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For many cycling enthusiasts, switching from flat pedals to clipless pedals is often an important step in improving their riding skills. Here’s everything you need to know about this, including the benefits of clipless pedals and usage tips.
The term “clipless” is easy to understand – it refers to locking your shoes and pedals together. The clipless system allows the pedals and shoes to be fixed together and can be used in various cycling disciplines, such as road, mountain, and gravel biking. The shoes and clipless pedals are designed based on the specific requirements of each cycling style.
When did people start using clipless pedals?
In 1984, Look applied ski binding technology to bicycles, introducing clipless pedals to cycling.
In 1985, Bernard Hinault won the Tour de France using a product designed by Look, and the use of clipless pedals took off from there.
Today, using clipless pedals is almost standard in road cycling, and many mountain bikers also use them. Clipless systems are considered one of the greatest cycling innovations in history.
Is it better to use clipless pedals when cycling?
Some say that using clipless pedals can improve pedaling efficiency, as it encourages you to pull up as well as push down throughout the pedal stroke, rather than just pressing down on the pedals.
Others argue that studies show no one can truly improve pedaling efficiency with clipless pedals, suggesting that the perceived efficiency might be an illusion.
That said, clipless pedals can effectively prevent your feet from slipping off the pedals, which is crucial if you’re pedaling at a higher cadence, sprinting, riding on wet surfaces, or cycling off-road.
Clipless pedals also provide more comfort, especially on long rides, as your feet are locked in the correct position without needing constant adjustments.
What type of cleats do i need?
Broadly speaking, there are two-hole cleats or three-hole cleats, and your choice may depend on your type of riding.
Two-hole cleats
As the name suggests, two-hole cleats have two connection points with the sole of the shoe. They are made of metal and primarily used with double-sided mountain bike pedals.
Two-hole cleats are generally smaller, and shoes designed for them can have an outsole with tread along the edges, allowing the cleats to recess into the sole.
This makes two-hole cleat shoes easier to walk in compared to three-hole cleat shoes, which is why they’re often used in mountain biking, gravel riding, and commuting.
Two-hole cleats are typically used with double-sided pedals. Compared to other pedal designs, it’s easier to clip in and out with these pedals, and you don’t have to worry about the pedal being the right way up.
Three-hole cleats
Road bike shoes usually have three screw holes in the sole to accommodate three-hole cleats. These cleats are much larger than two-hole cleats and are usually made of composite materials.
The larger cleats provide a greater surface area of contact between the shoe and the pedal, increasing stability and power transfer efficiency. Most shoes designed for three-hole cleats have smooth soles, making walking in them more difficult.
The pedals paired with three-hole cleats are single-sided, and beginners might find it a bit tricky to clip in, but with practice, it becomes easy to manage.
Of course, road bikes can also use mountain bike double-sided pedals, so you can adjust based on the terrain and your personal preferences.
Different clipless pedal systems
Once you’ve decided on two-hole or three-hole cleats, you’ll need to choose which specific pedal system to use. There are several different systems, and they are not compatible with each other.
Shimano SPD
Shimano SPD is the mainstream two-hole cleat system used by off-road riders. Its locking mechanism is a metal clamp on double-sided pedals, with an adjustable spring tensioner at the rear, allowing you to change the tension to make clipping in and out easier or harder.
SPD pedals allow release from a single or multiple angles. SPD pedals are sold by many brands, not just Shimano – Ritchey and Look also offer them.
Crank Brothers
Crank Brothers pedals are another two-hole system made of metal, similar to Shimano SPD pedals. Their minimalist Eggbeater pedals offer four clipping-in directions and excellent mud clearance, though they are less stable than Shimano SPD pedals.
Crank Brothers also allow release from different angles, but the system doesn’t allow tension adjustment. Crank Brothers also make double-sided pedals like the Mallet, which improves stability.
Shimano SPD-SL
Shimano’s second pedal system is the road-specific three-hole Shimano SPD-SL. Its cleats are large plastic triangles and come in different versions with varying degrees of float, indicated by different colors.
This design allows for a wider contact area between the pedal and shoe, with an adjustable spring release mechanism at the rear of the pedal.
Look Keo
As Shimano SPD-SL’s competitor, the Look Keo pedal system also uses plastic three-hole cleats. Like Shimano SPD-SL, it comes in versions with varying amounts of float, and the cleats are slightly smaller and narrower than Shimano’s.
