How To Set Up Clipless Pedals - MTB Pro Tips

Are you thinking of switching to clips on your mountain bike? This video covers everything from positioning your cleats to finding the best clipless pedal for you.
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Mountain bike cleats are typically fixed to your shoe using a 2-bolt system. Experimenting with the position of the cleat on your shoe will help you find the best fit for your style of pedalling.
With manufacturers like Crank Brothers, you can also adjust the amount of 'float' you have. This is how much you can twist your foot before unclipping from the pedal.
Finally, different pedal shapes will suit different riders. Downhill riders tend to prefer flat pedals which can offer better 'feel' through your shoe, while XC riders tend to prefer slimmed down pedals which weigh less and offer a more concentrated contact point.
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Music - licensed by Cue Songs

[@JasonBowman121]

Good simple video. I run my cleat all the way back and I still pedal with my toes down. I also have to rotate mine so my feet are a bit displayed. With the cleat in line with the shoe, my peddling rotation had my knees moving side to side and caused severe knee pain. Slight adjustment of the rotation and now my knees go strait up and down and without pain! Keep up the good work and enjoy your channel! !

[@GogglesTyresandTrainers]

When you get the cleats onto the shoes in the right position i find that by dripping melted wax into the allen bolt head it is easier to remove in future as the wax, once hardened prevents stones and dirt getting jammed in

[@macdontcare]

Great tip!

[@Dani_Mitrich]

Классный совет!

[@BranGrizz]

smart.

[@jonoblinger9918]

Thanks!

[@Rexy888]

I just weld them with a stick welder

[@josem2701]

Great tips!! Personally I used the tip of pointing the cleat a bit towards the toe and this makes it easier for me to disconnect. Tested it yesterday and felt more prepared to unclip! Great channel keep up with the fantastic videos you post!

[@renatgal2946]

Awsome! Thinking to start cliples this year. You guys help a lot. Thanks!

[@bcurt7834]

Just got my first pair of shimano 8020s because of you guys! Thanks for all the help and this guide. Made the transition smooth as can be. I love this channel! Neil, we have the same exact shoes for both flats and clipless. You must have good taste.

[@gmbn]

Nice one! :)

[@malcglen4730]

Great vid - I've been riding clipless for a while and the tip about moving the cleat backwards makes a huge difference!

[@keiztrat]

In a good way?

[@malcglen4730]

@@keiztrat Definitely!

[@328skidpad]

Great video your explanation really helped me determine what angle fit best..

[@doublen675]

Great advice, thank you and I totally agree with your preference.

[@suchgr8hieghts]

i just run a large bolt all the way through the soles of an old pair of running sneakers and into the crank. works flawlessly and saved a ton of money. and oh, have my laces loose incase i gotta bail.

[@gmbn]

Send us a photo to [e-mail] We need to see that bodge!

[@edog1955]

saves money, but you still have a flexible sole. the bike shoes have stiff soles so that we get better transfer of energy to the pedals.

[@clemj7928]

I just bought some clipless shoes at Decathlon for 40 bucks lol

[@dyzoly]

Come on, you guys, he's just joking :))))

[@PlaidHiker]

I strongly suggest green bolt lock on cleat bolts, having a bolt fall out in the middle of the day in horrible.

[@carlosa.sanchez896]

Excellent presentation, covering all the key points of pedal-cleat dynamics. I'm not a fan of Crank Bros, prefer Shimanos, but that's a matter of trial and error to find what suits you best. The only thing he left out is spend $25-30 for a simple torque wrench. Aside from the fact most crucial connections on a bike have recommended torque settings to tighten to, cleats should be at 5-6 N-m (Newton-meters). I have a Venzo wrench that flexes and has a pinpoint over a numbered scale, but got lazy in using it to check my shoe's cleats. Last week, I lost one on a ride, fortunately when finishing up and no fall. I replaced both cleats and was shocked at how loose the left shoe's cleat bolts were! It was close to beginning to loosen, like the right shoe had done. Your other surprise will be at how much you need to crank those bolts down to reach 5-6 N-m, it feels like you're way overdoing it, but you're not. Lesson learned, I'm gonna check those suckers once a month.

