How to Use Clipless Pedals

Clipless pedals allow you to get more power in every rotation. They may feel awkward at first but will make you a more efficient cyclist in the long run.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cleated Bicycle Shoes
• Clipless Pedals
• Children's Bicycles

1. Put on your cleated shoes.

2. Spin one pedal to the bottom of the pedal rotation nearest the ground.

3. Slip the front of the shoe's cleat into the matching slot on the pedal.

4. Push down on the back of the pedal until the cleat snaps into place, which will be indicated by a loud click. This positioning can be tricky until you've had lots of practice.

5. Push off and begin pedaling.

6. Push the other pedal to the bottom of the pedal stroke and repeat steps 3 and 4 with your other foot when you have picked up enough speed to coast for a few yards.

7. Push one heel away from the bike and twist your foot out of the cleat to stop.

Tips & Warnings

• Some pedal clips can be adjusted usually using a screw in the back or middle of the pedal to change the amount of play your foot has to move laterally while still locked into the pedal. It also makes it easier to clip in when you're learning.
• Start learning in a big field or on a lawn if one's available to you - you and your bike will appreciate the soft landings.
• When you first get clipless pedals, ride around your neighborhood for 30 minutes to an hour clipping in and out until it becomes second nature.
• It's almost a given that the first time you forget to twist your foot out of the pedal and fall over will be either at a busy intersection or in front of a group of veteran bicyclists. Try to ease the pain by realizing just about everyone else has experienced it, too.

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on 8/16/2006 After you've done significant training on clipping-out, it is a time to examine your ability.

As an exam, use the following exercise: ride normally on the bike and do a sudden stop. Do it until you didn't fall at least 20 times (it can be considered as passing the exams)

WARNING: A few falls are most likely to happen, hence do the above exercise with arm and leg shields, helmet. Try to find a soft surface (like grass or sand) to do the exam.

After you pass the above exam, your confidence level should increase.

on 8/8/2006 When you see rocky or uneven/muddy surface ahead, unclipping and going slow can help save a fall from being clipped in.

on 8/8/2006 Pull up your left foot while you push down your right, and vice versa for extra hidden power!

on 7/26/2006 For safety, the clipless pedals will keep your legs close to the frame in the event of a sudden stop followed by a sideways fall. Clipless pedals eliminate the painful risk of a bear trap--caused when your foot slips off a platform pedal resulting in this pedal reversing up and slamming into your shin.

Consider that there is a risk of laceration from the outer chain ring when using a three rings. You may want to add a guard over the outer ring. There are 2-ring sets that protect your leg from chain ring cuts as well as your bike from chain suck.

I recommend not clipping in when first starting, but do so once you have some momentum and are stable.

on 6/30/2006 Use adjustable clipless pedals, and set the release very easy, until you are sure you can unclip in all circumstances. A large pedal body or one sided clip allows you to unclip before you really are in a pickle.