How to Clip In and Out of Road Bike Pedals by Performance Bicycle

[@Firlia6]

tried, fell over on my parking lot, still couldn't get my feet out, almost cried, unbuckled my shoes and carried my bike in in the rain walking in my socks. Then I watched this video and tried indoors some. now I'm goin out! thanks!

[@joanna751]

I picked up my new road bike tonight, clipped in, rode 1 block...and at the first dang stoplight a panic followed by a slow fall to the side. In Manhattan traffic. Ugh. Thank you SO MUCH for saying that everyone does this--I felt like a complete idiot, but now I know I'm just a part of the club! Haha!

[@mneri84]

Chicago traffic is why i leaned away from clipless pedals. all the start/stop with lights, and Chicago taxis and vehicles that throw bottles at you. I can't be on the ground open for attack. but for those suburban 20 milers heck yes.

[@smo69]

I did the same thing, very embarassing but oh well, youre not alone :))

[@davejones3134]

Lovely explanation. No ego detected I like it 10/10

[@EliotZeigler]

Is it possible to have an ego with an outfit like that?

[@AlexCavnar]

One thing I noticed you do that I didn't see explicitly spelled out is that you unclipped at the TOP of your pedal stroke, bringing your knee over the top tube to help with leverage. That's a huge part of the equation I didn't get! It felt weird for me to unclip at the bottom of the stroke, twisting my knee and hip around. Thanks for the good camera angle to show that!

[@garthly]

One thing to add: when starting using shimano spd-sl pedals, adjust release to very low tension. I did that today, and when I got stuck in a panic I found the clips would release by themselves. As you get used to it, you can increase the tension so they grip tighter.

[@abksk8]

Nice short and helpful. At 61, I am cycling again, and bought SPD-SL shoes, pedals, and cleats. A far cry from my 70's toe clips Kamikaze pedals. I have a nice steel frame 1987 Nishiki Prestige, and the new system of pedals adds a lot. Getting out WAS my main concern. Certainly easier than batting at my pedal strap's buckle in the old days! My son's bike was converted to road, with drop bars, and the same pedal system. We are working to eventually ride the local Southern California tours, next year,after losing weight, and toning up. thanks again, Mike!

[@chuckp235]

Thank you so much for this! I'd worked at 911 in SF for many years and heard, how often newbie bike riders were making simple mistakes and getting injured. Thanks to you I'm able to build a solid foundation of understanding to enjoy cycling and get out there!

[@performancebike]

You got it Chuckp235! We're so glad we could help. Enjoy your ride.

[@roycerannard4251]

OMG I cannot thank you enough. I decided to re-equip my pedals and the second I got on I had it perfect 100%. During my ride I had to stop on flats, down hill and even some VERY steep uphills. Each one the pedals just slipped on. Performance Bicycle Can't thank you enough. =)

[@brucewmclaughlin9072]

2:24 screw visible is for adjusting spring tension. What is not mentioned here is ,1. adjust that screw to the absolute easiest to unclip position. adjust it for stronger action after a week of riding so that you are used to unclipping. you can crank on the tension for racing later. 2. When starting out and you do not clip in with whichever foot , you can pedal with your instep till you get enough speed up to clip in properly. This is generally on up-slopes. 3. when you get into the higher cadence over 100 rpm you need those clippless pedals to be tight so that your feet do not unclip unexpectedly . Some of us have feet that for some reason twist on occasion just to make life interesting.

[@Ashleycb97]

After having a road bike for a year now with toe cages, I decided to take the jump and buy some road shoes and pedals, I have gripped it relatively quickly with medium tension, probably because I used to controlled foot movement when getting into toe cages. I find sprinting so much easier with the clip less pedal and riding just feels a lot smoother, also feels pretty awesome as well being connected to the bike.

[@irlrp]

i never unclip, i actually sleep with my bike

[@xvnbm]

+irlrp So you are like a horse.

[@inawarminister]

+z ahio Modern Centaur

[@carvacast]

hahahahhahahhahah

[@ojtibi9906]

Imagine going to the bathroom with that...

[@artlopez174]

I should try that...Ha!

