Help! Suddenly Can't Clip Out

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2009-07-11 7:13 AM

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Subject: Help! Suddenly Can't Clip Out
I never seemed to have a problem adjusting to my look pedals which came used with my used bike years ago.  I've just started riding again so I haven't worn them out but I'm sure the guy before me might have. I could get clipped out easily after only a mile or two.  But after say 10 more, I had a lot of trouble getting unclipped.  Yesterday it was after a mile.  I also fell over the other day and thought I would automatically unclipp but it took a bit lying on the ground to detach myself from the bike.  My husband suggested I look to make sure the cleat was tight enough on the shoe and it doesn't look like it's moving around?

What is going on?  Are the pedals worn out?  Since I haven't always had trouble, I don't think they are too tight? 

2009-07-11 7:15 AM
in reply to: #2277818

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Champion
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Henderson NV
Subject: RE: Help! Suddenly Can't Clip Out

No expert on pedals, but it seems that they could be dirty.  A good cleaning and a light oil maybe.

2009-07-11 7:57 AM
in reply to: #2277818

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Master
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Subject: RE: Help! Suddenly Can't Clip Out
I don't know if Looks are similar to Speedplays, but putting some lube on my Speedplays helped a lot.  The LBS also shot something (some kind of fluid) into them to get rid of all the grease and scum that built up on the inside. 
2009-07-11 7:59 AM
in reply to: #2277818

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Subject: RE: Help! Suddenly Can't Clip Out
Anyone know how to find instructions on how to clean them?
2009-07-11 7:59 AM
in reply to: #2277818

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Subject: RE: Help! Suddenly Can't Clip Out
Anyone know how to find instructions on how to clean them?
2009-07-11 9:06 AM
in reply to: #2277818

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Science Nerd
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Redwood City, California
Subject: RE: Help! Suddenly Can't Clip Out
Make sure that the screws on the cleat are tight into the shoe - if they get loose they can twist and it can be much harder to unclip.  I had to take the shoe off once when my cleat was too loose.

In addition, make sure your cleats are not too worn out.  Look cleats have wear indicators on the bottom.  If any of them are showing, you need to replace the cleats.  If they start to get worn out, it can be much harder.  Lots of bike stores will carry replacement cleats.

2009-07-11 9:12 AM
in reply to: #2277818

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Science Nerd
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Subject: RE: Help! Suddenly Can't Clip Out
Here's what I'm taking about with the wear indicators on the cleat:

cleat

See the 4 small holes (two on the top and two on the bottom)?  If the plastic is worn down to any of those holes, it's time to get new cleats.  I've replaced mine a little before that just because it was so hard to get in and out. 

Hope that helps!
2009-07-11 9:14 AM
in reply to: #2277818

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Pro
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Subject: RE: Help! Suddenly Can't Clip Out
How old are your cleats? It might be time to replace them.
2009-07-11 9:16 AM
in reply to: #2277818

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Subject: RE: Help! Suddenly Can't Clip Out
Ok the wear indicators are long gone on one of the shoes. I feel pretty stupid.  Thanks Embarassed
2009-07-11 9:24 AM
in reply to: #2277986

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Science Nerd
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Subject: RE: Help! Suddenly Can't Clip Out
camprunner - 2009-07-11 10:16 AM Ok the wear indicators are long gone on one of the shoes. I feel pretty stupid.  Thanks Embarassed


Don't!  It's an easy thing to overlook. 
2009-07-12 5:49 PM
in reply to: #2277986

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Master
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Subject: RE: Help! Suddenly Can't Clip Out
camprunner - 2009-07-11 10:16 AM Ok the wear indicators are long gone on one of the shoes. I feel pretty stupid. Thanks Embarassed
\

Don't feel bad.  I've ridden over 15k miles in past 3+ years - mostly on Look pedals.  Very attentive to my bikes, inc. regularly checking those pedals (clean/lube) & cleats.  Recently noticed my last cleats worn down beyond those wear indicators, but foolishly put off installing new ones.  Last week while on an easy recovery ride I heard a crack  & my foot slipped out.  I had snapped off the forward (toe) lip of my worn cleat.  VERY lucky I wasn't on a hard climb or sprint or my laziness could have caused a nasty crash. 




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