Some Look Keo pedals have an adjustable spring release system at the rear, similar to Shimano. Another model, the Keo Blade, uses a carbon plate under the pedal body to keep the release mechanism normally closed. Other brands also produce compatible accessories for Look pedals.
Wahoo Speedplay
Wahoo Speedplay is another road pedal system that connects to the shoe at four points. There are very few shoes with four screw holes, but it’s more common to use the included adapter to attach Wahoo Speedplay cleats to three-hole shoes.
In this system, small screws on the Wahoo Speedplay cleats determine the amount of float between the shoes and pedals. Most Wahoo Speedplay pedals are double-sided, but you can’t adjust the tension with this system.
Time
Time, now owned by SRAM, holds a secondary position in both off-road two-hole and road three-hole pedal systems. Their two-hole system uses metal cleats, secured by a spring at the front of the pedal body.
The three-hole Time cleats are made of plastic, but the rear fixing point remains open until you clip in. Like the Look Keo Blade, a carbon plate under the pedal body tightens the release mechanism.
How to install cleats on cycling shoes?
The first step is installation, and you should pay attention to fore-aft positioning, left-right placement, or the inward/outward toe angle.
The simplest method is to align the cleat directly under the ball of the foot, parallel to the shoe. After a few rides, if you feel discomfort or something feels off, adjust the cleat position using an Allen wrench.
A good bike shop can help you properly attach the cleats to your shoes and may even need to adjust the saddle height for clipless use. How to find the electric bike shops near me?
How to use clipless pedals?
Though clipless pedal designs differ, the principle is almost the same. Slide the front of the cleat under the pedal hook, then press down firmly with your heel. You should hear a clear click and feel it engage. To release, twist your heel outward. It takes some practice but becomes easy quickly.
The best way to practice is by leaning against a wall and repeatedly clipping in and out until you get the hang of it. Then, ride on a quiet road.
When cycling in the city, at intersections, or narrow streets, it’s best to unclip before you reach the stop to ensure safety. Of course, everyone experiences a slow-speed fall at some point, so don’t be afraid – it’s a rite of passage for all clipless pedal users.
9 tips for using clipless pedals
- Try double-sided pedals first: If you’re nervous about using clipless pedals, especially for commuting, consider getting pedals that have a flat side and a clipless side. That way, you can ride with regular shoes when needed and use the clipless side when convenient.
- Lower the spring tension: When starting with clipless pedals, loosen the spring tension as much as possible to make clipping in and out easier. You can tighten it later when you’re more comfortable.
- Practice unlocking by grabbing a rail: Don’t try to unclip both feet at the same time. If you’re unfamiliar with clipping in and out, practice near a fence, wall, or hallway, and try to quickly and decisively rotate your heel outward to unclip.
- Learn to anticipate: Developing the habit of predicting when to unclip and doing so early can help you avoid the dreaded slow-speed fall.
- Touring or mtb shoes are great for stop-and-go commuting: Touring or mountain bike shoes with recessed cleats are ideal for commuting. They allow you to pedal with confidence and control, and you can walk normally when off the bike. If your commute involves frequent stops at traffic lights, these shoes are especially convenient.
- Don’t walk too far in road shoes: Mountain bike shoes have a recessed cleat, which doesn’t touch the ground, preventing wear and slippage. Road shoes lack this design, so try to avoid walking in them for long distances.
- Watch for cleat wear: Keep an eye on the condition of your cleats, especially plastic three-hole road cleats. As cleats wear, your pedals may feel loose, which not only affects performance but can also be dangerous. Most cleats have wear indicators, and you can buy protective covers to make walking easier.
- Keep everything clean: Lack of maintenance can make it difficult to clip in and out, which can be dangerous. Clean your pedals and cleats regularly.
- Check your soles: If you’re having trouble clipping in, check if something like debris is affecting the cleat mechanism.
When to replace your cleats
Plastic cleats wear out over time, especially if you frequently walk in road shoes. While some cleats have wear indicators, others don’t.
When you feel movement between your shoe and pedal or have difficulty clipping in, it’s time to replace the cleats. Metal cleats like Shimano SPD last longer but may eventually need replacement as well.
Read more: how to inflate a bike tire without a pump, bike chainring.
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