[@performancebike]

What happened the first time that you used clipless pedals - did you do the classic slow-speed crash when you came to a stop? If you've never tried clipless pedals, we can help! Check out our video for tips on clipping in and clipping out - or swing by our free in-store clinic tonight at 6PM: ow.ly/ObQ6q

[@thomaswoods7640]

Excellent instructional video Linus, I used the clipless pedals and shoes for the first time today. I was really apprehensive about using them but this piece helped a lot. Thanks again from Scotland 🚴‍♂️

[@catsandtats904]

Ah, two years after this video was posted, I finally got a road bike, and just this weekend, I got clipless pedals. It was terrifying for me to learn and get used to them, but I think I'm slowly, but surely, getting the hang of them. Thank you for this helpful video!

[@performancebike]

That's great news, Angela! So glad you were able to get the right bike for you and that our video helped. Thanks for the feedback!

[@e46alex30]

Performance Bicycle with clipping out will it eventually wear out the cleat

[@nuttzo31]

Excellent video, i have just purchased my first road bike and will be getting some pedals and shoes soon and this video has given me the confidence to get out there and ride, well done.

[@gnrands50]

A good instructional video, but I might add a couple points. For me, the most challenging part of the learning curve was leaving a standing start on a steep uphill. The need to find and clip in to the pedal really quickly is exciting at first. I also found I had to relearn "track stands," balancing at a stop with both feet up. Being clipped in makes this a bit more interesting.

[@ChristyHunter]

Thank you. I watched this video and took my bike off the trainer today. I practiced clipping on and off at our local park today until I felt confident enough to take the bike on the road.

[@dna___6688]

I've been "clipless" for about 3 years. I had mountain shoes for about 2 years, then switched to road pedals. In that time, I have always unclipped with my right foot, putting all the stopping force on my left. I replaced the mountain pedals with speedplay X's and SIDI shoes that were too large for me. This went fine for 6 months (and a long charity ride). I've also doubled my mileage this year. however, I've developed a problem with my left foot. I really FEEL the contact between the pedal and the area of the foot that sits on top of it. Doesn't matter if it was the speedplays or the new shimanos a lump between the big toe digit and the ball of the foot. This has been with me since July. I swapped out the SIDI shoes with a smaller pair... no diff. I then swapped out the pedal set with shimanos. helped for a little while, but now the problem has returned. Swapped out the shoes again with shimano 714's. helped for a spell, but now I've got the hot spot issues again. I clip out with my right foot, putting a lot of stopping pressure on my left. Suggestions from a riding expert? I'm about ready to ditch the clipless stuff and go back to the foot baskets. It's very frustrating

[@performancebike]

+dave n our suggestion is it's time to see a fitter. It sounds like there is more going on here that the simple interaction of 2 contact points (Shoe/Pedals). The expert eyes of a qualified fitter will worth the investment and in most cases cost less then a new pair of SIDI's.

[@fradaru1205]

finally found a video where it is explained how click pedals should be used! thanks for the good explanation!

[@jasonsolomon7122]

FANTASTIC VIDEO ... totally explained what I needed to know. Well... here goes nothing!!!

[@marcobusch]

Great explanation! I am thinking about go to speed bike and I have never used a clip pedal, this video gave me an idea about what I'm going to encounter. Cheers!

[@sweetvuvuzela4634]

Excellent video but anyone else looking fearing clipping in and out and falling start off with the spring on the lowest tension. It's very very unlikely that the foot will unclip unless you twist out. Also the left and right foot will have different strength bear that in mind so left and right will have different tensions.

[@richardortiz197]

Good instructions.man did I need this video, have fallen few times. I've bike for decades ( recreationally) never use clips but have come to appreciate them and really improved my cycling.thanks for thr video 🚲👍

[@arobins74]

Thanks for the video. I am relatively new to clipless pedals. I went with an SPD style system with Eggbeaters and Shimano MTB shoes, which I actually spent all of the last few Saturdays wearing, walking around the neighborhood and riding my bike. I got my fall out of the way. After all the practice and so on and two weeks of no falling I came to a full stop in a park in a picnic area, right on a concrete pad, forget I was clipped in, and fell over. Just a bruised elbow and skinned knee.

