Clipless pedals

63 Votes here (click stars to vote)

In the 'olden days' cyclists wore shoes that simply rested on the pedals during cycling, and life was simple. Then someone had the bright idea of fitting toe clips to pedals, to stop the shoes sliding around so much. Slightly irritating to use, but more or less a good idea.

Then by the 1950's someone had the idea of also fitting something to the shoe that clipped around the back of the pedal. Used together with toe clips that worked pretty well, and it was still essentially possible to move your feet to the ground when necessary (for example stopping at a road junction) without major incident.

Now we move forward to recent years. Every cyclist worth his spandex shorts is using 'clipless' pedals. These come in various shapes and forms, but the general idea is that a 'cleat' - a clip, if you must - is fastened to the bottom of the cycle shoe. An appropriate pedal is then used, such that the cleat can be clipped into the pedal when cycling. To 'unclip' it is necessary to turn the shoe (twist the foot) slightly outwards.

Hence the shoe is fixed to the pedal, which can improve cycling in all manner of ways. No more friction between shoe and pedal; no more loss of grip; and if you are really keen you can actually pull the pedals upwards at the back of the turn as well as push them down at the front (this is hard work).

Note 1: pedals come with a standard size thread and can be readily changed / replaced. You would be well advised to put some grease on the thread before fitting your new pedal - so that in years to come it can still be removed if necessary! Remember to order 'cleats' at the same time as your pedals - these screw to the bottom of your cycling shoes so they can clip on.

Note 2: Having bought your new pedals you will also need some cycling shoes, and cleats (your new shoes will probably come with cleats already supplied)

Why are they called clipless pedals? Beats me, but I think it's because you no longer have toe-clips. the fact you still have clips seems to have escaped the attention of whoever invented the name 'clipless pedals'.

So this works very well, but there is a downside in having your feet fixed securely to the pedals. You need to plan ahead more when you are going to stop. This is usually not a problem but there are three occasions when it is:

Something leaps out in front of you suddenly and you need to stop unexpectedly.
You need to stop for some reason on a steep uphill section. Getting clipped in takes a few seconds, and you need momentum while you are doing it. so getting started again on a steep uphill can be very difficult. Luckily this provides extra motivation not to stop on the hills.
You forget. When this happens, and it does happen, usually during the first couple of weeks with clipless pedals, you fall over. Since your feet are fixed to the pedals, when you try and put a leg out to support yourself nothing happens, and you land on your leg, arm, shoulder, whatever. On tarmac this can be very painful (believe me).

For newcomers to 'serious' cycling all the stories of falling off as soon as you start using clipless pedals can seem a bit off-putting. Be assured, the pleasure of using them far exceeds the pain of that nasty graze you will get on your second trip out (first trip you'll be too aware of them, and be extra careful, but by your second trip you'll start to forget you have them on).

The other significant disadvantages of clipless pedals are

they are pretty much impossible to use with normal shoes, so if you use your bike for cycling to the newspaper shop on a Sunday morning, that will be less practical
as you now have big lumps of plastic screwed to the bottom of your cycling shoes you look like you have a serious medical problem when you try and walk in them
you have to go and buy these special shoes and pedals - perhaps £70+ for shoes and £40+ for the pedals

They really do improve your cycling, and allow you to push down evenly for a larger part of the pedalling cycle. There is also a small element of 'pulling up' on the pedal at the back of the pedal stroke - perhaps usually negligible, but can be very useful in a fast sprint).

Very few cyclists would change back from clipless pedals to 'normal' pedals, I think, having once acclimatised to clipless pedals. It is pehaps the most important improvement you can make in your cycling (unless you are overweight).

41 Comments

Martin Sketchley makes this comment

Thursday, 13 May 2010

Very useful and well balanced. Thank you.
Chris Dale makes this comment

Thursday, 03 June 2010

Hi, in the last paragraph you mention these types of pedals are the most important improvement to make (unless you are overweight). Does that mean if you are overweight you shouldn't use them or that losing the weight would be the most important improvement?

Thanks, and love the site as a newbie rider, very informative.