[@ktrock77]

Yeah, I've tightened stuff reasonably only to have them come loose. Now I make sure everything is overtightened.

[@rabs2020]

I just bought a pair and coming from flat pedals need some getting use to but actually very easy to learn

[@js615]

Would be good to have discussed the different pedal/cleat type options as well (SPD etc)

[@willsnibson3195]

Thanks for doing another pedal video

[@blauseng00superduty]

Great video like always.I wanna try clipless,really getting sick of sliding off my platform pedals.

[@blauseng00superduty]

***** I also don't feel fast either with platform pedals cause I'm always adjusting my feet.That's the main reason I want clipless.

[@davidsuzukiispolpot]

The Shimano 520 with the model 56 multi-release cleats are inexpensive, bullet-proof, and easy to release from. I wish I never tried my CB egg-beaters.

[@safetyinchrist9150]

Good stuff. Thanks.

[@keatoncampbell6483]

your welcome

[@flexathillcrest1]

great video

[@tomwhitehouse5830]

I pretty much centered my cleats in a shimano shoe and set the pedal tension in the middle have had no problems unclipping but my climbing is heaps better than with flats [ mind you xtrainers and stock pedals with good pins ]

[@ravynx]

I couldn't find a clipless shoe wide enough to accommodate my feet so I swapped over to flats and FiveTen VXi Freerider shoes. Even FiveTen's clipless shoes were too narrow for me. I'm sticking with flats until I can find an appropriately wide enough shoe. I was running the XC-style Shimano style pedals and I think I'd benefit from having a clipless platform pedal as well. Those Giro Chamber shoes look nice though.

[@oliverpemberton6625]

Shimano am45

[@wildlifecrazy7045]

i love your bike i just got a trail 3

[@Tommy-qm8um]

Hey Marc! Do you have to run the spacers with the chamber shoes and the dh mallet? Or does it fit right without? Please let me know, cheers

[@jjelambi]

Grettings from Venezuela, I've been looking out to buy a DH style shoe like the chamber or a five ten my concern is clip in climbing does it climb well ??

[@davidsuzukiispolpot]

Is there a reason to not use thread-locker 242 when attaching the cleats to the shoes? It will address the corrosion issue and decrease the likelihood of losing a bolt, which is very dangerous as you can't release from the pedal if the cleat rotates with the pedal.

[@m00nchildblues]

Have the 510 Maltese Falcon clipped w CB mallet E w shim underneath. I having a super hard time unclipping on both shoes to where I'm almost twisting my shoe off! Rare days they work fine but MOST days they are impossible to unclip and I have to fall down and twist my foot on the ground to take them off! Love the clip in and locked in feel but unclipping forget it, fell a few down 2-4' drops! HELP PLEASE or SPD Shimano xt I go!

[@tjgraham3597]

what about greasing the cleat threads? Just like pedal spindles ungreased cleat threads can cause a big problem when you can't get them out when you go to replace the worn out cleat

[@evanmtb4511]

I run XC shoes with DH pedals, but the stiffness and how well it holds is insane. Don’t knock it till ya try it.

[@alenakoriavaya7347]

My SPD cleats shift when I unclip from the bike. Is it normal? Any recommendations?

[@carlosguyvidrios6298]

thank to you all' I push 20 35 miles night & day try to get more out my legs & my shoes' here to you all make a day to ride to Huntington beach pier hun back 2016 from El Monte took 5 1/2 hr today take less Hr I actually broke 7000 miles in Dec 15, 2017, I appreciate all Mr. V.

[@kuterv]

Is it not better to use flat shoes for technical stuff and downhill ? normally use my clipless boots but it seems like a fail and fall more when I am using those.

[@rajgill7576]

Is it okay if my cleats slide a little? One thread out of the 2 on one shoe was super sticky and crunchy brand new and the cleats a little loose for it

[@marissalynlorzano2753]

Hey gmbn can i use shimano cross country spd shoe in cb candy 3?

