The frugality theme was not intentional but I might as well finish out the week. Oh the stories I could tell …
A few days before 70.3 New Orleans I was doing a comfortably hard ride out on the trace. I was starting to pick up the pace and really drive a big gear and it happened. During the down stroke with my left leg my shoe unclipped. I did not think much about it. I was starting to push really hard and maybe I twisted my foot a little bit. This was not a big concern.
But it happened again.
Well, I thought about why they were ejecting. It was only the left leg and only on full power. Why just the left side? It so happens that I always unclip from the left side when stopping or slowing down. Granted, most of my riding is not in heavy traffic with stop signs or stop lights but I would guess that I have unclipped the left pedal at least at a 10 to 1 ratio to the right side. I examined the cleats and the right side had much less wear.
I took notice of the orientation of the cleats and swapped them left for right. I took the bike for a brief yet hard test ride and there was not any additional play. Problem solved. I don’t know how much more mileage you can get out of flipping your cleats but I would guess that it could be significant – depending on wear.
Since then I have replaced my cleats. Cleats are cheap – at least my off-brand Look compatible cleats are cheap. Actually the price of replacement cleats was a consideration in selecting the pedals that I ride.
I went to check bike prices yesterday --- ya bad idea [well until I sell my car or house!].
ReplyDeleteWOW.
Sorry for two comments but ...... After reading your comment about attitudes .... I had to.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right!!!!
Thank you for the comment. Simple. sometimes the simple ones are the hardest but always worth the extra effort. :)
I unclip on my left all the time, as well. Once I start to slip out, I'll look at flippin mine, as well.
ReplyDelete