Chris
Admin makes this comment

Thursday, 03 June 2010

Hi Chris, thanks for dropping in, glad the site is useful. Yes, I meant that if someone is significantly overweight then losing weight will make a far more dramatic difference than what pedals they use. No problem at all being overweight and using cliples pedals though!
Dave makes this comment

Sunday, 11 July 2010

This is a very well written article. Thanks.
I have a quick question though:
I suffered a major and sudden component failure riding uphill, standing up and on the down stroke! This was some years ago and due to using clipless pedals (and having no time to unclip!), I suffered extensive injuries to my right leg and arm which required over 30 stitches, a broken wrist and also some muscle damage to my shoulder and back (for which I still get some discomfort). Since then, I have lost confidence in riding generally, but in particular I can't bring myself to ride clipless. Do you know of any clipless solution that doesn't really 'clip in' or one that is easy to use, but releases with the slightest excuse? At the moment I'm using a traditional bear trap type pedal with a plastic toe cage and not enjoying it so much!
Many thanks.
Admin makes this comment

Tuesday, 13 July 2010

Dave, that sounds like terrible bad luck - plenty of people have an accident when they start with clipless pedals (I fell over sideways because I forgot I was using them - nasty graze but nothing serious) but I never heard of such a serious accident because of them. I wish I had a great answer, unfortunately I don't. You could ask at your bike shop if there is any 'half way' solution but I can't think of one. I'm going to be nervous myself going uphill next time out now I've read your story!
Good luck, and let us know if you do find a good solution.
Adam makes this comment

Thursday, 22 July 2010

Great article, I'm a mountain biker looking to get into road riding and enjoying the site. I'm not sure how road clips differ to mtb clips but my thoughts on Dave would be to go back to your flats to get your confidence back and then try loosening your clips when you are ready; okay they may pop off the pedals every so often but that should act as a transition back to a tighter clip. Also just think every time you fall off it makes you a better rider as you know what -not- to do in that situation next time!
Natasha makes this comment

Friday, 13 August 2010

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this article. As I road bike user everyday, making a 15mile journey daily I am looking into clipless pedels and I was getting very confused about the whole clipless pedels, bike shoes and cleats etc....espcially the whole why are they still called clipless when actually they're not....your article made sooo much sence and I found myself nodding along as I read saying to myself "I see now, that makes sense". Excellent article thank you for making a riding Medical Secretary very happy
Tobs M makes this comment

Wednesday, 25 August 2010

Hey, thank you for a great and informative article. I have just bought a road bike (specialized allez) and only have the cheap pedals which come with it. I plan to go on journey's no longer than 30 miles, but I also intend on going to the local shop etc... Therefore would clipless pedals be ideal or not? If not, is there an alternative? Looking at cycle shoes on the internet, some of them have an arched sole and some have a flat sole, which one is better? Thanks in advance, Tobs
Admin makes this comment

Thursday, 26 August 2010

A while ago someone told me they have pedals that are 'normal' on on side and clipless on the other but I can't remember what brand they were - they sound like just what you are looking for. if you find them - please come back here and let us know!
It is possible to cycle using normal trainers on the bottom side of Look type pedals and similar - although your feet might keep sliding off if it's wet out, which might be a bit dangerous (or painful). Definitely for short distances only but maybe OK if the shops are close!
Emma makes this comment

Monday, 06 September 2010

Hi, apologies if these aren't suitable for road bikes (I'm an extreme novice and have a hybrid rather than a road bike), but I was recommended Shimano M424 pedals which have cleat surfaces on both sides so you can clip in either side, and they also have a large enough surface to let you use them with cleatless shoes. I've got Shimano MT21 shoes which have the cleats very slightly recessed so you can walk in them without waddling like a penguin which is useful for newbies on killer hills. I had my first clipped in fall yesterday a couple of metres over the start line of a charity ride (oh the shame! ), but the pedals and shoes have made a huge difference and I feel more powerful and don't get sore feet or knees any more.
Joff makes this comment

Monday, 06 September 2010

I am using Shimanos touring pedals to build up my confidence in using clipless pedals, they are flat on one side and have the clipless mechanism on the other. I Believe they are the a530, they take a mountain bike cleat but have built up my confidence in using them to the extent here I will soon upgrade to a 'proper' road clipless system.
Bob makes this comment

Tuesday, 07 September 2010

Re. the comment on pedals which are "normal" on one side and "clipless" on the other - one such set is the Shimano A530. I use these with a pair of Shimano SH-MT32L shoes.
Andy makes this comment

Saturday, 18 September 2010

I just bought a pair of A530s for my new road bike, having never used cleats before I think I'll get used to the bike before trying them out - one step at a time!

