Cleats were introduced to cycling in 1984 when Look began applying its ski-binding technology to bikes. Bernard Hinault won the Tour de France in 1985 using Look's design, and from then on, there was no turning back. Nowadays, clipless pedals have become the norm in road cycling, and most off-road cyclists use them too, making clipless pedals and cleats undoubtedly one of the greatest cycling innovations of all time.
Is it better to cycle with cleats?
When examining cycling, clipless pedals have only advantages. Similar to ski bindings, clipless pedals lock your foot in place, allowing you to always pedal in the optimal position. Moreover, you can exert power throughout the entire pedal stroke, even when pulling up. This results in a smoother pedal stroke, making higher cadences more comfortable and improving efficiency. From a biomechanical perspective, cycling this way is also healthier.
There are, of course, some disadvantages and fears associated with clipless pedals, especially for beginners, but these usually disappear with time. Firstly, clipless pedals can only be used with the appropriate cycling shoes with cleats, so the initial cost for pedals and shoes is approximately 60-70,000 HUF. Considering the significant improvement in cycling quality, this investment is well worth it. Initially, getting used to clipless pedals can be challenging. You need to learn to clip in quickly and develop the reflex to twist your heel outward to unclip. Many people are afraid of this, and during the first few uses, it's hard to avoid some awkward moments. However, within a few weeks (about 10 rides), this problem resolves. Most clipless pedals have adjustable release tension; when set to the weakest setting, they are very easy to unclip, preventing accidents caused by forgetting how to unclip. Over time, you will develop the reflex to unclip correctly even in sudden situations. At this point, you can safely increase the release tension, making it more secure in certain situations. After about six months of using clipless pedals, you'll likely realize that you never want to ride any other way.
What type of clipless pedals should you choose?
There are three main types of clipless pedals: road, double-sided SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics, originally designed for mountain biking), and multi-pedals with SPD on one side and a traditional platform on the other. Multi-pedals are quite a compromise since you can only use one side with cycling shoes, making clipping in sometimes tricky. Similarly, traditional shoes can be uncomfortable if you step on the SPD side. Road pedals are specifically designed for sports use and are the best for this purpose. The cleat and pedal have a large contact area, providing stability and better power transfer. However, the cleat usually protrudes from the shoe, making walking difficult, suitable only for short distances, like reaching a counter in a café. Road pedals and shoes are recommended for sports purposes.
For touring, mountain biking, and recreational cycling, SPD is the best choice since the cleat does not protrude from the shoe sole. There are touring cycling shoes with cleats that are comfortable for walking long distances. These shoes are comfortable all day, not just on the bike. High-performance mountain bike shoes (especially carbon-soled racing MTB shoes) involve more compromises the more they are performance-oriented.
There is a wide range of brands, but it's easy to narrow down what to buy. For road pedals, Shimano, Look, and Time offer a wide selection, catering to everyone from hobbyists to professionals. You are likely to find new cleats and parts for these brands in most bike shops and online stores. For SPD pedals, there are many smaller brands offering cheaper, lighter, or more colorful options. We recommend Shimano for mountain bike/touring clipless pedals because they are reliable, durable, and have a wide range, covering all needs from hobby cyclists to professional racers. However, Look, Ritchey, and Time also offer good options.
Choosing the right shoes is more challenging, with many manufacturers and products to choose from. It is essential to try on new shoes before buying. At K2 Shop, we are happy to help you find the right one and even make professional insoles for you on-site.
