worn out? That's usually the issue with SPD-SL clipping in/out issues. Pictures of pedals and cleats would help.
Likes For Rides4Beer:
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South shore, L.I., NY
Posts: 6,872
Bikes: Flyxii FR322, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3230 Post(s)
Liked 2,079 Times
in
1,177 Posts
Agree with Rides, it's usually the worn cleats that are an issue.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 5,370
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2482 Post(s)
Liked 2,952 Times
in
1,677 Posts
In addition to lubricating the moving parts, you can try greasing the pedal surfaces that contact the cleats.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,272
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8271 Post(s)
Liked 9,021 Times
in
4,468 Posts
Are you sure you got the correct cleats?
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,272
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8271 Post(s)
Liked 9,021 Times
in
4,468 Posts
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.