Congratulations on your new pair of cleats from Positz! Cleats are an essential component of your cycling setup, providing a secure connection between your cycling shoes and the pedals. However, occasionally you may encounter a frustrating situation where your new cleats don’t seem to fit your pedals properly. In this guide, we will explore one possible reason for this problem: worn-out pedals. We’ll explain why worn-out pedals might reject new cleats and provide some suggestions for resolving the compatibility issue. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Cleat-Pedal Compatibility: Before we discuss the specific issue of worn-out pedals rejecting new cleats, it’s important to understand the concept of cleat-pedal compatibility. Cleats and pedals are designed to fit together based on specific standards and systems. Different manufacturers may have their own proprietary systems, but the most common ones include Shimano’s SPD-SL, Look Keo and Look Delta.

Worn-Out Pedals and Cleat Compatibility: When you purchase new cleats, they are designed to fit perfectly into pedals that are in good condition and within the recommended specifications for the chosen cleat system. However, if your pedals have become worn out over time, they may not accept new cleats as securely or comfortably as they did when they were new.

Reasons for Incompatibility:

1. Cleat Engagement Issues: Worn-out pedals may have diminished engagement mechanisms, resulting in reduced contact points with the cleats. This can make it challenging to achieve a solid connection between the shoe and the pedal.
2. Cleat Retention: Pedals with worn-out retention systems, such as worn springs or weakened clamping mechanisms, might struggle to hold new cleats securely in place. This can lead to unintended cleat disengagement while riding.
3. Cleat Alignment: As pedals wear down, their contact surfaces may become uneven or misaligned. This can affect the alignment of the cleats, making it difficult to achieve a proper and comfortable foot position on the pedals.
4. Proprietary systems: Positz cleats are designed to be compatible with a wide range of pedal systems, including many popular brands. However, it’s important to note that not all cleats are universally compatible with every pedal on the market. For example the design of the Favero Assioma pedals are a known issue and there may be compatibility issues with Positz cleats. Therefore, it is recommended to use the cleats specifically designed and provided by Favero for their pedals to ensure a perfect fit and proper functionality. 

Solutions and Recommendations:

If you encounter the issue of new cleats not fitting properly into worn-out pedals, here are some suggestions to address the problem:

1. Pedal Replacement: Consider replacing your worn-out pedals with new ones that match the cleat system you’re using. This is often the most reliable and efficient solution, ensuring optimal compatibility and performance.
2. Pedal Maintenance: If replacing the pedals is not feasible, you can try performing some basic maintenance on your existing pedals. Cleaning and lubricating the pedal mechanism might help improve engagement and retention. However, keep in mind that this might only offer a temporary solution.
3. Seek Professional Assistance: If you’re unsure about the condition of your pedals or you want expert advice, visit a local bike shop or consult a professional bike mechanic. They can assess your pedals and offer guidance on potential solutions or suggest suitable replacements.

Conclusion:

While it can be frustrating to discover that your new cleats don’t fit your pedals as expected, compatibility issues can arise when using worn-out pedals. By understanding the reasons behind this problem and following the suggestions provided, you can resolve the issue and ensure a secure and comfortable connection between your cycling shoes and pedals. Remember, investing in well-maintained pedals and compatible cleats is crucial for an optimal cycling experience. Happy riding!