General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Clicking in my shoes just isn't clicking Rss Feed  
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2013-03-24 6:06 PM

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Subject: Clicking in my shoes just isn't clicking
I started with clipless pedals at the end of last summer.  Every time I jump onto my bike, my foot is fumbling around, trying to find the "click".  I get it after a few tries but I'd sure like to get it faster.  Is there a trick to it?  It's mostly the right foot, when the pedal is down at the bottom.  I get the left foot pretty quick.


2013-03-24 6:21 PM
in reply to: #4672582

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Subject: RE: Clicking in my shoes just isn't clicking

Just keep practicing.

Although, if after a week or two there is no improvement, it is possible that the problem cleat is not properly adjusted. 

2013-03-24 6:46 PM
in reply to: #4672582

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Subject: RE: Clicking in my shoes just isn't clicking
you can lower the tension required to enter / exit. When I first got my SPD's the tension was set pretty high.
2013-03-24 8:30 PM
in reply to: #4672582

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Subject: RE: Clicking in my shoes just isn't clicking
It's not that it won't click in, it's just that I don't get my foot placed the right way for it to click in.  
2013-03-24 8:32 PM
in reply to: #4672582

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Subject: RE: Clicking in my shoes just isn't clicking
Have you replaced your cleats since last year? Once worn they can get really hard to clip in and out.
2013-03-24 8:44 PM
in reply to: #4672582

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Subject: RE: Clicking in my shoes just isn't clicking
I use to have that problem but it was only my left foot for some reason. Now I just hop on and it comes natural. You will get it. I find I still miss some times with my left and I just peddle a little I try to refind the peddle.


2013-03-24 9:08 PM
in reply to: #4672582

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Subject: RE: Clicking in my shoes just isn't clicking

Has it ever been easy to clip in?

If not try to clip shoe into pedals by hand holding the shoe and see if you can get it in smoothly.

If you can get it in easily when not on the bike then it is a skill issue. Do you have a trainer? If so try clipping in and out on trainer. If you don't have a trainer put bike in hall hold walls and practice or have a friend help hold you up trying to clip in and out.

Much easier to use trainer as you don't have to worry about balance.

2013-03-25 3:15 PM
in reply to: #4672776

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Subject: RE: Clicking in my shoes just isn't clicking
KathyG - 2013-03-24 9:08 PM

Has it ever been easy to clip in?

If not try to clip shoe into pedals by hand holding the shoe and see if you can get it in smoothly.

If you can get it in easily when not on the bike then it is a skill issue. Do you have a trainer? If so try clipping in and out on trainer. If you don't have a trainer put bike in hall hold walls and practice or have a friend help hold you up trying to clip in and out.

Much easier to use trainer as you don't have to worry about balance.

Yes, it's a skill issue.  On the trainer or on the street, I can't seem to find the sweet spot easily.  I have the pedal all the way to the bottom.  Is that what most do?

2013-03-25 3:54 PM
in reply to: #4672582

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Subject: RE: Clicking in my shoes just isn't clicking
Might try putting a drop of chain lube on your cleat - it might help things "slide in" easier. I'm sure someone will chime in and say that's a horrible idea for some reason or another but my bike shop recommends it (for my Speedplays anyway)...
2013-03-25 4:05 PM
in reply to: #4673916

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Subject: RE: Clicking in my shoes just isn't clicking

  I have the pedal all the way to the bottom.  Is that what most do?

I usually have the pedal near the 3 o'clock position when I'm trying to clip in. If I were you I'd try experimenting with different spots to see if one clicks for you.

Also, if you're on the trainer, don't be afraid to take a look down at what your doingwhile clipping in. Then you'll be better able to visualize what you need when you're on the road.

2013-03-26 6:58 AM
in reply to: #4673972

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Subject: RE: Clicking in my shoes just isn't clicking

lisac957 - 2013-03-25 3:54 PM Might try putting a drop of chain lube on your cleat - it might help things "slide in" easier. I'm sure someone will chime in and say that's a horrible idea for some reason or another but my bike shop recommends it (for my Speedplays anyway)...

