How to Adjust Bike Pedals for Clips

If you have recently made the switch over to cleat and clip-style pedals--ironically called clipless pedals--you need to adjust the pedals for your cleats and to the tension you desire. When first starting out with these pedals, it is wise to keep the tension low to allow for easier exits from the pedals. As your skill with the clips increases, adjust the tension higher to gain better power transfer and lower the chances of unwanted ejection off the clips.

Things You'll Need

  • Allen wrench kit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set the bicycle against a wall or rack. Place the Allen key into the hex screw in the middle of the pedal end. For dual-sided pedals, there are hex screws on both ends and both need the same adjustments. Turn the hex screw counter clockwise all the way. This "zeroes" the pedal and readies it for custom adjustment.

    • 2

      Sit on the bicycle and clip one foot into the pedal clip. It will go on very easy and twist off with little to no tension. Turn the hex screws in half-turn increments clockwise. After each turn, clip into the pedal and test the tension by twisting the foot out of the pedal.

    • 3

      Turn both hex screws on dual-sided pedals the same turn increments. Flip the pedal over and test the clip tension with each mutual adjustment.

    • 4

      Take a test ride once the desired pedal clip tension is reached. Go uphill and practice exiting the pedal with the new adjustments. As your skill increases, make micro adjustments using the half-turn increments to gain deeper tension and more efficient pedaling.