Beginner's Guide: Clipless Systems and Pedal Systems

As a beginner - whether on a road bike or mountain bike - you usually start out with ‘normal’ flat pedals - without a clipless system. Once you have generally got used to the special frame construction of road and mountain bikes, you quickly get hooked and want to push your personal training success. Click systems are therefore a very simple means of improving performance. Here we explain the advantages of clipless pedals, which systems are available and what inexperienced cyclists need to look out for with clipless systems.

First the terminology: With our little 1 x 1 of technical terms, you'll be able to talk shop at the next bike café.

Briefly explained: the most important terms relating to click 

1. System pedal - also known as a clipless pedal, it uses binding elements to create a fixed unit consisting of shoe and pedal. The binding system is similar to that of ski boots, but it only clicks into place in the forefoot area. The binding elements are the cleats. 

2. Cleats are the connecting elements between the shoe and pedal. Without them, no unit can be formed. Depending on the system, cleats are made of metal or plastic and are a wearing part. 

3. Float angle - is the lateral freedom of movement when the shoe is clicked in; i.e. how far the rotation angle of the cleat can be in the pedal without 

4. Release tension - describes how far or with what “force” the foot must be turned outwards for the binding to release. Quite simply: a low release tension means that the binding releases even with a small movement.

5. Cleat covers - are designed to protect the cleats, for example when running or stowing away. They are also known as cleat covers and are available as an option.

What advantages do click systems offer?

Click systems offer many advantages that a platform pedal cannot offer. We will show you the most important advantages here, from which you can quickly benefit even as a cycling beginner. 

1. Optimised power transmission

With the click system, the shoe and pedal become a fixed unit. By limiting the range of movement, the pedalling force can be optimally transmitted to the pedal, crank, chain and ultimately the wheels. More power reaches the ‘drive’ for the same amount of effort. Cycling shoes also have a stiffer sole, which also ensures better power transmission. Clipless pedals are often lighter than platform pedals. This also reduces the weight of your bike.

2. Performance enhancement

Once you have mastered the click, you can see how your performance improves without having to increase your training. This riding technique will also make training more efficient later on. It also makes it easier to get started with the round kick. This consists of a pulling and pushing movement of the feet. The advantage here is that both directions of movement, i.e. up and down, are utilised in a targeted manner. 

3. Ergonomic position

If pedals and shoes are correctly adjusted, postural problems can be prevented. Knee joints and the muscular system can also be relieved. This makes the entire leg position more efficient. Trained cyclists can also recognise this by their more clearly defined leg muscles - an attractive side effect. 

4. Fixed position

Another safety aspect is the prevention of slipping in wet conditions. But even if you are walking uphill at a standing walking pace, the risk of slipping should not be underestimated. Pure sports shoes with comparatively smooth soles usually do not provide enough grip. Standard pedals often have a flat surface or come as so-called bear paws. However, without a firm connection, they cannot provide the grip that a click system provides. Flat pedals and flat pedal shoes are often used for trekking or dirt biking. Due to the longer running passages, a compromise between running and pedalling comfort is important here.

5. Increased performance with manageable expenditure

Clipless pedals and matching cycling shoes don't have to be expensive. A solid pair of road bike shoes is available for just under €100, the same applies to MTB shoes. You can get a good pair of entry-level pedals for as little as €50.  The cleats for the shoes are always included when you buy pedals.

What click systems are available and what are the differences? 

In general, a distinction can be made directly between off-road and on-road systems. The background to this is the different requirements placed on road cycling shoes and MTB shoes. We show the differences here using the most common systems from Shimano, SPD and SPD-SL. The advantage of both systems is that they are the top dogs in their respective areas of application and can hardly be beaten in terms of price/performance ratio. But of course there are also other systems from manufacturers such as Look or Voxom.

Shimano SPD-SL 

The SPD-SL clipless system from Shimano is designed for speed. SPD-SL pedals generally have a relatively large contact surface in relation to the overall pedal size.  Due to the large contact surface, power can be transmitted more efficiently and a better stance can be guaranteed.

