How To Use Clipless Pedals

The history of Clipless Pedals, and the technology used with them - can be traced back to ski binds. Ridden to victory in the Tour de France in 1985, Clipless Pedals have been used by professional riders, as well as recreational riders ever since.

The first thing to understand about Clipless Pedals, is that they are not actually Clipless. Clipless Pedals actually clip in. Clipless Pedals have a cleat on the bottom of the cycling shoe, which then clips into the pedals of the bike. Clipless Pedals are called clipless, because they do not have toe clips or straps that some riders use.

Using clipless pedals really is personal preference, some riders report an increase in pedalling efficiency, although some studies have shown that increases in pedalling efficiency is a marginal. There are however more definite and more obvious benefits to using clipless pedals. Clipless pedals are really effective in preventing feet from sliding around on the pedals - which is really important, especially for those riding in poor weather conditions, or MTB or gravel riders which ride across off road terrain. Clipless pedals also provide more comfort - with your foot being held in the correct position on the pedal.

If you are trying clipless pedals for the first time, it can be an intimidating experience but the benefits are more than worthwhile.

Benefits Of Clipless Pedals

Clipless Pedals keep your feet in place, meaning it’s easier to get into a good pedalling Cadence across different road and off road conditions.
It’s thought and reported that using clipless pedals improves the efficiency of your pedalling stroke, meaning that every pedal stroke gets you further, faster.
Modern Clipless Pedals have improved in design, meaning they are more comfortable to use than ever before - meaning that your feet can float, preventing knee pain and problems.
Clipless Pedals really help when hopping over obstacles such as logs and rocks.
Clipless pedals are easy to release your feet from quickly, with a simple twisting motion - meaning you can get your foot down in quick time, if required.
Clipless Pedals are light - meaning they are a good choice for those wanting to save weight on theire MTB setup. They also look cool!

How To Set Up MTB Clipless Pedals

Mountain Bike Cleats can be set up in three different directions. These directions are fore and aft, as well as the angle on your MTB shoe. To start the setup, tighten the bolts on the shoe to keep the cleats in place - once you have done this, balance yourself against the wall and clip your legs in - your legs should feel in a natural cycling position. If there is any discomfort in the cleats, adjust them.

The cleat should fit under the ball of the foot - a neutral position which is a great starting point to find the optimal position for you.

How To Set Up Road Bike Clipless Pedals

Start by ensuring the position of the cleat is underneath the ball of your foot - and also make sure that the cleat is lined up straight. Once you have fitted both cleats - jump on the bike and lean against a surface such as a wall - pedal backwards on the bike until you can find a comfortable position.

If this feels uncomfortable, dangle your feet off the edge of a table - and rest your shoes on a piece of paper, with the edge of the paper running perpendicular to the table. Then draw around your shoes to work out the angle your cleats need to have to fit comfortably.

Clipless Pedals Tips

Practice unclipping the pedals when you are holding onto a stable platform. Try and use an outwards swivel, starting from your heel - rather than a slower movement. The quicker you can get out of your clipless pedals, the better.
Think ahead - start planning ahead when you need to put a foot down - whether that’s on tricky off road terrain or a red light on the roads. In doing this, you can get your foot down without any major issues.
Clean Clipless pedals regularly - simple things such as a lack of maintenance can prevent you from clipping in and out smoothly - causing a fall off the bike.
Ensure that the spring tension is slack when you start off using clipless pedals - allowing you to unclip easily. As your confidence increases with use, you can tighten the pedals.