How to Adjust Clipless Pedals

Clipless pedals for bicycles are a bit of a misnomer. The pedals are designed with a set of clips, one on either side of the pedal, that attach to a cleat attached to the bottom of a specialized cycling shoe. When the clipless pedals are connected to the shoe, they give the rider a more efficient spin and power transfer from the cranks to the gears. The clipless pedals need to be adjusted properly to avoid knee injuries and sloppy pedaling.

Things You'll Need

  • Allen keys
  • Bicycling shoes with pedal cleats
  • Marker
  • Bike grease
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pull the footbed out of the cycling shoes and push out the large black tab in the center of the shoe. This reveals the three screw point attachments on the bottom of the shoe.

    • 2

      Place one of the cleats onto the bottom of the shoe--on the sole. Draw a line around the cleat using the marker. Place the cleat washer into the cleat housing, and then push the Allen screws into the washer holes.

    • 3

      Place the cleat with attachments back onto the drawn outline on the sole of the shoe and tighten the Allen screws into the sole using the Allen keys. Do the same with the other shoe.

    • 4

      Loosen the pedal settings to the easiest release point by turning the Allen screw on the outside edge of the pedals all the way to the left. Turn until the screw will not turn any more.

    • 5

      Sit on the bike and click into the clipless pedals with the cleat on the shoe. Pedal the bike and practice clipping in and out. When comfortable with the mechanisms, get off the bike and begin turning the pedal adjustment screw to the right. Ride and click in and out. Turn until you get the tension on the pedals to your comfort level.