This is why the pedal plates on the shoes are slightly larger. The cleats are also screwed onto the road cycling shoe. Although this makes running more difficult, it improves power transmission and the position in relation to the pedals and frame. As the cleats are attached, they wear out more quickly due to running or frequent and intensive use. They are therefore made of plastic. Shimano cleats have two coloured attachments at the end, towards the heel. These indicate the degree of wear and thus when the cleats should be replaced. They also protect the front end of the cleat, which is clicked into the binding, with a slight elevation. If these are too worn, clicking them in and out becomes more difficult or completely impossible.

The SPD-SL cleats are attached to the shoes using three screws. The cleats can be individually attached to the shoe. You can check whether the cleat fits correctly by simply trying it out - i.e. repeatedly clicking it in and out. To make adjustment easier, road bike shoes have distance markings on the sole so that you can easily transfer the setting of your cleats when changing shoes. However, you should only tighten the screws properly once you have found the right position. 

Shimano also offers three different types of pedal plates to control the lateral freedom of movement of the cleats in the pedals. The selection of these cleats has various factors, including:

• Performance level / personal experience with click systems

• Personal driving style

• Resilience of the joints

• Click out via multi- or single-release

We recommend the yellow pedal plates (7517) for beginners. These offer the greatest range of movement with a rotation angle of up to 6°. This makes it easier to find the ideal foot-to-pedal position.

The pedal system itself can be individually adjusted depending on the version. Entry-level SPD-SL pedals have a soft release hardness. This is particularly useful for beginners so that they can quickly release the pedal when stopping. This prevents falls. 

Shimano SPD

The SPD click system was developed for off-road use. As off-road sections are more frequent, it is a logical step to countersink the cleats into the sole to protect them. The pedal plates are made of metal and are therefore more resistant to dirt and abrasion.

The cleats are attached with just two screws. The contact surface also differs from that of the SPD-SL system. The contact surface is smaller, as efficient power transmission is not the main focus in the MTB sector. Nevertheless, the unit consisting of shoe, cleat and pedal also optimises power transmission. In addition, the pulling of the pedal in the round step is particularly effective on uphill climbs. 

However, a distinction must be made here between the off-road areas. The faster the cycling, the smaller the pedal cage, i.e. the total contact surface of the pedal. However, this does not mean that the contact surface is just as large as the pedals. The actual contact surface is determined individually by the depth of the pedal plates embedded in the shoe. However, the flattened surface around the cleat should definitely be in contact - as this is where the power transmission takes place. However, this recess also varies in size from manufacturer to manufacturer. The pedal cage is intended more as protection for the click system than as a contact surface, especially in the Trail & Enduro sector. 

The lateral freedom of movement, the so-called float angle, can also be individually adjusted on SPD pedals. As a beginner, you have to try out a little more until you find the right setting. Due to the uneven surface, lateral freedom of movement is an important factor. As a rule, MTB and trail riders need greater freedom of movement for their feet, which is why the float angle is set wider. Especially at the beginning, an acute angle leads to a greater feeling of safety. When the trails become more demanding later on, the wide angle is an advantage, as you can steer actively and supportively with your feet. However, this also makes it easier to unclick unintentionally.

Shimano also offers different pedal plates here. They can be divided into single-release and multi-release. The single-release cleats allow easy removal, i.e. the heel is turned sideways to release the binding. The multi-release cleat can be unclicked both by turning the heel outwards and by tilting it. The binding can also be released by pushing the heel downwards. Curing also plays a role here. This can be made harder or softer on all Shimano SPD pedals using a screw. 

Finding the right shoes for the right pedals 

Basically, the different click systems are usually incompatible with each other. However, it is possible to extend compatibility with adapters.

When buying the right cycling shoes, you should always check the compatibility. These are usually included in the product descriptions. In our Bobstore, you can get expert advice on this directly on site. 

