Introduction to Clipping In

Mind is All

With the weather warming up, biking season is just starting. Most will get back on their bikes soon, hoping to add up some miles. There are a few simple adjustments you might want to consider that could make a huge impact. Upgrading your pedals can be one of the best and easiest options, which can make a huge difference. There are a number of options you should consider if you are one of those with their origal pedals.

Many people have enjoyed switching to a type of pedal where you can connect your foot to your pedal full time. You have two main forms you can choose from, a clip less or a toe clip pedal. Why switch and what are the advantages? Power simply put, is one of the largest payoffs to switching your pedal. On a regular pedal you are only able to transfer power to your bike as you push your pedal down. Clipping in allows you to add a pulling motion on the backside. Making this type of clips much more efficient.

There are two different types of ways to get you locked onto your bike. The first option is to clip your fott into a basket. Commonly called a toe clip. These are not the preferred method of clipping in for professionals but there are many people who like to start here because they don’t always have to be clipped in to use them. It allows you to stay cliped in or turn it upside down and use it as a traditional pedal.

The second type of pedals are called clipless, though a bit of a misnomer since you are actually locked onto your bike. These are the pedals of choice for your more serious rider. All of the clipless pedals require specialized shoes to use with the specific pedal you choose. There are two main forms of clipless setups. SPDs, which are commonly used for road bikes, and PD's which are used most commonly on mountain bikes. SPDs have a wider pedal and use a more stiff shoe than a PD type.

Before you decide to change your pedals ask if you can try out a pair and put your bike on a trainer. This will allow you to get a sense of how to get in and out of your new pedals efficiently so you don’t crash. It will require you a bit of practice to help remember to detach your feet before coming to a full stop.