Tech 43
Many clipless pedals are designed to allow the rider to adjust the amount of
force needed to engage or disengage the foot. Follow the pedal manufacturer’s
instructions, or ask your dealer to show you how to make this adjustment. Use
the easiest setting until engaging and disengaging becomes a reex action, but
always make sure that there is sufcient tension to prevent unintended release
of your foot from the pedal.
WARNING: Clipless pedals are intended for use with shoes
specifically made to fit them and are designed to firmly keep the foot
engaged with the pedal. Do not use shoes which do not engage the
pedals correctly.
Practice is required to learn to engage and disengage the foot safely. Until
engaging and disengaging the foot becomes a reex action, the technique
requires concentration which can distract your attention and cause you to
lose control and fall. Practice engaging and disengaging clipless pedals in a
place where there are no obstacles, hazards or trafc; and be sure to follow
the pedal manufacturer’s setup and service instructions. If you do not have the
manufacturer’s instructions, see your dealer or contact the manufacturer.
F. Bicycle Suspension
Many bicycles are equipped with suspension systems. There are many different
types of suspension systems — too many to deal with individually in this
Manual. If your bicycle has a suspension system of any kind, be sure to read
and follow the suspension manufacturer’s setup and service instructions. If
you do not have the manufacturer’s instructions, see your dealer or contact the
manufacturer.
WARNING: Failure to maintain, check and properly adjust the
suspension system may result in suspension malfunction, which may
cause you to lose control and fall.
If your bike has suspension, the increased speed you may develop also
increases your risk of injury. For example, when braking, the front of a
suspended bike dips. You could lose control and fall if you do not have
experience with this system. Learn to handle your suspension system safely.
See also Section 4.C.
WARNING: Changing suspension adjustment can change the handling
and braking characteristics of your bicycle. Never change suspension
adjustment unless you are thoroughly familiar with the suspension
system manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations, and
always check for changes in the handling and braking characteristics
of the bicycle after a suspension adjustment by taking a careful test
ride in a hazard-free area.
Suspension can increase control and comfort by allowing the wheels to better
follow the terrain. This enhanced capability may allow you to ride faster; but
you must not confuse the enhanced capabilities of the bicycle with your own
capabilities as a rider. Increasing your skill will take time and practice. Proceed
carefully until you have learned to handle the full capabilities of your bike.
E. Pedals
1. Toe Overlap is when your toe can touch the front wheel when you turn the
handlebars to steer while a pedal is in the forwardmost position. This is common
on small-framed bicycles, and is avoided by keeping the inside pedal up and the
outside pedal down when making sharp turns. On any bicycle, this technique
will also prevent the inside pedal from striking the ground in a turn.
WARNING: Toe Overlap could cause you to lose control and fall. Ask
your dealer to help you determine if the combination of frame size,
crank arm length, pedal design and shoes you will use results in
pedal overlap. Whether you have overlap or not, you must keep the
inside pedal up and the outside pedal down when making sharp turns.
2. Some bicycles come equipped with pedals that have sharp and potentially
dangerous surfaces. These surfaces are designed to add safety by increasing
grip between the rider’s shoe and the pedal. If your bicycle has this type of
high-performance pedal, you must take extra care to avoid serious injury
from the pedals’ sharp surfaces. Based on your riding style or skill level,
you may prefer a less aggressive pedal design, or chose to ride with shin
pads. Your dealer can show you a number of options and make suitable
recommendations.
3. Toeclips and straps are a means to keep feet correctly positioned and
engaged with the pedals. The toeclip positions the ball of the foot over the
pedal spindle, which gives maximum pedaling power. The toe strap, when
tightened, keeps the foot engaged throughout the rotation cycle of the pedal.
While toeclips and straps give some benet with any kind of shoe, they work
most effectively with cycling shoes designed for use with toeclips. Your dealer
can explain how toeclips and straps work. Shoes with deep treaded soles or
welts which might make it more difcult for you to insert or remove your foot
should not be used with toeclips and straps.
WARNING: Getting into and out of pedals with toeclips and straps
requires skill which can only be acquired with practice. Until it
becomes a reflex action, the technique requires concentration which
can distract your attention and cause you to lose control and fall.
Practice the use of toeclips and straps where there are no obstacles,
hazards or traffic. Keep the straps loose, and don’t tighten them until
your technique and confidence in getting in and out of the pedals
warrants it. Never ride in traffic with your toe straps tight.
4. Clipless pedals (sometimes called “step-in pedals”) are another means to
keep feet securely in the correct position for maximum pedaling efciency.
They have a plate, called a “cleat,” on the sole of the shoe, which clicks into
a mating spring-loaded xture on the pedal. They only engage or disengage
with a very specic motion which must be practiced until it becomes
instinctive. Clipless pedals require shoes and cleats which are compatible
with the make and model pedal being used.
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