A great idea (for speedplays) and if you do not have speed plays I would say tri them out you will never go back. I have ridden Look pedals since the 80's (yes I'm older thank you) and switch to speedplays and have never looked back...

(some pun intended)



2013-03-26 11:18 AM
in reply to: #4672582

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Subject: RE: Clicking in my shoes just isn't clicking

It's mostly the right foot, when the pedal is down at the bottom.  I get the left foot pretty quick.

I think I might be a little confused.  Are you clipping in after a "flying" type mount or from a stop at a stop sign or light?  If you are clipping in after a stop, you should have one foot already clipped in.  For example, I always unclip my left foot at a stop sign and put it on the ground.  My right foot stays clipped in.  I then rotate my right foot to about the 1 o'clock position and push down to start rolling.  When the left pedal comes to the top, I clip in my left foot.  Same thing at the start of a ride.  Throw your leg over the bike, clip in the right foot (in my case), rotate to 1:00, push down to start rolling, clip in left at top.

2013-03-26 1:27 PM
in reply to: #4672582

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Subject: RE: Clicking in my shoes just isn't clicking
Maybe ask Dorothy for some help in shoe clicking???  Laughing
2013-03-26 3:07 PM
in reply to: #4674974

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Subject: RE: Clicking in my shoes just isn't clicking
mobey - 2013-03-26 11:18 AM

It's mostly the right foot, when the pedal is down at the bottom.  I get the left foot pretty quick.

I think I might be a little confused.  Are you clipping in after a "flying" type mount or from a stop at a stop sign or light?  If you are clipping in after a stop, you should have one foot already clipped in.  For example, I always unclip my left foot at a stop sign and put it on the ground.  My right foot stays clipped in.  I then rotate my right foot to about the 1 o'clock position and push down to start rolling.  When the left pedal comes to the top, I clip in my left foot.  Same thing at the start of a ride.  Throw your leg over the bike, clip in the right foot (in my case), rotate to 1:00, push down to start rolling, clip in left at top.

I'm coming off of my run and starting on the bike.  No "flying" start. It's the "throw the leg over the bike and clip the right foot in" that I have trouble with.  I just can't seem to find it quickly.

2013-03-26 3:11 PM
in reply to: #4675246

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Subject: RE: Clicking in my shoes just isn't clicking

ejshowers - 2013-03-26 2:27 PM Maybe ask Dorothy for some help in shoe clicking???  Laughing

I was gonna post something like that

2013-03-27 6:09 AM
in reply to: #4673986

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Subject: RE: Clicking in my shoes just isn't clicking
Michael H - 2013-03-25 4:05 PM

  I have the pedal all the way to the bottom.  Is that what most do?

...don't be afraid to take a look down at what your doing while clipping in.

I think this and practice will be all you need... maybe "slow down" and save some time by getting it clip in the 1st time...

I put mine at the bottom so I have something to push aginst...



2013-03-27 11:25 AM
in reply to: #4675476

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Subject: RE: Clicking in my shoes just isn't clicking

I'm coming off of my run and starting on the bike.  No "flying" start. It's the "throw the leg over the bike and clip the right foot in" that I have trouble with.  I just can't seem to find it quickly.

 

OK.  This is going to sound like a silly question, but when you stop pedaling and coast on your bike which foot is generally in front?  For me, it is always my right foot.  That is what mountain bikers call the "vanilla foot'.  It's the foot you clip in first, the foot you have in front when going over trail obstacles, and the foot you push down with when attempting a wheelie.

If it is your left foot, I'd recommend clipping it in first (at the 6:00 position on the crank), rotate it up to 1:00 push off, and click the right foot in at 12:00.

If it is your right foot, then reverse the above directions.  Either way a little patience and practice should get you there.



Edited by mobey 2013-03-27 11:26 AM
2013-03-28 6:33 AM
in reply to: #4672582

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Subject: RE: Clicking in my shoes just isn't clicking
Not that this helps, but I have the same type of pedals on my tri and road bike.  I have a much easier time clipping in on my tri bike compared to the road bike.  I don't know if this is related to different seat positions or different tolerances on the pedals.  Getting new cleats didn't seem to make a difference.
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Clicking in my shoes just isn't clicking Rss Feed