I was delighted to find they work with an old pair of Shimano R060 shoes which I bought in error years ago and couldn't be bothered to return to the seller
Mark makes this comment

Friday, 24 September 2010

Did anyone mention that the grip of the pedals on the clips is adjustable yet? I just got my first pair of pedals/shoes and I couldn't be happier. The local bike shop guy did two things that helped: 1. he adjusted the pedals so that they are easy to unclip and 2. he had me practice clipping in and unclipping several times with the bike on a trainer. I had also seen a youtube video where someone showed how to unclip by twisting one's ankle. Result: zero problems and I can unclip in lightning speed (which is sometimes necessary). Yes, I was quite nervous that first time out -- but it has been well worth it.
Admin makes this comment

Friday, 24 September 2010

Thanks for that Mark, I should have mentioned it in the article. Also useful to know that some pedals come with different cleats that allow different amounts of foot movement - my Look Keo have a choice of red cleats (foot can move 10 degrees), grey (can move 5 degrees side to side) or black (foot can't move sideways at all). New users usually start with red then later move to grey and / or black.
Terry makes this comment

Friday, 24 September 2010

Great article. I switched to clipless this year after putting it off for ages due to fear of falling clipped in; hasn't happened yet!

Only problem I have is after say 20 miles or so my feet buzz & go a little numb, is this normal or is it due to poor adjustment?
Admin makes this comment

Friday, 24 September 2010

Hi Terry, no that doesn't sound quite right! Could be poor adjustment, although aching muscles and joints (in knees, feet or ankles) would be a more common symptom of poor adjustment. Did you also change your shoes at the same time? Perhaps they are too small or too narrow or you are overtightening them?
Terry makes this comment

Friday, 24 September 2010

Hi, no aches or pains (other than the usual).

I bought the shoes at the same time as the pedals; having odd shaped feet it took ages to find ones wide enough, Specialized Road Sport. Perhaps slightly too large (to allow for winter weight socks)

I'll experiment with shoe straps adjustment.

Thanks!
Shirty makes this comment

Friday, 29 October 2010

Great review thanks, just bought myself some Powerplay dual sided clipless pedals so I can still cycle easily with normal shoes when I pop down the road.

Looking forward to cycling now with clips and having that extra power without worrying about sliding off... will laugh my head off if I forget I'm wearing them and topple over
Admin makes this comment

Sunday, 31 October 2010

Falling off a slow or stationery bike isn't usually too serious - the trick is to avoid doing it at a road junction in front of loads of people (embarrassing) or cars (dangerous)! Unfortunately that is just the time that you will need to stop anyway...
Paul makes this comment

Tuesday, 25 January 2011

Great article. Reminded me of an occaision in a previous life as a Motorcycle courier rider. I rushed to the aid of a fellow motorcyclist ahead of me who had fallen off his motorbike at a junction. When I got to him he was in fits of embarrassed laughter. He then explained that he had taken his side car off the day before and forgot to put his feet down when he stopped !!
Sophie makes this comment

Friday, 01 April 2011

I am new to this clipless pedals thing. I have MTB pedals on my road bike and just endure the weirdness of trainers on them. However I have finally decided to make the leap and buy some shoes.
The variety of MTB shoes is much less and they generally aren't as cool looking. Can you buy for instance these sidi shoes [SiDi Genius 5 5 Carbon Luxury Woman] and get cleats that would fit MTB pedals???:

thanks!
John makes this comment

Monday, 04 April 2011

Hey 'Admin' and everyone else, I found this site just today after getting my hands on my lovely new cyclo-cross bike (which by the way is an awesome commuter bike. Really enjoying the articles and the tone. Anyway, on "clipless pedals" (I'm glad I'm not the only to be confused by the non-sensical name) I got my new SPD pedals (the cleats were included with the pedals) and a great pair of MTB SPD shoes for £50 from ChainReactionCycles, both Shimano models. The shoes are great because they just look like a pair of rugged/walking trainers and the cleats are totally flush with the rugged sole no penguin footed walking. Anyway, I'm not sure if you allow third party mentions but there's my 50 pounds worth. Hope it helps fellow cyclists out there.
Craig makes this comment