[@DivingDeveloper]

Thanks for the explanation and the tips. I can't wait to get my first fall over and done with!

[@ms.inspiration385]

Thank you for this,excellent video two falls but because of your video, I'm now almost an expert.

[@tylrbass]

Never understood why they were called clipless when they are the pedals that require clipping in and out of? wouldn't regular pedals be clipless? maybe I'm missing something

[@performancebike]

Hey TYLRbass, that is goofy, but the term clipless refers to a lack of a track clip. Still in production today, track or toe clips keep your feet secure to the pedal when you wear every day shoes. When clipless pedals came out, you used a special shoe with a cleat to clip in to the pedal, thereby removing the need for a track clip entirely. Make sense?

[@TheWyrim]

Thank you! I just got clip medals and this was helpful video!

[@performancebike]

That's great news, TheWyrim! Glad to hear it.

[@smo69]

good video, eases some of my anxiety about these pedals...and I can actually understand and hear him!

[@becks43]

Great Video wish they were all as informative as this... Thanks!

[@performancebike]

We're so glad it helped, becks43!

[@robertluce1612]

Best video on clipless pedals

[@virtualinfluencer]

good guy. Thanks. Went down yesterday. Just couldn't get the thing to leases. Had to go do it several times

[@AMG888AMG]

Great video, thank you. I take full responsibility for my usage however I really wish my local Trek Bike Store emphasised the importance of getting this procedure sorted before venturing out. I think newbie users of clipless pedals should really have it emphasised to them just how dangerous they can be. For me, fell hard on concrete resulting in shoulder dislocation. Tough lesson.

[@curtishall8634]

I agree with you.

[@jeannetops]

Good video. Appreciate the honesty about falling.

[@performancebike]

Those SRAM Rival levers actually have a bit of "lateral flare" to them and definitely look different from the angles we shot at. That, coupled with Linus' personal fit preference make it look a bit odd, but it's definitely a common thing you'll see across various manufacturers throughout the years.

[@jimcox7054]

Excellent, I think you are correct, most people are more interested in getting out!

[@maggiebone]

I'm in the club. I fell down within a couple of weeks of first using them. Going to try the multi-directional cleats.

[@devilmaycry383]

I just got myself my first road Bike a Fuji gran fondo 1.5 I'm going to use the shimano spd m520 pedals I have. I might put them on my mountain bike first just to get a feel and fully understand the concept. After spd pedals come second nature I will look into upgrading to the shimano spd XT M780 pedals. Great video easy to follow =)

[@felixecoga0909]

“We’re just gonna go ahead and said right now, you’re probably gonna fall down at some point, its inevitable “ hahaha … I just wait 4 long minutes for u to say it hahaha … that was the final push :) thanks, great vid.

[@ohnoha]

New to riding and finally got both feet clipped in, tried to pedal and was in a rough gear to start and fell over! Haha humbling/learning experience!

[@davidpuentes3645]

Wow I think you you just answered every question I had no when I get my cleats that I ordered I'm going to know just what to do thanks:)

[@performancebike]

That's great news, David Puentes ! Let us know if we can help in any other way.

[@Rickinsf]

What might be mentioned is the benefit to a rider's knees that clipless pedals provide. Unlike the old strap-ins, that I grew up with, clipless pedals allow a rider's foot to pivot a few degrees, right and left, which allows it to find where it "wants to be" on the pedal, and this takes considerable stress off the knee. Also, a "learning curve" does exist, and I toppled over a couple times while coming to a stop, embarassing, but not fatal. But one would be surprised at how quickly using clipless pedals becomes "second nature." When you get it down, you won't want to ride without them. I use Shimano, FWIW.

[@epistte]

I bought my first pair of clipless pedals in 1990. I fell over at the first stop sign. I had ridden with toe clips and straps for 10 years and this is a different action to get out of them.

[@smonkey957]

Thank you Linus...I'm about to get clipless and quite concerned about the whole process specially that "falling" aspect that everyone goes thru... Thanks again.

