ArchEtech

I have a pair of carbon sole Nike road shoes I purchased off eBay. I just wanted the shoes, but they came with eggbeater pedals and cleats so I decided to try them (I've been using look).

The cleat is installed on the bottom of the shoe properly as far as I can tell, but I find it extremely hard to find the right alignment to clip in. I like the float and feel, clipping out is ok but to me seems more difficult than the look (but use very low spring tension).

In two years of riding I have never gotten stuck, fallen nor had issues with look, and never even practiced when I first started riding. I've fallen several times with the eggbeaters in only a few days by either not getting clipped in and having the hard carbon bottom slide all over when I start to pedal, or I'm unable to clip out as they just seem really stiff and hard to get out of.

I have noticed that there are adapters for road shoes, and that a lot of people used bike shoes with this pedal type that has the cleat recessed into the shoe rather than sticking out. (so you can walk in the shoe) I'm wondering if the previous owner had installed thr cleats in a less than ideal manner, by not having a recessed shoe type, or shim adapter that guides the clear into place. I want to makes sure before I decide to give up on the eggbeater pedal design.

ArchEtech

ColinL

that is the standard cleat which was actually made for MTB shoes. I guess it works on a road shoe, but not well I bet, because the sole of the shoe probably doesn't touch the pedal. you would be floating on the cleat alone.

the quattro 3-bolt cleat will solve that problem, but I found them to be less than durable.

AEO

there are such optional parts, like a shorter spindle for the eggbeaters. Road pedals usually sit in closer to the center of the bike, so you might not be used to the new width they eggbeaters have. It's also the only way to narrow the Q-factor of eggbeaters.


For preventing slipping off, consider gluing some anti-slip mats to the arch portion of your shoes.

I just use some gorilla glue with a table top no slip mat.

wants185s

I am guessing that your cleat is too close to the sole of your shoe making it difficult to clip in and out easily. Try a thin shim under the cleat, maybe the thickness of a couple sheets of paper but in a more durable material. I think such shims came with my egg beaters when they were new. They were a black gasket like material. I did not need them with my shoes.

thenomad

looks like the cleat is a bit far forward.
You can get, and probably should get, the steel plate that goes under the cleat. This keeps the pedal loops from rubbing grooves intot he sole of the shoe. You may also need the thin shim that comes with the cleats to raise them up for clearance. THen itll be easy in and easy out. Yes, not having a platform to pedal on can be annoying as the cleat has a tendency to want to roll off the foot but with the right muscle memory you should be able to go in and out with ease. I use eggbeaters on other bikes and look on my road.

hueyhoolihan

your suppositions are correct. that shoe/cleat combo was kludged by the previous owner, no doubt. those shoes were not designed for those cleats. get some road cleats, you should be good to go, then.

RecceDG

Alternatively, get a good MTB shoe and use those.

I use Eggbeaters on my road bike with Mavic Fury shoes. All the convenience of the Eggbeaters, plus I can walk in the shoes without looking like a duck.

DG

wants185s

+1

bored117 

Looks like shimano 3 hole spd adapter might fit the bill. I used to use it myself for walking around with Shimano R087 shoes.
https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-SH40-C...8213078&sr=8-2
If you want to try it out, I do have worn pair not being used at. Do let me know. (Probably shipping of $6 suffices )

simonaway427

Go to the crank brothers website for the cleat install directions. The cleats are assymetric, with one of the cleats marked with indentations. If you install the marked cleat on the right foot, you can unclip easier. If you install the cleat on the left foot, its harder to unclip.

****NOTE - above is strictly from memory when installing my eggbeater cleats. Download the manual to confirm LEFT or RIGHT for easy unclip.

Hunt-man

This and they come with thin plastic shims. Get some, it will make clipping in much better. Crank Bro's may just send you a pair.

Move the cleats so they are under the ball of your foot. Get on the bike and stand, pushing the ball of your foot down. Adjust cleat back and forth till it is centered comfortably under the ball o foot.

They are just fine on a road bike. I used them for years but went to Look Keos as I felt more pressure in one spot from the eggbeaters.

incognitus

I am riding both the Eggbeaters and LOOK Keo's. The eggs are OK to ride on a road bike, they will just float more and you don't feel as "fused" to the drivetrain as with road pedals. However, in any case, you'll need some metal shoe shields if you don't want to destroy your sole in no time:

https://www.artscyclery.com/descpage-CBPSS.html

ArchEtech

Problem solved for now! I actually found that the cleats mounted with the indented cleat on the left foot is more floaty and less secure which is what I want.


I may go back to look, however I like having the recessed cleat for stop and go traffic. Look has an eggbeater like MTB pedal I might try eventually. The float I think is good for my knees - we will see thanks for the tips!