Chapter 1: Guide to safe On- and off-road operation
The pedals are where your feet are placed on a bicycle. Control and safety demand that your feet be secure on the pedals.
If you purchased your own pedal system, carefully read the instructions that came with those pedals. These instructions are only meant to supplement the instructions from the pedal manufacturer.
For recreational riding on smooth surfaces, this requires only a pair of soft-soled shoes. As you ride harder, or the riding surface gets rough, pedal systems can help to keep your feet on the pedals.
With any pedals, be careful not to slip off the pedal, or hit yourself with it. Pedals often are designed to grip or engage your shoes to prevent your foot from slipping, and these same features may be sharp enough to cut or gouge if they strike you with even a small amount of force.
If you are uncertain about the operation of the pedal system on your bicycle, consult your Trek dealer. If your bicycle has a pedal system that does not fit, or you do not want it, have your Trek dealer change your pedals to your desired system.
Toe-clips and straps (Figure 1) attach your feet to the pedals with a strap with a metal locator.
Figure 1:
Toe-clip and strap
Clipless pedals (Figure 2) mechanically engage a cleat attached to the sole of a special cycling shoe, much like a ski binding.
Figure 2:
Clipless pedal
If your bicycle came without pedals, you should choose the pedals that are best for you. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use of your pedals.
· Toe-clips and straps
· Clipless pedals