How to install cleats on your MTB shoes

Running a fresh set of cleats on your mountain bike shoes and installing them correctly is more important than you might think. Michael runs through how to replace old cleats with new ones, as well as how to align them correctly for the best comfort and performance.
Video contents:
00:08 - Introduction
00:29 - Equipment you'll need
00:50 - Release angle and cleat disengagement
01:37 - Removing your old cleats
02:44 - Finding the right spot for the cleat
05:44 - Working with the extra shim
06:28 - Using grease and Loctite
07:24 - Check both shoes for cleat alignment

[@jpschlosser]

Instead of marking your shoe with permanent marker you can use masking tape and draw the line over that. When finished, just take the tape off.

[@mikereed4876]

Thank you. This was a great walkthrough.

[@juliettedumouchel6021]

Excellent products …

[@j-dubya6103]

Thanks man! I was wondering what the silver spacer or riser was that's included with the cleats: compensating for shoe tread patterns (makes sense). Appreciate it!

[@isurubenaragama4942]

Its a good video. Keep up the good work my friend. I have a small question. Should i tight the cleats very hard or shallow tight is enough? Thank you and wish you all the best for yoir channel and a good future to you. 🙏

[@MTBDirectOnline]

Hi Isuru, it's best to check with the shoe manufacturer for precise tightness, but as a guide Shimano recommends 5-6 N.m of torque. The bolts should be tight enough so that there's absolutely no movement of the cleat when it's engaged with the pedal, however overtightening could potentially damage the shoe.

[@isurubenaragama4942]

@@MTBDirectOnline thank you soo much for the info. 👍🏼

[@christinebutler2760]

I didn’t under the part where you aligned the mark you made on the shoe with the cleat, you used an Allen key to align it. But I can’t see/understand what two points were aligned.

[@MTBDirectOnline]

Hi Christine, when Michael attaches his cleat to his shoe on the video, he aligns the bolts with the line that he made earlier with the allen key. He made this choice earlier on where he might want the cleats depending on what style of riding he might be doing and/or preference. Any more questions, feel free to message our customer service team on our website, they are always willing to help with your set up!

[@Kaisersozze]

You can put tape on the shoes and make marks on the tape.

[@emilianoromerocepeda5071]

Is cotton better than Lycra?

[@cathalkenneally1614]

I have been reliably informed that the MTB cleats that came with the pedals I bought fit the shoes, but for some reason I can’t seem to attach the cleats to my shoes. I’ve tried everything. I’m at my wits end. I feel it’s just money wasted. I wanted to switch to clipless pedals but I have been put off the idea. I’ve contacted the store and they insist that they are correct. I’m new to all this and wanted to be able to cycle better. I thought clipless pedals was the way to go but I’m having second thoughts

[@simpatiko6392]

Maybe you have a road bike shoes

[@cathalkenneally1614]

@@simpatiko6392 they are a leisure type of shoe but you can still attach cleats to them. I brought them into the store when I wanted to buy cleats for them

[@MTBDirectOnline]

Hi Cathal, have you managed to get these installed yet? It could be an issue with the shoes themselves or simply the cleats that came with your pedals are not compatible with the shoes you have. Anyhow, we'd recommend getting back in contact with the store you purchased them from, perhaps they can assist you with the installation? Otherwise, feel free to drop us a line on our website live chat, we'll see if we can help you out 👌

[@cathalkenneally1614]

@@MTBDirectOnline thanks for your help. It was my own stupidity. I went back to the store and they showed me what I was doing wrong. I felt like a proper fool. 🤦‍♂️

[@SuperGfunk23]

Hello, what was the issue? Im having the same nightmare currently lol​@@cathalkenneally1614

[@mikegamerguy4776]

As a complete newb, i hate how so may of these videos get to the most important part.. actually lining the fucking cleat up, and then there's a wide shot. I don't know where the cleat is in relation to the lines, or how that is precisely determine other than they lay some straight shit across the shoe and moved the cleat around. Then they say it's aligned and I'm like... yeah but I don't know where you actually put it in relation to your fucking marks. It's the flip side of dunning kruger. Those with expertise assume too much about those with none.

[@BjaaC1]

Wheere you put cleat. You put screws on the mark you made or tip of the cleat?