[@nataala_]

"If we sweat more during the times of peace, we shall bleed less during the times of war" - Someone (Too many claimants to original quote) Just last week I moved up to the Fuji Roubaix and clipless technology and can tell you that the "falling off" bit is overrated - provided you practice! I dedicated two whole days exclusively to mounting, cycling, stopping and dismounting as demonstrated in this videos and elsewhere. Since thereafter, it has been a natural feeling to ride with them. I still spontaneously practice my stopping and dismounting and have only grown more competent and confident.

[@Rickinsf]

nataala1 "train like you fight, fight like you train."

[@curtishall8634]

Me too. Especially with tractor trailers flying by!

[@natureshamy]

Today I used clipless shoes for the first time. I fell twice. The first time I completely forgot I was using them and just attempted to get off my bike as I normally do. The second time I released my right foot and leaned to the right but for whatever reason the bike leaned to the other side...

[@vic1111189]

+natureshamy happened to me today.

[@JuanHoya]

Great vid, thanks for enlightening us rookies on clipless pedals :)

[@Gawernator]

Such a straightforward good video

[@SamirMishra6174]

Thank you for a very helpful and well-made video

[@JackRR15]

I use a mountain bike for my daily commute and riding to college and back and forth and just bought some bike shoes and clips to be able to get water covers and just have a better biking experience.Hope I did a good choice!

[@JackRR15]

***** Well some nylon or waterproof thing you put on your shoes.

[@xvnbm]

I advice you to not to put on your riding clothes when you are going to practice clipping and unclipping for the first time. Otherwise you may end up finding yourself on youtube.

[@amandahyatt5953]

Great tutorial for newbies :)

[@dineen5214]

Thanks !! So, I'm a member of the club ;-) forgot to unclip when stopping. thanks for the tips !! Safe Riding

[@jcgoobee]

Thank you so much for this informative video. You have explained the process clearly and in an organized fashion. Many thanks.

[@westr70]

Excellent. I want them now.

[@aus80srockradio94]

I have used SPD 2 bolt MTB cleats for years, and one day will get a road bike too. It looks to me as if the unclipping process for a roadie is similar to that of a MTB. Twisting your foot from your ankle. I had always assumed it was different altogether.

[@datapolo]

I find it easier to unclip moving my heel inwards rather than outwards, most of these videos never seem to mention this option but it may be easier for some if joints are stiff...

[@pc527]

Great video. Which helmet is Linus wearing?

[@andrew097]

Really good instruction, encouragement and reassurance ,

[@tomellis37]

My current problem is clipping in on an uphill grade. You need to bring your toe entirely behind the pedal to begin; this maneuver is time sensitive when you have little momentum. Would have liked to hear a tip on this. A previous problem with Forte CR150 pedals was clipping out. I eventually learned that the red cleats are 15 degrees float. Get the gray cleats. I also moved up to Look Keo Plus pedals and find them VERY easy to clip out of. Clip out at 6:00 not 12:00 to minimize knee prob.

[@tomtruesdale9400]

great instruction. Presenter is lovely. thanks.

[@rakistangpinoy4745]

thank u. good video man. can't wait to get my clipless shoes and pedals and start riding my new 2014 Giant TCR!

[@fearnhead94]

I liked the vid. I bought a new bike recently from planet X my first real serious bike and i went ahead with some clipless pedals. First time i road out on the roads i found my self ubclipping at the lights and when i was trying to get back in i couldn't cause the pedal had rotated to the back side of itself.. Felt really dangerous for me

[@jodit8445]

Very useful for beginners

[@bryanarangorin8955]

I've been thinking about using cleats for awhile now and i just had to mention that this video is so inspirational. What type of pedals are those? Thanks!

[@performancebike]

bryan arangorin Linus is using our Forte road pedals. Check out our full line here :www.performancebike.com/bikes/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10052&langId=-1&categoryId=400937&facet=mfName_ntk_cs%253AFort%25C3%25A9&metaData=&pageSize=48&orderBy=&searchTerm=

[@bryanarangorin8955]

Thanks for the link, it's such a great experience using cleats. It performs very well on me. I ended up getting the Forte Campus Pedals, i love them (:

[@WalkingandRailways]

Thanks, this was actually really helpful.

[@zx7gp]

Something i would add here.Go out to a grass Soccer field if you can and practice riding and clipping in and out until you are comfy.Having your fall there will be a easier to take.

