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.
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Instructions
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1
Put on your cleated shoes.
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2
Spin one pedal to the bottom of the pedal rotation nearest the ground.
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3
Slip the front of the shoe's cleat into the matching slot on the pedal.
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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.
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5
Push off and begin pedaling.
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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.
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7
Push one heel away from the bike and twist your foot out of the cleat to stop.
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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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Comments
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morganrichardw
Apr 05, 2010
Regarding practicing on grass, that may be fine for a mountain bike, but a road bike with skinny tires slows down much too fast on grass, causing loss of balance. I found this out the hard way. A better idea would be to mount the bike on a trainer and then practice clipping in and out of the pedals. -
eacousineau
Jan 05, 2010
I've found that with my SPD pedals and cleats if I start out and position my foot with my toes slightly outward and then push down and in a little bit, it's easier for me to lock in. While you're riding randomly pop them out and put them back in and include that in your test. I second the advice on practicing on grass. Yeah sure it won't be a long workout but I have just started using them and falling on soft ground to start makes for more kicks 'n giggles. If you want an extra challenge, practice pulling up on the pedals by only using one leg to pedal for a while. This helps you get a feel for what you can do by pulling the pedal (while riding or when starting), practice pedaling when one foot is not clipped in, and gives you an easy 'trick' to show off.
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Aug 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.
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Aug 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.
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Aug 08, 2006
Pull up your left foot while you push down your right, and vice versa for extra hidden power!
