This is a common point of confusion. The principle here is that it is more efficient to have your feet fixed to the pedals so that you may issue force to the cranks while pulling up as well as pushing down. Originally, pedals were mounted with “clips and straps”--you’ve likely seen these on the indoor cycling (stationary) bikes at your health club. In order to be efficient, the straps have to be very secure. Historical side effects of this system included numb toes (from tight straps), frustration/inconvenience related to bending down to loosen the straps, and sometimes injury from falling. “Clipless” pedals have a funny and ironic name since they really do “clip”. The system simply involves some sort of spring activated clip on a pedal that holds a metal or plastic “cleat” that is mounted to the bottom of your cycling shoe. To release your foot from the grip of the pedal, you simply swing your heal laterally (out board).
There are two categories of clipless pedals and shoes: road and mountain. The road pedals have a large platform designed for ultimate power transfer and mountain pedal systems utilize smaller cleats that are capable of fitting into the recessed areas of mountain bike shoes, which come with tread for more traction when you’re off your bike.
“What about Spinning (registered trade mark) shoes?”
Any mountain bike shoe, because the treads protect the cleat from hitting the ground, are suitable for use at your health club. Most clubs don’t allow exposed cleats--they’re slippery and might wreck wood floors. The indoor cycles almost always are equipped with the SPD (Shimano Pedal Device) pedals.
Kiddles offers both road and mountain pedals, shoes, and cleats. We’re always happy to discuss the systems and which one is right for you!
There are two categories of clipless pedals and shoes: road and mountain. The road pedals have a large platform designed for ultimate power transfer and mountain pedal systems utilize smaller cleats that are capable of fitting into the recessed areas of mountain bike shoes, which come with tread for more traction when you’re off your bike.
“What about Spinning (registered trade mark) shoes?”
Any mountain bike shoe, because the treads protect the cleat from hitting the ground, are suitable for use at your health club. Most clubs don’t allow exposed cleats--they’re slippery and might wreck wood floors. The indoor cycles almost always are equipped with the SPD (Shimano Pedal Device) pedals.
Kiddles offers both road and mountain pedals, shoes, and cleats. We’re always happy to discuss the systems and which one is right for you!
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