[@michaelkenny4124]

My experience had been clipless are fine until you are on an extreme gradient and want to stop. Unclip with pedal rotation is impossible and the second you stop pedalling your bike is stopped and you fall. Scary situation.

[@aghankama5447]

what bike are you riding? I love the design and great video.

[@performancebike]

Agha Nkama Thanks for the complement. That bike is a 2012 GT Strike. Unfortunately GT no longer makes that model but, You can checkout all our current road bikes here: www.performancebike.com/bikes/SubCategory_10052_10551_400306_-1_400001_400001

[@sabdu32]

Feeling confident after a few minutes practice, I got on the road. Next thing I know, a bus was right behind me. Panicky, I slowed towards the sidewalk and started to put my left foot down like I always did with my trainers... I hit the ground so fast, I LOLLED at myself 😂😂😂

[@munkeepilot]

Excellent video. I like how you teach great need-to-know info without coming across as condescending unlike many others. Hey, we all start at the beginning, so ditch the machismo ;-)

[@basportsfan325]

Are these the best pedals to use in an urban environment besides standard pedals? If not what are the best pedals to use?

[@concretecubes]

What's the name of the type of clipless pedal you have? i mean like the shape of it looks different form others, what's the name of this one?

[@mamun740]

i just got set of shoes and pedals for my bike . i tried other day but i was so scared of easing the pedals . any advice to get rid of the scared part thanks

[@nonya5475]

Very well done video. Thank you.

[@DinoXavier]

Are these clipless shoes and pedals?

[@lissettecruz5487]

What do you mean when you say it may slide around? I'm very new to this, I apologize if that's a silly question.

[@TheRealGaffer]

Hill start clip-ins are my nightmare.

[@saymyname218]

TheRealGaffer....I agree....I ended up gluing a short piece of women`s thin replacement rubber sole ( as used for high heels lol )cut to shape and Klebfast contact adhesive between the heel and the cleat on the left shoe only....this really helps I find....as it enables you to get a `bit of grip` with the arch of your shoe...on either side of pedal ..until you get up to stability speed to clip -in proper .

[@darrengiffard8740]

What's the technique for a hill start, needing to stop on a steep road, at an intersection. Is there a video

[@volochaev]

awesome tutorial, the best one i find out. thank you so much!

[@scootereditsmelbourne1623]

I am 11 years old and ride clipless pedals thanks for the help (:

[@kevinbraden9445]

Good explanation 👍

[@djordjevranic8415]

What type of Look pedals are these pedals?

[@jeffreywang6707]

Thanks for this! Super helpful.

[@new2maplewood]

Thank you very much. I found this video to be very useful!

[@SKANDaR0875]

Thanks mate, my first ride today, I enjoyed it, fell couple of times due to being new to the clipless shoes (knowing that it happened to beginners made me feel better about my self and I thank you for that ). Are you a righty or a lefty, I like starting my pedaling with the right, when I stop should I unclip the left and try to get used to stand on it, so it's easy to start the bike with the right being still clipped and all. Any advise, just want to learn the good habits early on. do you have a video about shifting gears in an efficient way? Thanks for the video. Cheers!

[@plantbasedlifestyle5747]

SKANDaR0875 You should practice both and see which side you find most comfortable with. That said, the key is to simply just practice clipping in and out numerous times so that it becomes second nature.

[@djordjevranic8415]

what type of pedals are these?

[@djordjevranic8415]

what type of look pedals are these?

[@djordjevranic8415]

What type of Look keo are these pedals?

[@gerardogonzalez2057]

muchas gracias por la informacion muy detallada y clara desafortunada la obtube un poco tarde despues de llegar a una itersecion y olbidar que tenia los clips y entre en panico y me cai por guey

[@MIKEtheBEST1231]

Hey i ride fixed gear. And im wondering if riding clipless is easier then riding with toe clips when putting them on. Do u know?

[@Janav726]

I just fell cuz some guy walked out in front of me and I had no where else to go but the curb. Anyways when I fell my shoes didn't clip out. You said they are designed to clip when you fall, but I have fallen a few times and they don't automatically clip out. Does this mean the settings are too tight or something?

