if(typeof ez_ad_units != ‘undefined’){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],’cxmagazine_com-box-3′,’ezslot_5′,136,’0′,’0′])};__ez_fad_position(‘ div-gpt-ad-cxmagazine_com-box-3-0′); If you ran a full cyclocross season last year or can’t remember the last time you held a hex wrench and cycling shoes at the same time, it might be a good time to consider replacing your clipless pedal clips.
Your two-bolt mountain bike studs have probably suffered from all the dismounts, remounts and run-ups because they are vital to a confident and safe ride and whether you race trails or not, new studs are Best A good $20 or so to spend on bike repairs.
Worn cleats can cause unintentional release, whether you’re running with a buddy or using body language to get over or jump over obstacles. Both are doomed to fail at best, and fail at worst.
A few years ago we wrote a short article on the subject, offering tips on how to replace stubborn studs before the spring cycling season begins. Why spring? Spring is the perfect time to replace two-bolt studs. Not only can your spikes wear out during the off-road season, but this time of year, many of us often split our time between the different bikes in our quiver, be it a winter bike, mountain bike, commuter bike, or off-road bike. -road/gravel bikes. There is nothing more confusing than jumping from one bike to another with different pedal spring tension or release points on each bike. Replacing new studs with old studs or riding a bike for the last time with new studs can lead to a bad mood or depression.
Also, if you live in a cold climate and have spent the winter driving on two wheels, chances are your studs have soaked up more than your daily allowance of salt, which can lead to rust and corrosion. This is great for creating orange tracks, but not great for removing spikes easily. if(typeof ez_ad_units != ‘undefined’){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],’cxmagazine_com-medrectangle-3′,’ezslot_3′,112 ,’0′,’0′])};__ez_fad_position(‘div- gpt-ad-cxmagazine_com-medrectangle-3-0′);
So, assuming your shoes don’t need replacing either, grab these sneakers and see where the sun hasn’t hit them. Do the bolts look like this?
Spring is the perfect time to inspect, loosen, and replace worn mountain bike studs and bolts. Tips for removing cleat bolts stuck on SPD or other mountain bike pedals. © Motocross Magazine
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Obviously those spikes are long gone, but the bolts are all we need. Do you see a hex wrench? Is it like a hexagon? This determines the complexity of the task.
If the holes are not only full of dirt, but they don’t look like Allen’s keyholes at all, and your shoes are in tatters, consider whether it’s worth your time and money before embarking on your next four-bolt adventure.
“Do you see the head of the hex key? Does it look like a hexagon? This determines the complexity of the task.
However, despite our society’s tendency to throw away, there’s always a way to breathe new life into your shoes with new boots if you’re willing. In the slideshow below, we’ve prioritized steps to try and remove those hard-to-remove Shimano SPD (or CrankBrothers, Time, Look, Xpedo, Issi, Speedplay, etc.) cleats.
But first, some preparatory work is required. If you have a new pair of cleats ready to be replaced when you take out your old cleats and you are happy with where the cleats are, grab a marker and a ruler to mark the current cleats position. Draw a horizontal line on the sole on both sides of the cleat, crossing the heads of the two bolts, and a vertical line representing the center line of the cleat. This makes it easier to choose the next set of studs (although your shoe soles may have indentations to help you navigate).
Marking the position of the stud before removing it will help pinpoint where the stud needs to be replaced. Tips for removing cleat bolts stuck on SPD or other mountain bike pedals. © Motocross Magazine
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It sounds obvious, but if you can’t get the hex key into the hole, you won’t be able to loosen the bolt. So, assuming that the dirt from the previous ride or last season is still stuck to the next ride, the first step is to remove the dirt. My favorite tool is a flat head screwdriver. It is thin and sharp and effectively removes accumulated dirt on the edges and corners of the hex hole.
A spectacle screwdriver is a great tool for cleaning the hex heads of spiked bolts. Tips for removing cleat bolts stuck on SPD or other mountain bike pedals. © Motocross Magazine
Is there such a person nearby? The tip of your smallest hex wrench or bottle opener can help in a pinch. Before continuing, scrape off any dirt. Do not cut corners, as this will lead to unwanted rounding later.
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