Tuesday, 26 April 2011

Have been riding now for about 6 Months and am training towards a JOGLE in September 2011. I currently have caged clips which I use with very comfortable trainers. I have not come to terms with switching to clipless as the whole idea of not being able to release my feet quickly enough freaks me out. Can anyone tell me how much difference they make, is it worth the risk or should I continue with my current set up which I am comfortable doing up to 50 miles without any problems?
Admin makes this comment

Tuesday, 26 April 2011

Hi Craig, it's hard to say how much difference they make - I don't think that when I started using clipless they made a very great difference. But now I wouldn't change back for anything, clipless just feels 'right', and apart from one accident when I first changed to clipless I have passed several years without the slightest incident - it quickly becomes second nature to think about your feet when you approach a junction or need to stop quickly (but I never cycle in busy towns). Personally I'm convinced the benefits outweigh the risks, and recently changed to 'black' cleats that allow no foot 'sliding around' at all, even better!
Kevin makes this comment

Tuesday, 26 April 2011

Hi - great article. A friemd of mine who is a serious rider suggested that I oil the cleats very slightly to help with the clicking in & out. So I did - a quick spray of WD40 to the cleat on either shoe - fantastic
Really helps clicking in on a start as well as the unexpected red light!
However, I am doing the London to Brighton this year and know that there are two hill climbs that are haunting me....I enjoy the sport & not obsessed by it, so plan to change my pedals so i am not photographed as someone that 'cant help themselves' walking up a hill or two if i need to. I have keo look's at the moment on a totally carbon frame - any ideas anyone without spening a fortune?
jo makes this comment

Friday, 29 July 2011

Thanks for this article- all very interesting.

Do you have any tips for getting out of clips very very quickly? I have cleated shoes but am being put off using them as I have ended up on the road twice after not being able to release quickly enough. Fortunately, no damage as I'm out before 6am to get a traffic free road to practise this on, however, an hour later, both times culd have been potentially very serious.
Admin makes this comment

Monday, 01 August 2011

Hi Jo, when an 'emergency stop' type situation arises it is quicker to get your feet out of the pedals than to bring the bike to a halt, so if you get in the habit of un-clicking one foot at the first sign of trouble (rather than wait until after the bike is stopped) there shouldn't normally be a problem.
Generally speaking unclipping is pretty fast once you get used to it, pretty much as fast as just taking a foot off the pedal and much quicker than getting a foot out of an old-fashioned toe-clip type arrangement.
Check if your pedals are on the 'loosest' (easiest to unclip) setting (they should be if you haven't changed anything), also that your cleats are definitely the right type for your pedals.
Having said all that, if you are talking about cycling in heavy traffic or a route with lots of traffic lights then clipless pedals may not be the best choice for you.
Paul makes this comment

Monday, 08 August 2011

Hi, apart from cycling as a kid i am fairly new to cycling and have been going out for about 4 months.

after struggling to keep up with my friend on his road bike I recently bought a cheap road bike which came with toe clips on the pedals.

The bike is realy comfortable and last month decided to buy some Shimano SPD PD-M520 pedals so that I could use them with my mountain bike shoes. I fitted the cleats and have been out four or five times. So far no problems with clipping in and out but I'm struggling with the set up of the cleat positions.

My right foot seems to be ok but I can't seem to get my left foot sorted and I,m getting knee pain in my left knee.

I've tried all sorts of positions but it just doesn't feel right!

If I can't get it sorted I'm thinking of putting the toe clips back on.

Am I doing something wrong or do I just suit toe clips rather than clipless?

