You have seen them. Riders clipped in feet locked to the pedals. They pedal in smooth circles, they pull up as well as push down. It looks efficient and scary.
Here is the truth. Clipless pedals are not hard to learn they are just different. Once you get it, you never go back.
This guide covers clipless pedals for road cycling beginners. What they are. How to use them. What to buy. And how to avoid the classic fall at the traffic lights.
What Are Clipless Pedals?
The name is confusing. Clipless pedals are the ones you clip into. The old ones with toe straps and cages were called clips. So the new ones without those cages got called clipless.
A clipless pedal has a mechanism. Your shoe has a cleat bolted to the bottom. You push down and the cleat clicks into the pedal. To get out, you twist your heel outward.
There are two main systems for road bikes. Shimano SPD-SL and Look Keo. There are others like Wahoo Speedplay. They all work the same way. Push down to clip in twist out to release.
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Why Use Them?
Three reasons.
- Efficiency. You can pull up on the pedal, not just push down. That uses more muscles. You get more power for the same effort.
- Foot position. Your foot stays in the right spot on the pedal. No slipping. No adjusting. Your knees track straight.
- Connection. You feel planted on the bike. Especially in corners and at speed. The bike feels like part of you.
For short rides around town, flat pedals are fine. For road riding, clipless makes a real difference over distance.
How to Use Clipless Pedals for the First Time?
This is the part that scares people. It should not. Follow these steps.
Set Them Up
Start with the tension at the lowest setting. Most pedals have a small screw. Turn it so the spring is loose. This makes it easier to get out.
Practice Against a Wall
- Find a wall or a doorway. Hold on. Clip in with one foot. Then the other. Then unclip. Do this twenty times. Both feet.
- You are training your leg to twist out. It needs to become automatic.
Practice in an Open Space
- Go to an empty car park. Or a flat grass field. Grass is softer if you fall.
- Ride slowly. Clip in. Ride a few metres. Unclip. Put your foot down. Repeat.
- Do this until you do not have to think about it.
Pick One Foot to Unclip
Most people unclip their dominant foot. Or the foot on the side you lean toward at lights. Pick one. Always unclip that foot first. Make it a habit.
Plan Ahead at Stops
When you see a red light, unclip early. Do not wait until the last second. Coast in with your foot already out. This stops the panic.
How to Use Clipless Pedals MTB?
Mountain bike clipless pedals are different. They are smaller. They use a two bolt cleat called SPD. Shimano makes most of them.
MTB pedals are easier for beginners. Why?
- They are double sided. You can clip in on either side. No looking down. No flipping the pedal.
- They release easier. The tension is lighter. You can get out faster.
- The cleats are recessed. They sit inside the shoe. You can walk normally.
- They shed mud. The design lets dirt fall through.
If you are nervous about clipless, start with MTB pedals on your road bike. Many riders do this. The Shimano M520 is the classic choice. Cheap. Tough. Easy to use.
You can switch to road pedals later if you want. Or stay with MTB pedals. Nobody cares.
How to Stop Falling?
You will fall. At least once. Probably at a traffic light with people watching. It happens to everyone.
Here is why it happens. You brake. You stop. You forget to twist out. You topple over sideways. It feels like slow motion.
How to avoid it:
- Unclip early. Before you need to stop.
- Lean toward your unclipped foot. If your right foot is out, lean right.
- Do not grab the front brake hard at low speed. It throws you off balance.
- Practice in grass first. Softer landing.
- Accept it will happen. Once it does, you laugh. Then you move on.
Best Clipless Pedals for Beginners Road Bike
Shimano PD-R550
- This is the go to for road beginners. It is a Shimano SPD-SL pedal. It has a wide platform. It is easy to clip in and out. It is cheap. It lasts for years.
- The tension is adjustable. Start low. Increase it as you get confident.
- Price is about £50 to £60.
Look Keo Classic 3
- Look invented the clipless road pedal. The Keo Classic 3 is their entry level model. It has a composite body. It is light. It is easy to use.
- The Keo cleats have a bit more float than Shimano. Float means your foot can rotate a few degrees. That is easier on your knees.
- Price is about £40 to £50.
Shimano PD-M520 (MTB)
- If you want the easiest option, get these. They are MTB pedals but work on any bike. Double sided. Easy release. Cheap. Bombproof.
- The cleats fit recessed in MTB shoes. You can walk in them.
- Price is about £35.
Wahoo Speedplay Comp
- Speedplay pedals are different. They clip in on both sides. You can pedal before you are fully clipped. That makes them great for stop start riding.
- The cleats are small. They need more maintenance. But many riders love them.
- Price is about £120.
You May Also Read: Clipless Pedals vs Flat Pedals for Road Cycling: Full Guide
Cycling Cleats for Beginners
The cleat is the part bolted to your shoe. It clicks into the pedal. You need the right cleat for your pedal.
Shimano SPD-SL cleats come in three colours.
- Yellow: 6 degrees of float. This is the beginner choice. Your foot can move a bit. Easier on knees.
- Blue: 2 degrees of float. For riders who want less movement.
- Red: 0 degrees of float. Fixed position. For racers.
Start with yellow.
- Look Keo cleats come in grey, black, and red. Grey has the most float. Start there.
- Shimano SPD cleats for MTB are usually single release or multi release. Multi release lets you twist out in any direction. Easier for beginners.
Cleats wear out. Check them every few months. If the plastic is worn flat, replace them. Worn cleats release badly.
What You Need to Buy?
- Pedals
- Cleats (usually included with pedals)
- Cycling shoes that fit the cleat pattern
Road shoes take three bolt cleats. MTB shoes take two bolt cleats. Some shoes take both. Make sure the shoe fits. Try them on. Walk around they should be snug but not tight.
Conclusion
Clipless pedals are not scary. They are just new. Give yourself a week. Practice against a wall. Ride in grass. Unclip early at stops. You will fall once. Everyone does. Then you get it. And you never think about it again.
Start with easy pedals. MTB pedals if you are nervous. Shimano R550 or Look Keo if you want road pedals. Get shoes that fit. Set the tension low.
FAQ
1. How long does it take to get used to clipless pedals?
Most people feel comfortable after two or three rides. Give it a week of practice in safe places. Then it becomes automatic.
2. Will I fall?
Probably. Once. Maybe twice. It usually happens at low speed when you forget to unclip. It is embarrassing but not dangerous. Practice in grass first.
3. Should I start with road or MTB pedals?
MTB pedals are easier. They are double sided. They release faster. The cleats recess in the shoe so you can walk. Start there if you are nervous.
4. How do I unclip?
Twist your heel outward. That is it. Do not pull up. Do not yank. Just twist.
5. What cleats should I buy?
Start with yellow Shimano SPD-SL or grey Look Keo. They have the most float. That means your foot can move a bit. Easier on your knees.
