I use Look A3.1 pedals and the red cleats. My cleats are fairly new, lightly worn, and I always use cleat covers when walking. The pedals are in good shape, clean, and everything seems to be working correctly. Lately, however, I've had trouble getting the right cleat to clip in when I begin pedaling. I have to press down harder than I'm used to, to get the cleat to click into the pedal. The spring release tension seems fine when I move the pedal clip with my hand.
Any suggestions?
Check the cleat/shoe interface. If the shoe has too much curvature, the cleat will have problems disengaging. Sometimes it's necessary to remove material from the bottom of the cleat (the part that pushes against the shoe) so it fits flatter. You shouldn't see the cleat deforming (conforming to the shape of the shoe) as you tighten the 3 mounting screws.
That doesn't appear to be a problem. The shoes are Look-specific, so their curvature exactly fits the cleat.
I wouldn't bet on that. I once had a pair of shoes that were drilled for Look and rat-trap cleats only, but had a curve that bent the Look cleat into an unusable condition. Took a little while. At first the cleat was tight enough, though not touching the sole at both ends. Over time the cleat bent to match the sole and woud no long work. This was about 8 years ago with a shoe bearing a big swoopy "S" shaped logo on the side.
Anyway, might not be your problem but it certainly can be a problem
That doesn't appear to be a problem. The shoes are Look-specific, so their curvature exactly fits the cleat.
It's a LOOK-branded shoe, or just has the holes in the right places? Lots of Look-compatible shoes (holes in the right places) that don't fit the cleats very well. But if you can match the curvature of the (unbolted) cleat up perfectly to the shoe, that shouldn't be a problem.
