Clipless pedals (so called because there is no toe-clip) are something of a misnomer, especially when mountain bikers talk about riding “clipped-in.” In the mountain bike world, these pedals are more often known as SPD pedals or Spuds, an abbreviation of the most commonly used pedal system called Shimano Pedalling Dynamics.
Riding clipped-in allows the foot to be held firmly on the pedal and, aside from stopping feet slipping off pedals on rough terrain, clipless pedals allow the rider to pedal far more efficiently as power is maintained on the upward stroke of each cycle revolution. Experienced SPD pedal users hardly think twice about clipping in and out while riding but for novices, getting used to riding in Spuds can be tricky to say the least.
Learning to Cycle with Clipless Pedals
Shimano SPD pedals attach to a small cleat (see picture below) recessed into a bike shoe that must be compatible with the pedal. The novice should avoid rough rocky trails when learning to ride with clipless pedals for the first time; the most important initial step is to first practice getting in and out of the pedals using a wall as a support.
Make sure the pedals are loose enough to allow easy entry and exit from the pedal; it is far better to accidently slip out of the pedals while learning than risk being glued to the pedal at a crucial moment. See this How to Cycle with Clipless Pedals article for more detailed instructions.
Mountain Bike Clipless Pedals
Mountain bike clipless pedals vary widely in size, weight and cost but the beginner should ideally look for a low-cost pedal initially, just in case riding clipped-in is just too difficult. The cheapest pedals, unfortunately can be a little stiffer than mid-priced SPD pedals but a good compromise is to choose what is known as a downhill-type pedal.
These clipless pedals, also known as platform-type pedals, have a cage around the actual clip-in mechanism; this allows the novice to rest his/her foot on the pedal on rough terrain (in case a quick exit from the bike is required) and/or to practice clipping in and out on the most favored side during a ride.
Caged pedals also give more comfort at the point where the cleat attaches to the pedal; many beginners find balancing the foot on a normal 2 inch clip-in pedal uncomfortable so a caged option can be preferable.
MTB Clipless Pedal Brands
Shimano is the most widely used brand in mountain biking and their SPD cleat system is compatible with most other brands of cycling shoes. Popular alternative brands among mountain bikers are Crank Brothers who produce the innovative eggbeater pedal which has an open design, shaped like a whisk, to prevent mud build-up.
Riders who find any type of Shimano pedal uncomfortable may want to look at ATAC. Their pedals are aimed at riders with knee problems and pedals are designed to allow more lateral movement of the knee to prevent aggravation of existing injuries.
If buying the cheapest product money can buy just to test clipless pedals, expect to pay at least $40 for Spuds and around $70 for a caged pedal.
Beginner Clipless Pedals
Novices should look for clipless pedals that are easy to clip in and out of and, for additional safety, consider a caged pedal for easier learning. Once experienced at wearing them, riding clipped-in will seem like second nature.
Related Articles:
Also of interest may be How to Choose Clipless Bike Pedals and Best Riding Practice for Cyclists.
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Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
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