How to Put Toe Straps on

Looking to increase pedaling efficiency, cyclists choose to add toe clips and straps to their pedals. These devices permit the cyclist to pull on the pedal during the up stroke and push down with greater force on the down stroke. The toe clip and strap are two separate parts, and may require individual installation. Installing both parts correctly allows for safe use of the system.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver (as needed)
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Phillips screwdriver or Allen key
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Instructions

  1. Toe Clip

    • 1

      Look for a pair of holes at the front of the pedal cage. These may be obscured by a reflector. If there is a reflector, use a flat blade screwdriver to carefully pry the reflector free of the pedal.

    • 2

      Match the holes at the front of the toe clip with those at the front of the pedal cage. Be sure the enclosed portion of the toe clip faces forward.

    • 3

      Fit a bolt through the front of each of the two holes. Hold the first bolt in place while threading a nut onto its tip. Repeat for the second bolt.

    • 4

      Align the toe clip, if necessary, so that it is centered over the pedal.

    • 5

      Hold either nut in place with an adjustable wrench while using either a Phillips screwdriver or Allen wrench to tighten the bolt. Generally, depending on the design of toe clip, these bolts require either a Phillips screwdriver or 4-mm Allen key. Repeat for the second bolt.

    Toe Strap

    • 6

      Observe the pair of slots at the top of the toe clip. These slots accommodate the upper half of the toe strap. A pair of slots on the backside of the pedal cage accommodate the lower half of the toe strap.

    • 7

      Pass the pointed, non-buckle end of the toe strap through the outside hole in the toe clip. Continue through the inside hole.

    • 8

      Loop the strap around the bottom of the pedal, passing the tip through the inside pedal cage hole. Before continuing through the outside pedal cage hole, twist the strap once to prevent it from sliding.

    • 9

      Thread the tip of the strap through the upper part of the buckle clamp and then back down through the lower part.