Creaking Look Cleats

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Aztec
In another thread, we were discussing the lower stack height of Speedplay and SPDs. I looked at Time Impacts this weekend, too, which seem to be about as low as Speedplay.

Anyway, I have another reason to ditch my Look 357s now... I canNOT get them to stop creaking. I rode in the rain a few weeks ago, and shortly thereafter the creaking began. First one side, then the other a hundred or so miles later.

I have tried tightening the cleats and plate. I sprayed WD40 on the whole shot, tried Tri-Flo silicone, and then eventually Pedro's Ice Wax. Not one of these methods lasts for more than a few hours, at best. When lubing, I've made sure I've hit all the contact points, and then some. Huh, what gives? Are there any solutions? My first pair of Look pedals, circa 1984, went untold thousands of miles with never so much as a peep...

The fixes you mention are usually the answer.But, if the cleat bolt heads are contacting the pedal surface,only new cleats are the answer. Got many look peadls and none squeek if I use a bit of armorall or somethng else on the cleat.

Since you mentioned Speedplay again, Aztec, might as well toss out there that Speedplays are consistently quiet. I've never heard a peep from either the X3s or Zeros I've used, and never heard anyone else complain about theirs' talking.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by lokstah
Since you mentioned Speedplay again, Aztec, might as well toss out there that Speedplays are consistently quiet. I've never heard a peep from either the X3s or Zeros I've used, and never heard anyone else complain about theirs' talking.

If you like pedalling on a walnut.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by DesertRider
If you like pedaling on a walnut.

Ouch!

:eek:

The Speedplay platform is pretty darn big -- anyone who's ever walked down a flight of stairs on Speedplay cleats knows that.

Lokstah -- My concern over the s-plays is the narrowness. I hate a wobbly foot (the zeroes definitely the ones I'd choose), and after reading some reviews and talking to a friend who tried them, they may not be for me for that reason. I dig the concept in every other way, though.

The added benefit is that they are nice for the track. I'd only need one pair of shoes! I'm way nervous about running Looks on the track. Too easy to pull out. Plus, mine are STILL NOISY!!!

Hmmm... wobbliness, huh? What have you heard? I haven't experienced any wobble issues myself. Aside from all the float, they're rock stable.

I've read a few complaints about the Zeros, actually, developing a "roll" characteristic over time; although I've never heard of the X-series doing that. Then again, like I said, I've used both and had no problems with either. If my Zeros start acting funny, or if any of my co-workers/friends start having stability problems with theirs, I'll share it.

Either way, narrowness isn't an issue in my book, as the pedal unit fits pretty firmly into the cleat which is a very large and rigid platform. But hey, what about Shimanos? Sounds like you're eager to try something non-Look no matter what; if Speedplays worry you, than why not go for the latest Ultegra or Dura Ace SPD incarnation?

Probably not a bad idea. Or the Time Impacts. All are silly pricey just the same.

I got most of my review info from roadbikereview.com, but a friend at work tried out a new set (can't tell you whether X or Zero) and said his foot wobbled/canted/rolled or however you want to explain it. I talked to a shop that carries them (as well as several other brands) and he mentioned that some people get that as well. Hmmmph. Some?