If you are a dedicated cyclist, you may have considered swapping your heavy pedals for the top cycling cleats. But if you haven’t made the switch yet, we are here to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
When you observe professional cyclists and mountain bikers, you’ll see that they aren’t wearing ordinary sneakers or sports trainers. This is because cycling cleats are more efficient and comfortable than any other footwear. The question is, do you really need them?
Before we proceed, we must make you aware that cycling cleats are just one piece of the puzzle for an enjoyable ride. To fully enhance your cycling experience, we recommend investing in the best bicycle bib shorts, the best bicycle socks, the best bicycle disc brake pads, and the best bike accessories. By doing so, you’ll be able to bike in style and comfort.
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What is a Cycling Cleat?
The concept of a standard bicycle pedal is simple, yet clever – press down on a pedal and it revolves around a central axis. This motion propels most bicycles forward, allowing you to easily travel from point A to point B with minimal effort.
However, for cyclists who prefer a smoother ride, cycling cleats are an ingenious accessory. These small metal wedges clip into the sole of a cyclist’s shoe and are spring-loaded, enabling quick engagement and disengagement from pedals without needing to bend down and re-tie laces. To engage, place the cleat at the center of the pedal, and push down to hear a click when correctly clipped in. To disengage, simply rotate your ankle away from the bike.
For clipless pedals, cyclists use a separate set of smaller clips instead of the standard flat pedals. It is also crucial to note that different clips work with various pedals, so it is essential to check which cleat will fit your bike. To help you choose, read on to learn more about the various combinations.
The Cons of Using the Best Cycling Cleats
If you want to become a better cyclist, investing in the best cycling cleats is a wise decision. They can provide you with more power for the amount of energy you put in. When cycling, all the power comes from your quad and hamstring muscles, while your calf muscle and lower leg simply transfer power. It is essential to maximize this power transfer, and that’s where cycling cleats prove beneficial.
Cycling with a trainer shoe and a flat pedal does not generate much power. This is because the surface of the trainer is soft and flexible, which results in pressure beneath the foot. Furthermore, a trainer shoe lacks a stiff midsole, which means there is no direct contact with the pedal.
Using the best cycling cleats can eliminate the need to lean forward to maintain contact with the pedal, making it easier to engage throughout the pedal’s travel. This enables you to apply force during more of the upward motion than possible without cycling cleats.
Although being clipped into a pedal might not seem comfortable, using cycling cleats is actually better for your feet. It can make your pedaling up to 25% more efficient. Cycling in soft shoes can weaken your feet. However, using cycling cleats can help strengthen your feet while allowing you to enjoy the benefits of cycling.
Appropriate Configuration
Problems with cleat alignment can cause blisters and irritation in the feet and ankles, making it crucial to position the cleats correctly before attaching cycling cleats to your shoes. Even with the best cycling cleats, a misaligned cleat can cause knee pain. Therefore, riders should seek professional advice on the proper installation and adjustment of cleats to prevent such issues.
The pedal spindles must be placed in a comfortable position between the first and fifth metatarsal head on the rider’s foot, ensuring that the spindle is above the foot and parallel with the ground. This placement will allow you to ride with the best posture possible.
To ensure that your cleats are in the ideal position, start by placing them all the way back. This will position your foot much more forward on the pedal, resulting in less knee strain and better power through the pedal stroke’s power phase.
How it Works
When using cycling cleats, it’s important to remember to unclip before coming to a complete stop to avoid falling over. It’s also recommended to practice clipping in and out in a stationary position before hitting the road or trail to get comfortable with the technique.
When looking for the best cycling cleats, there are several factors to consider, including compatibility with your pedals, float or the degree of freedom your foot has to move while clipped in, adjustability for a comfortable fit, and durability. It’s important to choose a pair that suits your riding style and preferences, whether you’re a road cyclist, mountain biker, or casual rider.
Some popular brands of cycling cleats include Shimano, Look, Speedplay, and Time, among others. It’s important to do your research and read reviews from other cyclists to determine which cleats will work best for you.
Read Also: List of The Best Cycling Shoes Under $100
1. BV Cycling Cleats
This pair of cycling cleats from BV is an excellent choice for indoor cycling and road bike cycling. With their top-level power transfer, they stand out from the rest, making them ideal for fitness cyclists who value comfort while logging miles.
Designed for riders who cycle 10 miles or more, these cleats are perfect for longer distances without experiencing fatigue or discomfort. With a 9-degree floating system, they allow you to maintain a comfortable position, enabling you to cycle as far as you desire.
Unlike other cleats that are only useful for pushing off the ground, these cleats are great for transferring power to your pedals. Once you have a solid footing, simply push down with all your might on the pedal and pull yourself along with the bicycle. Moreover, these cleats are lightweight, making them ideal for long distances.
Additionally, this pair comes with 3-hole arrangements that let you adjust the cleat position to suit your cycling flexibility. As every cyclist knows, it is vital to have as much flexibility as possible when riding a bike.
2. SHIMANO SPD-SL Cleat Set
For a smoother and more efficient cycling experience, upgrading your cycling shoes to SPD-SL cleats is highly recommended. Amongst the many cycling cleats available, the SPD-SL cleats are the best, and even the most discerning of buyers will be impressed with their performance.
All three models of this brand offer better traction, which means you can put more energy into your steps. This simple equation translates into a significant difference in your cycling experience. However, it’s essential to note that the plastic cleats will wear out faster than your pedals.
The yellow variant of SPD-SL cleats will float at six degrees, while the red variant will float at zero degrees. The floating feature ensures that your feet maintain a comfortable position, making cycling less strenuous.
3. LOOK Keo Grip Road Cleats
LOOK Keo Grip Road Cleats are one of the best cycling cleats in the market. Available in black, grey, and red, these cleats come with floating systems of zero-degree, 4.5-degree, and 9-degree, providing options for different cycling needs. Regardless of the variant you select, you can be sure of getting a high-quality product.
One crucial feature of these cleats is their lightweight design, making them one of the lightest pedals in the market. Additionally, LOOK invested considerable time and effort to ensure that these cleats are compatible with all cycling shoes. The KEO fit system allows you to customize the position of your cleats with ease.
Moreover, these cleats have a unique feature that allows them to remember their position after adjustment. This feature eliminates the need for constant positioning, providing a hassle-free cycling experience. You can remove and reattach the cleats with ease, knowing that they will maintain their position.
Conclusion
Cycling cleats are an essential tool for serious cyclists, providing benefits such as power transmission, secure foot placement, and slip-resistance. As such, they are highly recommended by cyclists worldwide. However, to maximize the benefits of your cleats, it is crucial to ensure that they are installed correctly to avoid any potential problems.
Installing cleats correctly ensures that you can pedal efficiently, providing an optimal cycling experience. Misaligned cleats can cause discomfort or injury, so it’s vital to pay attention to the installation process. Additionally, poorly installed cleats can cause instability and decreased performance.
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