[@AbdulHafiz-sk4hs]

what about riding dh? how do setup my cleats position?

[@manuelcobian2355]

what do you thing its better cranbrother pedal or xtr or easy to use

[@ccc369]

Any tips on setting up the actual pedal mate? How tigh/loose etc - not the clip but the pedal-to crank

[@kroketas80]

Hi there ;-) I have a question about how much power you can get from riding in these SPD clip-less pedals vs regular platform pedals ? Thanks !

[@HagakureJunkie]

I noticed a big difference in efficiency, I resisted going clipless until recently, it has made a world of difference in my riding.

[@m00nchildblues]

dont get it, why would only one cleat have the dots on the bottom, why wouldn't they have them on both? Im having a hard time on my left coming out, but super easy on my right? Can't I have both come out with same degree or tension? thank you

[@tommymccarthy5643]

my crank bro cleats don't quite look like that. I don't have side to side adjustment. they came with my brand new egg beater 3s. what's the deal? am I being stupid

[@cameronparker-graham408]

What are the best shoes to start with

[@swz1986]

That embarrassing situation you mentioned happened to me lol 😆

[@lukemalecka3303]

I want to got some DH clipless shoes, but I don't know which ones are good. I would like a flat soled shoe that looks a little more casual. I'm trying to keep it under $110 USD

[@jtaraiza2480]

look at the five ten clipless shoe...$130 USD

[@peterechavez6363]

Hi! How do you install the pedals? Should the narrower part of clip be on the front side? Or to the back?

[@rhobyarendelegue4872]

Any answers?

[@kylewainwright9122]

Hey GMBN! What is the difference between a shoe such as a fiveten or giro and a shimano SH-AM45? Thanks!

[@mickdundee4638]

Nothing at all, you can have Shimano pedals with giro shoes. It's all preference

[@cortscooldominos]

Hey Global Mountain Bike Network. I have the Giro Terraduro shoe in a size 46 and I am running the Crankbrothers Mallet 2 pedals. Even with my cleat moved all the way over if I am at the bottomstroke of my pedal I can't unclip because of my sole hitting against the crankarm. You mentioned getting some pedal extenders to move the pedal out away from the crankarm a bit more. Do you know of any you would recommend and that would work with the 8mm allen key that Crankbrothers pedals use?

[@michaeldoncando1741]

kelly jorgensen i have the same problem with my terraduro

[@michaeldoncando1741]

And mallet

[@sangheumbyun6749]

at 2:18 why right shoe has 15 degree and left shoes relaese at 20 degree... may i have explanation for this?

[@damiansmith391]

15 degrees meaninflg easier release?

[@DotAHuskarMaster]

I have spd's.Can I loosen the tension of the springs all the way?I mean all the way down really so that I know that the tension of both pedals are equal when I tighten them back.

[@gmbn]

Not necessarily just adjust both pedals to a point where you feel comfortable.

[@tiaanrabe8175]

Whats the torque on the bottom screws on the cleats?

[@petergregson6325]

Didn't you guys say you were going to make a video on Marc's gambler on the dirt shed show one time?

[@rumberitoboricua]

Any particular reason to choose Crank Brothers?

[@rp003.0]

Sponsorship

[@wrarmatei]

I'm so happy that Crankbros finally ditched the fucking brass cleats.

[@orionvergara9875]

I ride flats and have been forever, however I'm wondering what my advantages on the trail would be. Would it be a good idea to switch and what's your opinion on toeclips?

[@OvereatenPotato]

You definitely gain power/efficiency in pedal strokes, but some people feel more comfortable on downhills will flat pedals.

[@andyjoe81]

I'm kind of new to biking in general, and I'm trying to dive right in to multi day rail trail tours. I would imagine the cross country style is more ideal for that, since the rail trails aren't that technically demanding. Is that right, or is there a third style option you'd recommend?

