[Closed] Easiest spds to click out of?

Any Shimano SPD pedal is easier than a CB pedal, back off the resistance all the way too for even easier release. Choose single or multi release cleats for even easier egress

Worn cleats on egg beaters will be a soft release, I don't think you'll find easier.

Wonky knees and Egg Beaters / Candy's is something I have history with. For me (it might be different for you) the problem was the pedal bars wearing the shoe sole (shoe protectors wear too) which created an unstable contact area causing knee pain. Because it occurs over a long period it's not something you notice easily. For me it was remedied by new Shimano shoes and Shimano pedals. The swap was immediately noticeable as my contact point felt solid after the worn Crank Bros and my knee pain stopped.

I agree that Shimano are much easier to release from and also have adjustable tension. They also made "beginners" SPD's with lower tension than their standard range. Another option is to use Shimano SPD's with multi release cleats as it might change how it affects your knee.

Clip your shoes to the pedals without your feet in them and see if there's any play when rocking the shoe side to side. Also get a visual on what's going on by turning the clipped in shoe upside down and doing the above.

Go Shimano.

Flat pedals 😉

Time Atac are easy to release from and I always liked the larger platform too.

Shimano do two types of cleats: the black ones are "sport" and harder to unclip; the silver ones are "commuter/tourer" and easier to unclip.

From SJS:

Shimano SM-SH56 Multi Release Cleats allow you to disengage from the pedal by rolling or twisting your foot in any direction, it will even release with sufficiently hard upward force reducing the risk of toppling over while clipped in.

Shimano SM-SH51 Single Release Cleats are recommended for all MTB SPD pedals except PD-M858. To release the cleat you twist your heel outwards.

Is it the ease of clicking out, or the angle you need to get to, to click out that’s the issue?

I find most spd type things ok to get out of - I’d say Time (and probably crank brothers) have the biggest window of float before you click out. Shimano based systems (including stuff like Nukeproof horizons / Boardman mtb pedals and others that work on the same mechanism basis) click out quicker - so a smaller angle of release.

I haven’t had Time for quite a few years but used to love my old school atacs. Now have Nukeproof Horizons (the bigger platform version) and Boardman Mtb Pro pedals. I’d say the Nukeproofs are easier to click into and out of - but both have adjustable tension anyway.

If I were you I’d pick up the Shimano M520s and experiment with those as they’re really very cheap and they are also very durable. You could also then experiment by getting the multi release Shimano cleats and seeing which you like best. If you get on well with Shimano and fancy something lighter / fancier you could always upgrade at a later date then.

My knees are shot and I can empathise with the pain that comes from the twist required to unclip. Years ago I switched from spuds to egg beaters to get some float. Depending on what's wrong with your knees, you may find you fix one problem and make another worse.
I did prefer clipping in/out of spuds and I now ride flats on my mtb, which is something else to consider. I have kept with the eggbeaters on the road, so will be curious to hear how you get on.

Those multi-release cleats are a PITA, they release at the most inopportune moments. Probably OK for pootling around town, but any pulling on them, eg. uphill or away from stops see them yanked out of the pedals.

I toe the cleats in a bit to reduce the  un-clip angle at the expense of a bit of outward float.

What about switching to Candy's for some platform and some of the new easy release cleats?

Easiest of the lot were Speedplay Frogs, no spring tension at all. Unfortunately, they've apparently decided to discontinue them and their spare parts, which leaves people like me right royally f***ed.

Speedplay frogs. No tension/spring, and if you want you can rotate the cleat at fitting so it doesn't need much ankle turning to release. Unfortunately they've stopped making them!!

edit-beaten to it by coatsy

I loved Speedplay frogs

I find more float harder to get out of due to the larger movement needed.
I flick my heel in rather than toe out and find it easier on my knees.

Shimano Click'R pedals are designed to be easy release, much less tension than the regular SPD. They include the multi release cleats as standard.

Time ATAC for me. The kids are on SPD's: Shimano okay but the Boardman branded ones are mega easy to release from on minimum setting.