Whether the shoe is SPD or SPD-SL compatible can easily be determined by looking at the sole. As already mentioned, the mounting mechanisms are different and so are the holes. This is why you usually decide on a pedal system first and then buy shoes to match. However, there are also manufacturers who make it possible to use both MTB and road bike pedal systems thanks to multiple holes. We explain below why this ‘double’ compatibility can be interesting for beginners.

However, it should also be noted that the crux of the matter with pedal systems is the right shoe. As with normal shoes, they have to fit the foot. Anyone who switches to clickies therefore automatically gets to know a new type of shoe.. 

Cycling shoes need to mould to the foot to provide support, but also to enable optimum power transmission. However, they should not be too tight, as your feet swell a little when pedalling - especially in summer. There is no difference between the different types of cycling shoes. The perfect fit of the cycling shoe is an absolute must, as the load points on the feet always remain the same when pedalling. Due to the constant same movement and the higher load, small points of friction quickly turn into nasty aching feet. 

Fitting the pedal plates / cleats - how to do it right

For clipless pedals to be fully effective, the pedal plates (cleats) must be correctly fitted to the shoes. The correct position is crucial for comfort, ergonomics and efficient power transmission!

The cleats can be fitted in just a few steps:

1. Determine the position: It is best to stand barefoot on paper and mark the ball points. The imaginary line between these points helps to align the cleats.
   
   

2. Pre-assemble the cleats: Screw on loosely, adjust the position along the markings. A neutral centre position is recommended for beginners.
   
   

3.  Test ride: Click in and out several times while standing (e.g. on the wall or on the roller). This allows you to recognise incorrect positions at an early stage.
   
   

4. Tighten & check: After fine-tuning, tighten the screws to the correct torque. Check again after the first few rides.

Tip:
Many road bike shoes - from brands such as Q36.5, Look or Voxom - have markings on the sole to make it easy to transfer the position of the cleats to new shoes.

3 tips for beginners

We would now like to summarise our advice and experience for beginners. To help you get started with clipless pedals, address their use and dispel any concerns. 

1. The fear of clicking out too late

The biggest hurdle for the click system is the fear of falling over because you can't get out of the binding quickly enough - in city traffic, on the road, in front of other cyclists. Not only does everyone see it, but the bruises that follow are not exactly a plus point. BUT: Click systems are derived from the ski binding system. Therefore, the binding can always be released. You don't have to worry about twisted ankles or the like. Even if there is a high probability that you will fall, this will only be the case at the beginning.

Later, when you are a ‘clipless pro’, you can enjoy all the advantages that clipless pedals have to offer. 

2. Practise, practise, practise!

Only by practising will you become a ‘click pro’. The best way to do this is to position the bike so that you can hold on to a wall or something similar. And then it's time to sit up and click and unclick and click and unclick... This will give you a feel for how you need to position your feet, how much effort you need and also whether your pedal plates are correctly adjusted. It also stimulates your muscle memory. Once you feel confident, only plan short tours, preferably not in urban traffic, and don't worry if you fall over. Because let's be honest, everyone who has switched to the click system has already fallen over. So the only thing that helps is to practise, practise, practise!

3. The combi pedal as a temporary solution

If you're not quite sure whether your pure clipless pedal is right for you, you can also opt for so-called combi pedals. These can be used from two sides. One side with a click mechanism, the other side without a click system as a flat pedal. The combi pedal is only available as an SPD/flat combination. The design of the SPD-SL pedal does not allow such a construction, as the cleat is lowered into the pedal when it is clicked in. This creates a convex shape on the underside of the SPD-SL pedal. This is therefore a simple and cost-effective solution for MTB riders. If you want to ride a road bike in this way, you either have to switch to MTB shoes first or look for road bike shoes that have holes for both click systems. 

Our conclusion

Switching to clipless pedals is definitely worth it, even if you get a few bruises at the beginning. Increased safety and better performance outweigh this in the long term. Once you've got the hang of riding with clipless pedals, you won't want to ride without them again. It pays to be brave!

P.S.: If you have any further questions, please leave us a comment or send us an email. We will be happy to advise you!