How To Use Clip-In Pedals & Cleats | Clipless Tips For Beginners

Clip-in or clipless pedals are a great upgrade for your bike. Ollie and James run you through their tips on mastering the clipless pedal and how to make sure you feel comfortable when using them.

SPD, SPD SL and Look are all types of clip-in pedals that you may have come across. These pedals often strike fear into the beginner cyclinst, but with our top tips, you need not be worried! We explain the different types of pedals, how to clip in and vitally how to clip out. We also share some safe ways to practice this skill without the fear of falling over at the traffic lights!

Do you use clip-in pedals? How long have you used them for? Let us know in the comments. 👇

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[gcn]

Do you use clip in pedals? How long have you used them for? 👇

[lason]

Good tip for newbies also, is to remember to unclip while still moving. If you don't have this twist motion really automated in your brain, then once you stopped the bike... it's already too late to learn it ;)

[cusomminimed]

Guys, you forgot the most important info for beginners: when you're coming to a real or potential stop, clip out with the leading foot before you get there! You can rest your foot on the pedal, and if the light changes, click back in and take off. But if you come to a stop and then decide to clip out, it will likely be too late.

[leftyseel]

Tried a clipless pedal for the first time last week. Road pedal. I’ve always used flat pedals before, even on mtb. And to avoid being too intimidated by it, i practiced one road shoe at a time, with the other foot wearing a rubber shoe, first getting the feel of clipping in and out. Then i rode in front of the house and practiced clipping in and out and landing as smoothly as i can. I did this a few times then when i’m satisfied, practiced with the other foot. I did all this in just 20 to 25 minutes, then i put in both road shoes and rode around the village, making sure i always clip one foot out on every intersection and corner just to be safe. Thankfully i did not fall. I’d be nervous for sure if i started with both feet clipped and locked in.

I read this very helpful tip from a comment somewhere here on youtube, i forgot which vid. So thank you whoever you are.

[C.Medina]

Lol the guy turn when Ollie told him "it's not a race mate" 😂😂

[beigemaster]

Personal top tip if you’re still anxious about going clipless- buy some SPD ‘Touring Style’ pedals where basically they’re MTB clips on one side but flat on the other. This means you can get up to speed using just the flats and the practice clipping in and out while moving.

They’re also great for commuting in heavy/slow traffic as you can unclip one leg while still pedalling on the flat side so you can still put your foot down instantly if required.

[kuxey.]

I’m 11 I got clipless peddles when I was 9 your video taught me how to use them and now I’ve grown out of my road bike and saving up for a new one

[katiereilly]

I love the way Ollie has drops and is using spds where James is using road ones on a flat bar

[BoBBaBoN]

I dont ride bicycles but I’ve seen a lot of cyclists fell down at traffic stop and saw a comments about cleat. here I am learning how to clip & un-clip it. Thanks for the guide 👍🏾

[evank]

1:25 "To unclip, you simply twist your ankle--" - yeah, it feels that way sometimes.

[trailpix]

I just used the clips for the first time - can't believe how easy that was! AND I didn't have to use my low gears getting up a big hill (that I normally have to use the lowest gear to get up). Thanks so much for the video and tips!

[Loccutus]

Thank you so much for your help. I am 70 years old and relatively new to road cycling and this weekend, I am going on the Ragbrai ride in Iowa, the longest recreational ride in the world. I want to learn to use clip-ins because it will help me on this 40 mile ride to pedal more efficiently. I am just a little scare of how to get in an out and that I might fall because I can't get off the pedal. Anyway, thank you GCN, you are the best.

[juliancromwell]

When I first switched over I had small piece of red electrical tape on my handlebars a a 'visual mental jog' to not forget to unclip when slowing to a stop. Worked a treat and its second nature now. Double sided flat / spd pedals are also worth a look if you sometimes want to ride in non cycling specific footwear. Also don't be embarrassed about using spd pedals on a road bike - nobody can tell when you are actually pedalling, and yes mtb/leisure type shoes are much easier to walk in.

[stuartdryer]

Mountain bike version (SPD) is easier when you are starting out. Most important thing of all, make sure to anticipate stops by unclipping well before you stop. Tiiimmmmbbbbeeeerrrr!

[Sandman_TV]

SPD-SL work like a charm! Got them since I have my first bike and love them!

[TheFairfield]

Thanks, another really helpful video on the GCN channel. I get my first road bike this week and I dreaded using cleats for fear of falling.

[zxaf]

I love it! I am green as a garden salad when it comes to road cycling. I've got the kit and a beautiful pair of pearl izumi cleats and I just couldn't figure out how to move and fasten the second one. Extremely helpful video, thank you for the video!

[katep]

Thank you guys! As a total beginner this was exactly the video I needed :)

[nicholasmorales]

This was the most helpful video about clipping in that I’ve found. Cheers!

[richardcaron]

I'm soon to buy my first clips, and this video gave me a great deal of comfort. Thanks.