I recently installed some Ultegra pedals on my road bike. I have the least amount of tension on them yet it is still very difficult to clip out of them, mostly on the left which is the foot I always clip out of first. When I spoke with my LBS he said that overtime the cleats would wear down and things would get easier.
Well today I had a few close calls as I had to hammer like hell through a yellow traffic light because after 3 or 4 tries I couldn’t get clipped out and therefore couldn’t stop in time.
Any suggestions on how to fix this problem (it was a little scary out there not being able to clip out like I’m use to). Can I file the cleats down? Grease’m, anything?
I have the Dura Ace version of the SPD-SL and have never had a problem clipping out. If it is that difficult with your pedals - then the pedals may be defective and should be replaced. As it is - they sound dangerous and you may want to avoid using them until you get the situation sorted out.
I bought the Ultegras about 2 months ago and have them on the factory setting (mid resistance I think) and they’re fairly easy to exit. I would agree that if you have them on the minimum setting and still having difficulty they might be defective and need to be exchanged. BTW, I love these pedals!
TTG, I use a wax on my pedals to ensure easy clipping in and out. I think it’s called ice wax, and it’s a runny gel consistency. buy it, usually about 5 bucks or so, and smear a little on your pedal and cleats (just a thin thin coat) and see if that helps you…I know it helps me a great deal, and I can hardly clip in without it.
good luck! (and please don’t get yourself hit by a car!!!)
I’ve got Ultegras on both of my bikes. The both were a little hard to get out of the first few times I rode with them. The springs seem to ease up quite a bit after a few rides. They are great pedals, so don’t give up on them… just use them! If you need to, sit at home and clip-in, clip-out one hundred times to break them in.