SPD Pedal Set up:
 

Tips:

1. Don’t forget to grease the cleat bolts on your shoes if installing new cleats
2. If the cleat is stuck remove the cleat bolt heads using a drill and bit



1. Remove/install pedals

The right hand side(drive side) pedal has a regular right-hand (clockwise) thread while the left hand pedal has a left-hand thread, this means it tightens in the opposite direction (anticlockwise).

2. Spring tension
installing and using your first set of clipless pedals means a fast learning curve. However the release and engagement force can be set on most pedals by adjusting the spring tension. New pedal cleats are held in the pedals much tighter than worn ones. You can increase the spring tension by turning the bolt clockwise. Turning the bolt it anti-clockwise will decrease the spring tension. Each pedal will have two spring tension screws. Make sure you adjust them all evenly.

3. Routine maintenance
Do try and clean your pedals and cleats after every dirty ride. A good tip is to spray the cleat and the pedal’s surface with an oil like WD40 (or a car damp start solution) to displace any moisture and prevent rusting after washing – Muc-off produce a specialist water dispersant that also leaves a protective non-tacky layer. Remove any mud from the pedal body and for the area around the pedal cleat. Every so often smear a light coating of grease on the pedal spring. If your cleats are rusty smear them too with a thin layer of grease. The pesky build up of rust will soon wear away and the grease will allow slicker engagement and release when using your pedals.

4. Pedal service
To service the pedal’s bearings first remove the axle from the pedal body. Shimano pedals require a plastic tool specifically designed for this purpose. It’s made of plastic to avoid any damage from over tightening. The right pedal axle unscrews clockwise and the left pedal axle unscrews anti-clockwise. Shimano’s top-end M959s require a 17mm spanner to remove the axle. The nut is quite delicate so take care not to round it or over tighten on installation.

5. Greasing your pedals
Use a degreaser to clean away the old grease. To re-grease Shimano pedals fill the pedal body with grease and replace the axle: when the axle is tightened the grease is forced through the bearings. For non Shimano designs: grease the bearings and the inside of the body before installing the axle. Remember that pedals that have cartridge bearings require a new bearing unit, but any movement in the axle can be removed by tightening the bearing race with a spanner/socket combo