[@tripp7378]

andyjoe81 I

[@thatchman9605]

Is there a way to make clipless shoes?

[@fa28756]

will crank brothers mallet work with shimano cleats on shimano mt 23 shoes? thanks!

[@gmbn]

+Finlay Anderson No Finlay, you need the cleats specific to the pedals you have. cheers MARC

[@LMurphy789]

Any hacks on replacing the cleat in the exact same place as the previous cleat? Are the tiny bumps on the cleat for that purpose? Like do they dig into the shoe and make ridges so you can change them easier in the future?

[@imneveruploadinghere7180]

A sharpie should do the trick for marking the current position of your cleats

[@jordanwombat7181]

I am at the stage of changing to cliped pedals, i am just trying to find out the right style of shoe. Wondering if you could help?

[@Spazamazz]

Shimano m089 is nice. Best bet is to go to your local shop and try some on

[@Zanda99]

Anyone got advice on knee pain. I'm running SPDs and can't stop the pain at the top of my knee caps. Cheers

[@gmbn]

Try adjusting the position of your cleats to make your feet straighter on the pedals - if it gets bad or worse consult a medical professional!

[@Zanda99]

I'll give that a try, nice one thanks 👍

[@binamamon9430]

It is possible to make diy cleats shoes?

[@thomasgeorgebrun5344]

When you order clipless pedals on Amazon do they come with the parts for the shoe?

[@caedenchapman5373]

Usually

[@johnbradbury3377]

What MTB shoes can I wear with crankbrothers pedals?

[@stephenkohler3472]

John Bradbury Any that have the little treaded cleat mounts already in the sole... some have that section covered by a removable rubber tab but you can see the outline easily.

[@911sunkan]

Hi, what brand of shoes are you using with the downhill pedals? The one with a flat sole.? all the best :)

[@keatoncampbell6483]

yes

[@Orihe]

First time and only time i tried clipless, i fitted them way to tight went out for a blast clipped in fine couldn't get my feet out and ended up breaking my arm HaHa - flats for life!

[@davidsuzukiispolpot]

I just had my first ride with the egg-beaters instead of my usual multi-release Shimano. I went too slow thinking about which way to go, fell over, did not get my foot out (forgot different cleats). Smashed my hand on a root. Now it will be a while before I can ride again. Thinking of taking off my CB egg-beaters when I heal and can ride, so I don't ruin my season with another bout of stupidity.

[@meganwicaksono1362]

Can you guys make a video how to set up shimano cleats?

[@jaspervanvlaslaer4520]

It's the same

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

Megan Wicaksono Attachment is the same but it doesn’t matter which cleat is on right or left the lateral travel is the same. Two important things you should know about Shimano cleats. First the lateral ( side) travel is less so they release sooner. Second you can buy the SH 56 M cleat which release in multiple directions. The pedals come with the SH 51 single release cleat. If you are concerned about release when falling go with Multi release SH56 M. I have used Shimano SPD system for twenty years and use the multi release cleat on my trail riding shoes. I prefer the single release cleat on my road shoes. This video was sponsored by Crank Brothers so their was no information on other brands and their release mechanism. And yes I do occasionally pull out of my pedal with the SH56 M but it is a good trade off for it’s release capability.

[@edvynmtb2257]

Where can I get the shoes

[@jacob9534]

can you use the smaller crank brothers pedal without clip shoes

[@gmbn]

+Jacob Oxley nope it's a clip pedal specific, we'd recomend going a Crank Brothers Stamp pedal...

[@jovendumayas1698]

Is the black spacer optional?

[@drewhayden9942]

I got my shoes stuck in my pedals any suggestions on how to fix that?

[@keatoncampbell6483]

don't get them stuck.

[@nicoofner85]

I ride Trail/Enduro Five Ten Kestrel schoes. Crankbrothers Candy or Maller, what would you choose? Thanks!

