I've been riding platforms but recently tried a set of M520 SPD clipless pedals for the first time. I like the full range of power but I'm getting some side-to-side play in my footing.

My platforms (specialized lo-mag) and shoes had really sticky contact and my foot would not move side to side. But with the clipless, I'm getting a lot of lateral movement. I set the tension to the max and still get some side to side movement.

Is this normal?

I'm considering upgrading to M647 which have a platform cage around the clips.

Normally you will had some "play" in your pedal. But after a few hours of riding that will be normal.

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Why set your tension to max? If you get some dirt in the cleats you might not be getting out.

Set your tension so you stay clipped in 99% of the time for your normal riding conditions. If you find you are unclipping, bump up the tension just a bit. Be careful too, the tension screw strips easily.

The 520 is great pedal. I have 3 sets of them.

That 'play' is called float and keeps your knees in one piece.

 

That is normal. You won't notice it once you are used to them.
Early clipless pedals had no float and had a reputation for being hard on the knees.
If they weren't setup perfectly they would stress the knee joint. I have a set of the old ones hanging around and they feel very strange now, being locked in so tight.

 

I've been riding platforms but recently tried a set of M520 SPD clipless pedals for the first time. I like the full range of power but I'm getting some side-to-side play in my footing.

My platforms (specialized lo-mag) and shoes had really sticky contact and my foot would not move side to side. But with the clipless, I'm getting a lot of lateral movement. I set the tension to the max and still get some side to side movement.

Is this normal?

I'm considering upgrading to M647 which have a platform cage around the clips.

Your M520's will be bombproof! What type of shoes are you wearing? The stiffer the last the better. You will almost feel like you are on a platform. But if you really want the M647 type, then I would go with the M545's instead. They are the same pedal with an aluminum cage. The 647's have a resin cage that is prone to break. I have had a pair of 545's for close to 15 years with zero problems or rebuilds.

 

I bought a pair of cannondales that have more focus on comfort than stiffness. It felt the most comfortable for me, and seems to have a pretty stiff bottom.

I did have one question though. Currently my cleats are out about the same level as the rubber sole. I can feel and hear them clanking when walking around. I thought mtb shoes have the cleats a bit more tucked, especially the comfort focused ones. ??

 

Thanks for the responses!

I took a nice long ride on the M520s today and it feels a bit more comfortable now. But on the tight switchbacks, I do feel like I have more confidence with platforms. I'm sure I get around this within time though. I'm still considering the M647s though. There seems to be a lot of good feedback on those...

 

I run the same pedals. Shoes make a huge difference. I started with some lower end Specialized shoes, and recently picked up some Shimano shoes, and the sole is much stiffer. Feels completely different on the pedal now. So much more control. I feel like there is more power being put down to the pedal also.