How to Use Bike Shoes
To improve their cycling efficiency, many road and mountain cyclists use specialized bike shoes that clip onto their pedals. Because the shoe is firmly attached to the pedal, power is applied throughout the pedal motion. This way the cyclist gets more power out of their leg muscles. Using bike shoes requires special pedals and cleats attached to the bottom of the shoes.
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Things You'll Need
- Cycling shoes Pedals and matching cleats 8mm Allen wrench or pedal wrench All-purpose bicycle grease 4mm Allen wrench
Instructions
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1
Remove the old pedals from your bicycle. Most pedals are held onto the crank arms of the bicycle with bolts accessed from the inner side of the crank arms. Insert your 8mm Allen wrench and turn it toward the back of the bike to loosen. You'll do the same for both sides of the bike--always remember "back off" to remove the pedals.
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2
Put the new pedals onto the bike. Apply a small dab of grease to the threads of the pedals, and screw them on by turning the pedal to the front of the bike on either side. Tighten with your 8mm Allen wrench.
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3
Attach the cleats to the bottom of your cycling shoes. Matching cleats come with pedals when you purchase them. Line up the cleats with the holes on the bottom of the cycling shoes, screw in the bolts that attach them, and tighten with your 4mm Allen wrench.
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4
Practice using your pedals. Put your bike onto a trainer stand, or have someone help hold you up, and insert the cleats into the pedals. Flip the pedal over with your toe if it's upside down, put the front of the cleat into the pedal and then press your heel down firmly. You'll feel and hear a click as the shoe locks into the pedal. To remove the shoe from the pedal, twist your heel firmly to the outside--this unlocks the shoe from the pedal.
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5
Adjust pedal tension if necessary. There's a small screw at the back of the pedal--turn it to the left to loosen if you have trouble clipping in or unclipping. Conversely, tighten the screw if your shoe comes loose from the pedal too easily.
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