Chapter 1: Guide to safe On- and off-road operation
Clipless pedals (Figure 1) function in a way similar to ski bindings, mechanically connecting the pedals to a cleat on your special cycling shoes. This section explains that concept more fully, and also explains how to adjust and use clipless pedals.
Figure 1:
Clipless pedal
There are important things to know before you first use clipless pedals. In addition to this information, also read the pedal owner's manual that came with your pedals.
You shoes must be firmly attached to the pedals. Do not ride clipless pedals while wearing 'street' shoes on platforms attached to the pedal. Also, do not ride in cleated cycling shoes without engaging the cleats. Incorrect shoes or usage can allow your foot to slip off the pedal unexpectedly. This can cause you to lose control and fall.
Use only the cleats supplied by, or approved by, the pedal manufacturer. Cleats from other pedal systems may not release properly. The following information is only meant to supplement the manufacturer's instructions.
Warning—While riding, your shoes must remain on the pedals or you may lose control of the bicycle and fall. When you stop the bicycle, your shoes must easily disengage from the pedals or you may fall. Always remove one foot from the pedal before bringing the bicycle to a complete stop.
Incorrect installation of the cleats could cause physical injury, so cleat installation should be done by your Trek dealer.
Before your first ride, familiarize yourself with your pedal system and practice entry and exit in a stationary position. When the motions for entry and exit become natural, then practice while riding in a flat, empty parking lot. While riding, watch the road; looking at your pedals will make it difficult to see upcoming obstacles.
Before attempting to engage your cleated shoes into the pedals, always inspect both the cleats and the pedals to make sure they are clean. Debris or contamination in the pedals or on the cleats may interfere with entry or exit of clipless pedals. If the cleats are worn, the cleats may not properly function with the clipless pedals.
On most pedals, the force required for entry and exit is adjustable. Incorrect adjustment could prevent your foot from disengaging from the pedal. For adjustment information, read the pedal manufacturer’s instructions.
The lubrication of the cleat and pedal interface is different for different pedals. For adjustment information, read the pedal manufacturer’s instructions. For further lubrication information, also see the Pedal section of Chapter 3.
Clipless pedals use a spring-loaded mechanism to engage a cleat, a small plate attached to the bottom of a special cycling shoe. Read the pedal manufacturer’s instructions that came with your pedals. If you chose your own clipless pedals, they should have come with instructions. If the information is not in this manual, ask your dealer for a copy or visit the web site of the pedal manufacturer. This manual includes manuals from some manufacturers.
1. Engage the front of the cleat into the front of the pedal (Figure 2) and press down with the ball of your foot. An audible click signifies completed entry into the pedal.
2. Check the attachment by attempting a rolling motion on the pedal (Figure 3). If you can roll your shoe off the pedal, start the procedure again.
3. To mount the bicycle, push down on this pedal while pushing off with the other foot, and at the same time, sit on the bicycle seat.
4. Once moving, put your other foot into the second pedal using the same technique.
Figure 2:
Engage the cleat into the pedal
Figure 3:
Test for cleat engagement by rolling shoe
1. Twist your heel laterally away from the centerline of the bicycle (Figure 4).
2. As you bring the bicycle to a stop, place your foot on the ground.
Figure 4:
Release from pedal by moving heel to the side