Cleats on Clipless ?

[bjsullivan1]

Ok, I finally bought myself some inexpensive MTB cycling shoes. ( For years I used those clips with the nylon strap) After all the reading I have done, including the forums here, It's generally expected to fall the first time out.
Sure enough I went down twice. Overall I think I'm going to like them though. My questions is this. Do the cleats on the shoes wear out ? It seems like with all the clipping and unclipping they might wear down over time. Does anyone ever lube the pedals a bit? Metal on Metal? Just curious.
Thanks.

[Jisch]

Yes they will wear out. I only have experience with Shimanos, but find that they last quite a while. I typically get a year or more out of a set. When they get worn down, they release easily regardless of how tight you have the pedals set.

You can oil the pedals to ensure they move smoothly, however oiling the point of contact between the pedals and cleats will probably not do much to lengthen the lifespan of the cleats. In fact it would probably just cause dirt to accumulate and they might wear faster.

Clipless is definitely a good step up, enjoy it. It will only be 3 or 4 rides until you are completely used to the motion required to get them to release. If you practice releasing and clicking in over and over while holding onto something, you can reduce the learning curve. You must have friends along for the first few rides, there's is perhaps nothing funnier than someone doing a slow speed fall, landing while still clipped in. Even the "stuck like a fish" squirm on the ground while trying to unclip is pretty hilarious.

Have fun!
John

[PutAwayWet]

Congrats on going to cllipless! I use Crank Bros Eggbeaters. The cleats are brass so that they wear out, rather than the pedals themselves wearing out. I got about 1000 miles on my first set of cleats. A trick for those new to clipless: spray your cleats with teflon lube before going out. This will help the cleats release easier. After a couple of rides, you won't need to do it anymore...it just makes the learning curve that much more gradual. Hope you enjoy!

[kernel crash]

I also find that they last a long time. Not a problem. Avoid making the cleat too hard to release. In an unexpected endo, you want the shoe to let go to avoid injury. Once you get used to them you'll never go back. Actually those straps dangling under the pedals as you try to get back in is probably more dangereous then any clipless system.

[Quo Fan]

Loosen the tension on your pedals while you are learning to use the pedals and gradually tighten them as you get better. It is better to release early, than late.