[@gmbn]

+Nico Ofner Hey Nico, Personally I would go for the Mallet E these are crankbrothers new Enduro pedals nice big platform for when you dab a foot and have to balance your foot until you can clip back in. Cheers Marc

[@nicoofner85]

+Global Mountain Bike Network Thanks!

[@magorbarocz2196]

How about performance? Is there any downside if I put my cleats almost all the way back?

[@gmbn]

Magor Bárócz It's tough to say, there is some evidence to suggest that you produce slightly less power because you aren't using your calves quite as much. I would try it and if you don't like it, move them back. I see it help a lot of people with technical riding, cheers, Neil

[@Ryltar123]

I'm personaly riding more out of saddle (well i'm trying at least) and when i have cleats in "standard" position (at front) my feets will hurt after some time.But when i have them all the way back it's fine i can ride quite long with cleats in that position.Also it's fiting my riding style more and i feel like i'm having more power out of saddle.

[@tolli4919]

Magor Bárócz if you ride with the cleats all the way back, like Neil says, you'll have to work with higher force. it may feel better for riding downhill. on the long run however, you will degrade your knee joints, because of the unnatural foot position. try not having the cleats too far back. in line with your big toes (one the left right axis), and under the big toe joints (on the forward back axis) should be optimal

[@collinrodriguez9628]

Were those shoes the Giro Jackets? Ive wanted to get a pair, but it says that they are flat pedal shoes. I want to get a DH shoe with a clip. So, is the Giro Jacket a shoe that can clip into the pedals?

[@gmbn]

+Collin Rodriguez Giro Chambers.

[@collinrodriguez9628]

Ok, thank you

[@HepticGaming]

How do you loosen it so you can clip out easier?

[@rp003.0]

Allen key on the pedals

[@davidsuzukiispolpot]

Not for the CB egg-beaters pictured. I don't think there is a way to decrease the release tension - other than some wear by use.

[@benholland6836]

Is there any way to make the springs tighter? My feet fell like they float and slide. Some times I unclip by accident. Ps keep up with the good work guys

[@ThisGuyRides]

Ben Holland depends on the pedal. Yes for Shimano, no for the pedals shown in this video.

[@caedenchapman5373]

I love my issi trail 2s, very adjustable.

[@jasoncross6151]

Clipless how to video sponsored by Crank Bros 😂 good vid, simple and straight to the point, would be good to cover pros and cons to different pedal manufactures and shoe makes, me personally....Shimano m545 on five tens but been riding clipless on road for a while so well use to it. DO NOT just straight in on clipless, practice first until your comfortable to use off road. 👌

[@rumberitoboricua]

Greetings from sunny Puerto Rico! What about SPDs? Have you guys tried them?

[@gmbn]

+rumberitoboricua hey!!! SPD's and Clipless pedals are the same!!

[@spykirbine1689]

And how different is clip and clipless

[@zbillster]

Is there a version of this video in English?

[@skyffed8853]

bruh this is english video -__-

[@adriancostea9202]

How do I do an emergency eject with clipless?

[@user-zm7zl9lc6j]

You dont lol

[@tlf.]

Wow Niel you sound soo different

[@DavidMcGinn-wj2dk]

It went together easily in less than an hour. kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Make sure the front fork is forward or the pedals will hit the front tire. Tires are both a little soft so it needs air before I ride it. The rear wheel didn't come with a clamp regular bolts hold it on. The front had the clamp. No scratches out of box. Rims are a little off with a slight wobble. They could have spent more time with the spoke tool fixing the run out. So far out of the box I'm happy with it. I did replace the pedals with a nice aftermarket set. After riding it a bit my A$$ is a bit sore so I ordered another seat. Overall I'm nearly 60 and didn't ride a bike in 30 years. I like my new 29" Schwinn. It will be used for casual rides with my friend.

[@Beelcibub]

I'm confused there clip-LESS but you clip in 😕 And what's the difference between Clipless, toeclips, flats, pedals and straps? I see people taking about 5 and I'm just confused or are there only three kinds clipless, pedals and straps?

