Cleat Question

Jotjepoes said:

he wearing down is only on one side, ie on the foot where I clip in and out, and then only at the toe side of the cleat and more on the outside. Is this from clipping in and out? I also push off when mounting, is this the cause of the wear? I'm finding I try to do a bit more pushing off as I don't always get to clip in the first time around (getting used to only clipping on one side of the pedal).

I guess I'll have to get replacement cleats. Is it correct that if I get a pair, I can use them both for the side that gets worn? I looked on probikekit and they have two types of cleats:

- "look keo cleats" with replacement with "New tough teflon compound for better wear" (but only in black - so I'd need to get used to this)
- "look keo grip replacement cleats" with TPU to reduce slipping when walking.

Does anyone know which would be longer wearing in my case?

Yes, you're probably wearing down one cleat because that's the foot you put down when you stop and push off from when you start. It's no big deal but learning to use either foot will be good for safety and slightly longer cleat wear.

You can also rotate cleats like you'd rotate tires on your car.

Also, remember that wear on the bottom of the cleat isn't a problem until the lugs get so thin they become flimsy or the center becomes so thin that the pedal isn't clamping firmly on the lugs anymore.

As for the teflon inserts on the lugs, they're mainly for easier insertion and exit with the pedal. They will wear out eventually, from normal use, not walking.

As to which will last longer, the standard cleats or the ones with the TPU inserts, I think you're going to have to be the guinea pig on this one. If it were my choice, I'd choose the new ones. Anything that might keep me from sliding down the stairs on my ass is a winner.

oldbobcat said:

As to which will last longer, the standard cleats or the ones with the TPU inserts, I think you're going to have to be the guinea pig on this one. If it were my choice, I'd choose the new ones. Anything that might keep me from sliding down the stairs on my ass is a winner.

Agreed. 😄

As for longevity, try coming down off the saddle when you come to a stop so your heel can be the first to hit the ground (provided your shoes have a nice heel pad). Pick up a pair of the rubber cleat covers for the Keos, and only ever walk in them with the covers on.

I do both these things, carrying the cleat covers in my jersey pocket, and my cleats last forever. Well, ok, not forever, obviously, but cleat wear is never really a concern as I do not replace cleats very often at all.

Rotating your cleats is a good idea if you are consistently coming down on one side.

Thanks for the tips! I've swapped them around already and hopefully the other side will wear a bit longer with your tips.

cheers🙂