Any ideas?:
Admin makes this comment

Tuesday, 09 August 2011

I know occasionally people just give up on clipless pedals for the reasons you describe. I'd guess usually it is a question of cleat position, but perhaps some feet just are 'different' and not suited to cleats.
Usually just putting the cleat exactly centre in its range of options comes pretty close. Can you tell whether your foot feels too far back or too far forward when you are cycling? For example if your left foot is tending to be slightly 'toes pointing down' when the pedal crank is at the horizontal position the cleat could be too far back.
Paul makes this comment

Tuesday, 09 August 2011

My left foot does feel like i want to pull it backwards more onto the toe but the cleat is set as far forward as it will go?
Is it better to have the ball of the foot slightly forward of centre of the pedal rather than behind?
I'll have another go at starting from scratch and let you know how i get on.
Admin makes this comment

Wednesday, 10 August 2011

Best to have the ball of the foot on the centre rather than forward or behind.
I'm assuming the problem definitely started when you got cleats and nothing else could be the problem? eg that you didn't change saddle height recently as well? (If in doubt changing back to the old pedals will quickly see if the problem goes away again)
Paul makes this comment

Wednesday, 10 August 2011

Many thanks for your comments. I'll keep trying with the cleats for a while and see if I can get it sorted.
If all else fails I guess I'm back to the old pedals.
Cheers
Colin Bradley makes this comment

Sunday, 04 September 2011

Fell over in front of a bus in the centre of Chester as I couldn't get either foot out of my clip ons... fortunately we were both stationary and the big red thing was slightly behind me... Igot up looking redder than his bus though.
SPD and cleats create far better transfer of energy, I've just got a cyclo cross bike and want something that I can just let my cleat hook into at the front so I can step out easily... the best of both you may say?
nicholas makes this comment

Tuesday, 06 September 2011

Paul, I remember years ago reading about setting up cleats on your shoes, you have the fore / aft position, the side to side position but also to some degree the angle of the cleat. Maybe your left foot is just inclined to be at a different angle to your right. Try sitting on a table with the backs of your knees close to the edge, so your legs dangle in mid air and relax and then have a look down at your feet to see where they are pointing.
Wyatt makes this comment

Friday, 30 September 2011

I did exactly what you said. The first 3 trips out, I had no problem and was totally aware they were there. Yesterday, I had to stop suddenly to avoid an accident, and fell over to the right onto the pavement with only one witness other than myself. I scratched the rear derailleur (had to be adjusted afterward), seat, pedal, shifter, and my right arm, but all very minor. I do not plan on letting it affect my riding at all. I'll be back out Saturday morning for 25 miles of hard riding, with a little more awareness I need to unclip when I hit the brakes hard just in case.
Admin makes this comment

Friday, 30 September 2011

Hi Wyatt, I think usually one accident is enough to act as a constant reminder in the future!
Ben makes this comment

Thursday, 13 October 2011

I've just into work having had that moment when i forgot i was wearing clipless pedals. Stopped at the traffic lights and went sideways. Laughed off the grazes (and embarassment though). Its worth it for the extra power. Just wondered if anyone knew on Shimano SPD pedals if the amount of movement (angle) was adjustable??? iseem to have quite a lot and have no reference if this is normal??? Cheers
doctornige makes this comment

Wednesday, 26 October 2011

Second time out you say. I should have read this first. Second time out, I fell off at a road junction 10 yards from the house. I hesitated to pull out and decided not to go when the time taken to hit the deck was slightly less than the time required to get the shoe out.

And to the man with the Allez back in 2010, I hope you did it. I fitted Look Keo Max 2s to my Allez Elite, and they are doing great ... apart from that mishap.
Dana makes this comment

Sunday, 06 November 2011

I have fallen a couple of times when learning, more or a shock than pain and then just the other day I took the wrong foot out! But more seriously at a junction my usual foot could not get unclipped at all and I ended up removing foot from shoe. This was at a junction and sticks in the back of my mind and since I have had two further incidents not surprisingly it's shattered my confidence but I'm in a dilemma. I love cycling clipped in on long roads, country side etc... But I don't like it as out town or on steep hills is there a solution for me where I can have the best of both worlds. I only have size 3 feet and currently peddle unclipped when I want to ( through towns) but this is causing one foot to stick out at an angle and creating bad posture, it's infuriating my partner as it's just not right from mrs confussed.
David makes this comment

Wednesday, 30 November 2011

Dear All.
My advice with clipless pedals is:
Firstly when the guy from the shop tells you how to take your foot out of the pedal don't blindly choose his favoured side. Think what is MY natural side, NOT his!! That will save you from falling in front of a car as I did.
Secondly, make sure the shoes are tight, not too tight but NOT loose. I have Specialized shoes for my road bike and Shimano shoes for my MTB and I find the Specialized shoes have to be tight otherwise they'll just not release quickly enough.
Happy cycling from The Netherlands.