[@gmbn]

Juan Delgado Hey Juan, Ok I can see your confusion here is what most people use, Flats, Clips or Clipless or perhaps even SPDS (Shimano's original clip in system) the system with the metal clip on your shoe that connects to the pedal. Lastly toe straps or toe clips are old fashioned and I would stay well clear!! Hope thats clears it up for you thanks, Marc

[@4punk2zilla0]

I use Crankbrothers on my road bike because they are awesome pedals. Haters gonna hate, I just keep rolling lol.

[@zaydenv7497]

Could you ride the downhill pedals without cleats?

[@gmbn]

zayden v No, I wouldn't recommend it. They aren't designed to have enough grip on normal shoes.

[@Bigred10101]

zayden v If you get a specific flat pedal (my personal favorite is the raceface atlas) and a grippy shoe is pretty good on dh sections.

[@zaydenv7497]

Okay thanks :) I've been riding on flats forever but I tried clip less a few times and really like it but don't want to give up the flats. I just love the way they feel. I wanted pedals that I didn't have to change every time I wanted a to ride clip less or on flats. Are there such things?

[@davidg1726]

i'm a bit late but there are pedals like the crank brothers double shot that have a place to clip in on one side and a flat side on the other.

[@infojreid]

I love crankys

[@francescocrea525]

Will this bike help me lose weight??

[@tristansaucedo6395]

Cool!! 100000

[@andyann5511]

what shoe is the white one

[@leapfrog4561]

+Andy Ann mavic

[@jvlienj]

lot of enduro riders in EWS ride with "cross country shoes, pedals.."

[@rumberitoboricua]

Sorry I meant Shimanos, your video shows Crank Brothers. I have friends that live or die by one or the other.

[@gmbn]

+rumberitoboricua here at GMBN we use CrankBrothers!

[@prattmandu]

Not helpful :( You're assuming the cleats are starting with the metal mounting bracket already in the shoe. I'm starting BEFORE that step. I don't know how to mount the metal bracket in the shoe. Once I do that this video would be helpful.

[@Dr4g0nW00d]

learned another tips i didnt now i drive clips for seven years

[@tomsapermanis]

can I adjust 9 speed derailluer to 7 speed casette?

[@joebailey8845]

Toms Apermanis Possibly. It depends on the amount of adjustment you can make with the High and Low Limit screws on the derailluer. Are you are using a 7 speed gear shifter?

[@tomsapermanis]

Joe Bailey Now I am using 7/8 speed shimano ALTUS derailluer but I want to buy sram X7, 9 speed derailluer and don't know if the screws will hold it in right place.

[@tomsapermanis]

Toms Apermanis And there's no videos on youtube for this situation...

[@joebailey8845]

I am using a 9 speed XT shadow derailluer with an 8 speed cassette and shifter. Works fine. The important thing is to have a 7 speed shifter,(for correct indexing) and then set the High and Low limit screws on your derailluer so it can't shift the chain into the spokes. Take the chain off if you can and try adjusting the limit screws so the derailluer won't move past the biggest and smallest sprocket when you push it to the biggest sprocket. It won't hurt.

[@tomsapermanis]

Joe Bailey ok, thanks for help!

[@ZeeBri]

Unfortunately Neil was involved in quite a big pile up today. He's fine but his van is in a bad way.

[@user-zm7zl9lc6j]

Wat

[@CrazyCyclingVlogger]

If the clip fits...

[@ernestocheguevara5405]

переведи братан

[@fatbikefreak5962]

I ride clipless most of the time on my Fat Bike...

[@dcfilms347]

What shoes are those? Giro?

[@glennpettersson9002]

Ahhhh! Now I see said the blind man as he waved his wooden leg👍😀

[@diegovillacrez8349]

I just realized why aren't the called strapless pedals???

[@evanhintsa1271]

If your screw falls out of your cleat then unclip your other shoe.

[@dyzoly]

Depends on the moment when you realise it's loose :))))

[@fadhilseptiawan2476]

A+++++++

[@David-cc3un]

Very through. Me like 👍