Single release or multiple release mode shimano spd cleats?

Question

Hi, need some help..

just bought Shimano M970 clipless peddlals for my MTB.

They came supplied with SM-SH51 (black) cleats. These are the single release mode cleat, that will only release when your foot is twisted outward.

Are these advised for competitive off-road (cross-country) racing, or should I go for the gold multiple release mode cleat?

(... also, when attaching the cleat to the cycling shoe, should I use locktite on the bolt threads, to stop the cleat working loose??? )

Thanks!!

PF.

Answer 1

First don't use locktite, I have never had my SPD's loosen up when properly tightened.

As far as the multi vs. single release, if you are not use to cleats go with the multi. However after a while you might find that the singles more to your liking. I used multi's for a while but found I was able to pull out (release) when on a few very steep technical climbs, since I made the switch to single release the problem has gone away. If you are going to XC race or do some real tight hard single track go with the singles, for everything else the multi's should be fine.

Answer 2

Stick with the single release. I have a little drill I make my friends go through when they ask me to show them how they work. I make them put the bike on the grass and stand over it with one foot clipped in. They keep practicing kicking out till they fall over then do it with the other foot. It's proven very effective in learning how to 'disconnect' from the bike. Also, NO locktite! I simply check the bolts every couple hundred miles and tighten as necessary. Good luck.

Answer 3

Good answers up there.  I'll add that if you're new to cycling, the multi-release cleats will help you out.  Also, if you ride rocky/rough trails and have a tendency to endo, the multi-release cleats may help you bail in those situations because you can release by pulling your foot straight up.  Otherwise, if you don't instinctively twist out while you're going over, you'll do the Scorpion Man thing and have your bike landing on top of you.  

Evenly snug the cleat bolts, and let the shoes sit for a day, then evenly snug them again if necessary.  Check them after the first few rides to be sure they aren't coming loose.  After that, they should stay put.  I wouldn't use loctite, but be sure to grease them so they don't rust and get stuck in the shoe.