Why go clipless?

If you are curious about the benefits of clipless pedals, odds are you are also curious as to what they are. Clipless pedals were developed as an enhanced pedal design over pedals with toe clips. Toe clips were the traditional method of attaching a rider’s feet to the pedals. It is important to understand the benefits of having your feet tied to the pedals in order to examine the advantages of clipless pedals.

One’s instinct is to push down with each leg while pedaling a bicycle. This is where most of the power in a pedal stroke will originate, however once the pedal reaches the bottom of its travel, a significant amount of power can also be transferred to the pedals while the foot is lifted on the upstroke. This can only be accomplished if the foot is affixed to the pedal in some way. Pedaling efficiency is normally best achieved with a cadence of around 90 strokes per minute. This is very difficult to achieve without having your feet affixed to the pedals. Toe clips are the original method and clipless pedals offer this same advantage.

Now that we understand the benefit of having your feet affixed to the pedals, we can examine some of the advantages of clipless pedals over conventional pedals with toe clips.

One of the most obvious benefits is the ease at which the foot can be removed from the pedal. This makes stopping much less dangerous. Toe clips have straps that need to be tightened or loosened while on the bike. Clipless pedals will typically require a simple outward twist of the foot for removal.

The next most important advantage is the range of motion allowed by clipless pedals. Manufacturers have been careful in the design of the cleats and pedals so that one can pull the pedal up without disconnecting the foot, as well as allowing the foot to move slightly as the foot naturally twists and contorts ever so slightly throughout the pedal stroke. This feature goes a long way to prevent stresses on the ankle and foot joints. Old style toe clip pedals often do not allow any such movement.

Clipless pedals have come a long way in terms of shoe design also. Many shoes available today will accept pedal cleats yet still allow for comfortable walking. These shoes are great for casual riders, commuters or off road cycling.

Manufacturers have designed clipless pedals to fit most types cyclists including road, touring, off-road, or casual riders. Ride to your local bike shop to learn more, and keep turning those pedals!