[centurionomega]

I have a question about my Shimano SPD (2 bolt-type cleats). Do they become harder to clip out of as they become worn out? I had a slight fright at a stop light the other day. I kicked my foot out, but the cleat didn't disengage. Luckily, I was still moving a little bit so I didn't keel over in front of everybody. I gave it a second try and it disengaged. I tried another pair of shoes that I have with newer cleats on the same pedals, and it does not seem bad at all. Just wondering if it is time to replace.

 

[Mootsie]

It could be a few reasons. Dirt, debris and lack of lubrication would top my list for the failure.

 

[lawrence]

Was they become worn, they become easier to disengage and start coming out when you don't want them to. Try loosening the adjustment screw, turn it to the left all the way, that will loosen it and make it easier to clip in.

 

[cyclust]

You might also try reversing the cleats also. The cleats often wear on one side of the cleat and swapping the left for the right will often get more life from them.

 

[wim]

Correct observation.

Although you hear and read the opposite all the time, many cleats (SPDs included) make it harder to clip out as they wear. Some sort of protrusion pushes against the spring force of the locking mechanism when rotating your foot sideways. When these protrusions wear down, the locking mechanism opens less, making it harder to get your foot out of the pedal. If the protrusion wears down completely or breaks off, you're in the pedal for good and have to clip out the other foot to keep from falling at a stop.

 

[rogerstg]

It could be a few reasons. Dirt, debris and lack of lubrication would top my list for the failure.

+1 - That stuff happens way before cleat wear.
Also, most SPD shoes have two sets of attachment points for the cleats, and the unused set often has an allen screw insert to keep dirt out. I've seen several of these back out, effectively blocking the shoe/cleat from turning.

 

[lawrence]

That makes sense. I was the one who posted it became easier. I don't use SPDs but I have in the past. I use Crank Brothers and those cleats as they wear make it easier to get in and out and I thought it was the same. CB MTB cleats aren't bad to clip in when new but the road shoe cleats are terrible to click in when they are new.

 

[wim]

That makes sense. I was the one who posted it became easier. I don't use SPDs but I have in the past. I use Crank Brothers and those cleats as they wear make it easier to get in and out and I thought it was the same. CB MTB cleats aren't bad to clip in when new but the road shoe cleats are terrible to click in when they are new.

Well, if you were thinking about unintentionally and suddenly coming out of the pedal by too much straight upward force, you were right. Seriously worn cleats can allow the front- and/or rear of the cleat to jump their hold-downs.

 

[centurionomega]

Thanks for all of the great advice. There is not a lot of dirt and grime on the pedals because this is on my commuter bicycle, so I am pretty sure that's not it. I think I will try swapping sides instead of replacing for now and see if that makes an improvement. RBR posters are the best!