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Why You Should Switch to Clipless Pedals: Benefits Explained
Enhance Your Ride: Taking the Leap to Clipless Pedals
You’ve been riding for a while now. Good on ya! Regardless of discipline—whether you’re commuting to work every day or getting together with your friends for a group ride—whatever your poison, enhance your cycling experience and take your riding to the next level. Enter the world of clipless.
What is Clipless Technology?
A wedge-shaped block called a cleat is attached to the bottom of a cycling shoe and engages with its respective pedal to facilitate a foot-to-pedal connection. You literally clip the cleat into the pedal, with a sort of “stomp-down” motion. To disengage, simply kick your heel outward, or away from the bike. First-time users should practice with the pedal tension set to loose for easier connection and release, and preferably on a surface softer than concrete and away from moving vehicles. No one wants to kiss the pavement in the middle of traffic, unable to unclip!
The Nuts and Bolts
Right, so why even bother with clipless? When clipped in, your feet are secure and stay in one place on the pedal; there’s no shifting around, no instability between shoe and pedal. Once you’ve fine-tuned your cleat, you’ll always return your foot to the exact same place. You are able to keep your feet in place in unexpected rough terrain, potholes or rock gardens, not to mention “bunny-hopping,” being able to lift the bike up to clear an obstacle if the need arises.
Being anchored to your pedals, you can also pull up through your pedal stroke, which can lead to smoother pedaling and increased efficiency. Overall, you have better control and bike handling, as you are directly attached to your bike and can use your body weight to move it. Combined, these factors can help you ride better, faster, stronger, and longer.
The Trade-Off:
There is a trade-off in the beginning. The learning curve and becoming accustomed to shoes and pedals can be intimidating, especially the potential of falling over. Fear not, for practice makes perfect, and you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
Which Pedal is Right for You?
There are a few different types of pedals, each with its own advantages or purposes. Shimano SPD are a popular choice for mountain biking, commuting, and spin class because they engage on both sides of the pedal, making it easy to get in and out in a hurry. They also feature a recessed cleat making walking easier.
Road clipless pedals are slightly bigger and have the engaging mechanism only on one side. However, the larger contact area distributes the weight of your foot more evenly and this style of pedal provides more direct power transfer as you spin.
The Best-of-Both-Worlds
A best-of-both-worlds for the casual rider is the touring pedal. Shimano SPD clip on one side, and regular flat pedal on the other. Shimano PD-M324 Combination pedals are versatile and ideal as a first clipless pedal system.
Just Give It a Go
The benefits of clipless far outweigh any proposed disadvantages. You’re connected to your bike—creating that feeling of “oneness” your mates and pros alike proclaim.
Whether you’re still unconvinced or already have your heart set on a pair, just get out there and ride!