[@alwaysuseless]

I'm about to buy my first serious road bike. I've always had cheap clunker bikes with flat pedals. Obviously clipless pedals are more efficient. Since I'm totally used to flat pedals, it looks to me like the tradeoff is efficiency with a slight risk of falling, or more than slight risk while learning, vs less efficiency with no risk of falling. Since I'm not racing, less efficiency to me just means working harder for speed. Since I just want to have fun exercising outdoors, working harder is no problem, while the risk of falling definitely is a problem. Why require special shoes and risk injuring yourself just to avoid working hard? Or for working just as hard for a little more speed?

[@performancebike]

Great question, alwaysuseless. Using clipless pedals gives you a lot more efficiency and speed, plus the shoes actually make long rides more comfortable by supporting your foot and preventing hot spots. But it does come with an initial learning curve-just like learning to ride a bike. When most riders switch to clipless pedals, they usually spend some time learning how to clip and unclip from them riding in a stationary trainer or by riding on a softer, more forgiving surface like a grassy field. It doesn’t take long to get the hang of clipping in and out-once you’ve got it, it becomes second nature. The only time you really have to worry about falling is coming to a stop light, and the solution there is simple: as soon as you start braking, unclip.

[@alwaysuseless]

Performance Bicycle Thanks for the thorough answer. You neatly summarize all the advantages of clipless, including a couple of points re comfort & foot support. I can believe being securely locked in might be less tiring. Part of the extra efficiency must derive from being able to pull up as well as push down, right? However, I've always liked that each leg alternates between push & rest. I suppose even with clipless, I'd still be able to push right foot while resting left, push left foot while resting right, if I want to, but if I want a sudden burst of speed, I can push right while pulling left, push left while pulling right. And the force with which one pulls the pedal up can be varied from 0 to max.

[@performancebike]

alwaysuseless of course, whatever you are most comfortable with is best! Yes, pushing/pulling definitely adds to the efficiency of every pedal stroke. Let us know if we can demystify anything else in the world of cycling!

[@alwaysuseless]

Performance Bicycle Thanks. I considered getting the Shimano PD-M324 SPD dual platform pedals. High quality with both the clipless and platform option. Apparently, if you take your foot off the pedal, they rotate to the clipless side up, which is the way it should be. But a pair weighs 1.17 pounds! So, I've decided to get clipless, and for that occasional short trip to a store requiring me to lock my bike out front, I'll take my clunker bike with platform pedals. I won't have to switch shoes for a short trip, and no one will want to steal the bike, or if they do, at least I won't become catatonic.

[@dwnforcemedia]

I ended up with the Shimano PD-M520's for my Specialized Allez Comp M2. being my first clipless pedals, they are super easy to clip in and out of. I still need to get in my head to remember to detach before coming to a stop, about lost it the other day...couldn't stop laughing.

[@radiosonic0007]

Thank you for the info glad i found your channel

[@performancebike]

We're glad to hear it, Foggy! Let us know if we can point you in the right direction for videos, products, or whatever you need help with.

[@Birbal2001]

For some reason I found way much easier to unclip by turning the heel inside rather than outside ...not sure why. I have just installed clipless pedals last week and I fell on the first day because I couldn't clip out by turning the heel outside....it does come out eventually but is much harder. Both spring setting are set on the lowest point. Are the cleats identical for left and right foot? Did I install them correctly?

[@runningsocal00]

I find I have an easier time clipping out when I clip inwards towards the frame versus outwards. Could that be an equipment issue? It's very hard for my to clip out outwards but very easy to clip out inwards?

[@kb4fun]

Great instructional video. Thx

[@sillem4337]

Sorry for asking. Is it different from MTB, Shimano pedals? Im going to ride road bike with look pedals and Im concered.

[@xenonmusic80]

Thx Linus, very helpful tutorial...

[@ilikelampshades6]

Just bought my first proper clipless pedals and shoes. Scared to try them incase I drop my new bike lol

[@sandsmine]

in the 90s i got a bike with basket pedals. i came to a stop and couldnt release my feet i struggled but lost my balance and fell dead sidways with no reflex reaction. i chucked them