Need help with Speedplays - Triathlon Week

05-23-2005, 04:22 PM

I used to ride with Shimano SPDs for my triathlons. Loved the pedals and
the cleats, no problems clipping in and out. However, I've developed a
minor ITB problem and I found that on long rides the lack of float gave me
serious hotspots in my feet.

I did my research and switched to Speedplay Zeros. The extra float has done
wonders for my knees and my technique, but I've got two problems that I
can't seem to solve:

1. The four little screws on the cleat are always getting loose and even
falling off. Every once in a while I'll try to unclip and....my shoe will
turn out but the clip will stay straight! I've tried putting glue in the
holes and also larger screws, but no luck. Has anyone else had to deal with
this problem?

2. Clipping IN is really hard. I've heard that Zeros are stiffers than
Speedplay Xs and that they do get looser over time, but it hasn't happened.
I'm a smaller rider, so I haven't got a lot of weight to push down with.
Any advice? I really, REALLY don't want to go back to Shimanos. I also
tried Look and hated them.

Helen

05-23-2005, 05:54 PM

<[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:tIske.35359$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].ca...
>I used to ride with Shimano SPDs for my triathlons. Loved the pedals and
>the cleats, no problems clipping in and out. However, I've developed a
>minor ITB problem and I found that on long rides the lack of float gave me
>serious hotspots in my feet.
>
> I did my research and switched to Speedplay Zeros. The extra float has
> done wonders for my knees and my technique, but I've got two problems that
> I can't seem to solve:
>
> 1. The four little screws on the cleat are always getting loose and even
> falling off. Every once in a while I'll try to unclip and....my shoe will
> turn out but the clip will stay straight! I've tried putting glue in the
> holes and also larger screws, but no luck. Has anyone else had to deal
> with this problem?
>
Hopefully, you haven't strip the threads with the larger screws. You should
use either Loctite or Permatex thread locker (Blue). It comes on the screws
new, but needs reapplied if they are taken out.

> 2. Clipping IN is really hard. I've heard that Zeros are stiffers than
> Speedplay Xs and that they do get looser over time, but it hasn't
> happened. I'm a smaller rider, so I haven't got a lot of weight to push
> down with. Any advice? I really, REALLY don't want to go back to
> Shimanos. I also tried Look and hated them.

I don't have this trouble with my X's. BTW I hated Look's to.

Hope this helps,
Larry

>
> Helen
>

05-23-2005, 06:09 PM

Use Loctite on the screws before you put them in, like Larry said. You can
purchase it at any automotive parts or hardware store.

Use White Lightning lube on the load mechanisms of your Speedplay cleats.
You can get a bottle at any good bike store.

Make sure that there isn't any dirt or foreign object clogging them and
kepping them from releasing or engaging.

<[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:tIske.35359$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].ca...
> I used to ride with Shimano SPDs for my triathlons. Loved the pedals and
> the cleats, no problems clipping in and out. However, I've developed a
> minor ITB problem and I found that on long rides the lack of float gave me
> serious hotspots in my feet.
>
> I did my research and switched to Speedplay Zeros. The extra float has
done
> wonders for my knees and my technique, but I've got two problems that I
> can't seem to solve:
>
> 1. The four little screws on the cleat are always getting loose and even
> falling off. Every once in a while I'll try to unclip and....my shoe will
> turn out but the clip will stay straight! I've tried putting glue in the
> holes and also larger screws, but no luck. Has anyone else had to deal
with
> this problem?
>
> 2. Clipping IN is really hard. I've heard that Zeros are stiffers than
> Speedplay Xs and that they do get looser over time, but it hasn't
happened.
> I'm a smaller rider, so I haven't got a lot of weight to push down with.
> Any advice? I really, REALLY don't want to go back to Shimanos. I also
> tried Look and hated them.
>
> Helen
>
>

fittotri · 05-23-2005, 09:10 PM

I have adjusted mine several times and never reaplied the loctite. Check the torque on each screw. Were the correct spacers used for your particular shoe sole? Are they placed correct for your legs, meaning that if you are bow legged, pigeon toed, etc...I placed mine toward the arch (rear) and toward the inside for best feel. Lots of bike shops are familar with these, they might be able to look at them and diagnose the problem. Good luck on this issue. Love my x-Ti's. Later.

sfricks · 06-10-2005, 08:38 AM

I use finger nail polish to "lock" the screws in place (Sally Hansen Hard As Nails in a nice pink seems to work best). Do this every time you remove/replace them. DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN THESE SCREWS. TOO MUCH TORQUE BINDS THE SPRINGS! YOU'LL NEVER GET CLIPPEN IN! Whatever you use to "lock" them should prevent them from loosening.

Dry lubes like White Lightning and Triflow are what the mfg. recommends but I prefer WD40. The spings will rust and seize over time. WD40 every other ride has kept me trouble free for many years.

Good Luck!