Filter
Top Products
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 turning.
WARNING: Toe Overlap could cause you to lose control and fall. If you have toe overlap, exercise extra care when turning.
2. Some higher performance bicycles come equipped with pedals that have sharp and potentially dangerous surfaces. These surfaces are designed
to add safety by increasing adhesion 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. Your dealer can show you a number of options and make suitable recommendations.
3. Toeclips and straps are a means 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 benefit 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.
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 the rider’s attention, causing 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
efficiency. They work like ski bindings ... a plate on the sole of the shoe clicks into a spring-loaded fixture on the pedal. Clipless pedals require
shoes and cleats which are compatible with the make and model pedal being used.
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 reflex action, but always make sure that there is sufficient 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. Using shoes which do not engage the pedals correctly is dangerous.
Practice is required to learn to engage and disengage the foot safely. Until engaging and disengaging the foot becomes a reflex action, the
technique requires concentration which can distract the rider’s attention, causing the rider to lose control and fall. Practice engaging and
disengaging clipless pedals in a place where there are no obstacles, hazards or traffic; 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.
29