Clipless Pedal Systems Overview

Before clipless pedals became widely used in road cycling, mountain biking, and everyday riding, toe clips and straps, along with flat platform pedals, dominated the sport for decades. These early systems, where shoes of all kinds were held to the pedal by a strap, offered better power transfer than simple platform pedals. However, they were considered cumbersome and could be dangerous in a crash. Foot stability on the pedal was poor, and the strap often dug painfully into the foot. 

The origin of clipless pedals traces back to French manufacturer Look in 1984. With the first system resembling a ski binding and ready for production, pioneers quickly replaced the traditional toe clip. By the time Bernard Hinault won the Tour de France in 1985, this new pedal system had become standard in professional road cycling. That's why clipless pedals are still commonly—and often incorrectly—called "Look pedals" across different brands. 

In the late 1980s, off-road variants emerged. The introduction of float—freedom of foot movement—in 1988 allowed riders to rotate their foot by a few degrees without triggering the release mechanism. Japanese cycling giant Shimano then developed the first clipless system specifically designed for MTB use with their SPD pedal in 1990. Since then, clipless pedals have varied mainly based on intended use, riding style, and personal preference. Improvements have focused primarily on power transfer efficiency, biomechanics, and joint protection. Nearly 40 years after their invention, clipless pedals—or "clips," as they're called in slang—are once again in the spotlight. Further down, you'll find two models that do not represent a functional revolution but could at least signify a significant step forward.

Following Look's original clipless pedal, many manufacturers adopted the basic idea, adapted it for different cycling disciplines, and improved the mechanism. With the exception of the unconventional Magped, all systems operate on a similar principle: a torsion spring is tensioned when the cleat is inserted, then presses a hook into a recess on the shoe or between the shoe and cleat.

Shimano SPD – SL^®

SPD-SL is Shimano's classic road pedal system, alongside Look. It uses three-hole plastic cleats, has a large platform area, and features single-sided entry on the top of the pedal body. Float is indicated by different cleat colors (yellow, blue, red), and release tension is finely adjustable. A key feature: in the Ultegra lineup, there's a version with slightly longer axles that increases the Q-factor, which is the distance between your feet. This is especially helpful for larger or less flexible riders. 

Best for: Road cycling, time trialing, triathlon, training, and racing

Pros: 

• Very high power transfer because of large contact area 
• Widely available, good parts availability 
• Defined, satisfying entry and exit 
• Excellent foot stability 

Cons: 

• Poor walkability; cleats wear quickly 
• Single-sided entry only; less intuitive 
• Less mud-tolerant than MTB systems 

Look KéO^®

Look long defined the road standard with three-hole cleats, a large contact area, and a clearly defined release angle. Depending on the cleat, 0°, 4.5°, or 9° of float is available. The pedal body is slightly more compact than Shimano's, with marginally less platform feel and power transfer. Top-end versions with the "Blade" designation replace the standard coil spring with a carbon blade that closes the clip mechanism with high retention force. The compact pedal design allows for slightly higher cornering clearance. 

Best for: Road cycling, time trialing, triathlon, training and racing

Pros: 

• Low weight (KEO Blade down to 95 g per pedal) 
• Clear feedback when unclipping 
• High stiffness 
• Widely available, good parts availability 

Cons: 

• Plastic cleats wear out quickly. 
• Poor walkability 
• Release tension sometimes only adjustable by swapping springs. 
• Relatively small contact area 

TIME^® XPRO^® XPRESSO^®

TIME emphasizes generous ergonomic freedom of movement ("Angular & Lateral Float") and a flexible binding, aiming for knee-friendly biomechanics. The shoe can pivot in three planes on the pedal. Time road pedals now accommodate three-hole compatible cleats. After a long period of limited market presence, the system is regaining renewed interest. 

Best for: Road cycling, gravel, triathlon, training and racing

Pros: 

• Wide range of motion; joint-friendly. 
• Large contact surface 
• Self-cleaning 
• Combination of plastic and metal cleat 

Cons: 

• Less defined engagement feel 
• Smaller market presence 
• Higher-cost replacement parts 
• Less confident platform feel at high power output. 

Wahoo Speedplay^®

Formerly just Speedplay, is fundamentally different from other systems — the engagement mechanism is located in the cleat, while the pedal itself is a symmetrical, double-sided body. Its extremely low stack height (center axle to top of cleat) and freely adjustable float up to 15° are unique selling points. Entry and exit are the easiest among road pedals, yet the system has never fully gained widespread popularity. 

Best for: Road cycling, triathlon, time trialing (aero version); not ideal for sprinting 

Pros: 

• Double-sided entry 
• Extremely customizable 
• Very low stack height; efficient pedal stroke 
• Does not contact the ground until steep lean angles. 

Cons: 

• Complex cleat installation 
• High cost of replacement cleats and initial purchase price. 
• Sensitive to dirt in the cleat 
• Less secure under maximum pull force 

Ekoi PW8

Still largely unknown even among insiders. This fully redesigned pedal system is from a French apparel specialist. Similar to the SRM approach (see below), the concept moves the foot closer to the pedal axle, making pedaling more efficient by reducing horizontal lever forces. The pedal platform is also oversized, increasing the contact area to the midfoot. The manufacturer claims aerodynamic benefits as well. The two-part cleat design looks very well thought out and adjustable. However, Ekoi pedals currently only work with certain shoes from the same brand, which increases the barrier to entry — though the set price is about a quarter of the SRM system. 

Best for: Road cycling, triathlon, time trialing, training and racing

Pros: 

• Very low stack height; reduces power loss from torques outside the propulsive direction. 
• Smoother, more efficient pedal stroke 
• Very large platform; stable foot feel and excellent power transfer. 
• Precisely adjustable cleats with visible markings on the sole 
• Recessed metal cleats for safer walking on slippery surfaces. 
• Relatively affordable 

Cons: 

• Currently only compatible with Ekoi shoes 
• Requires saddle position adjustment 
• New system — long-term future and parts availability uncertain 

SRM Q36.5 X‑Power Direct Road

This is a redesigned road pedal system developed jointly by SRM and Q36.5, launched in 2025. Currently, only shoes from these two brands are compatible with the four-bolt cleat. The cleat fits almost entirely into the pedal instead of sitting on top, reducing the stack height to about 6 mm less than traditional road pedals, according to SRM. The contact area of roughly 2.5 in² is more than double that of typical clipless systems, which should greatly enhance power transfer and foot stability. 

Best for: Road cycling, triathlon, time trialing; purely competition-oriented 

Pros: 

• Very low stack height; reduces power loss from torques outside the propulsive direction. 
• Smoother, more efficient pedal stroke 
• Very large platform; stable foot feel and excellent power transfer 
• Especially precise, play-free shoe-to-pedal connection 

Cons: 

• Extremely expensive 
• Very limited shoe compatibility (additional licensees planned) 
• Requires saddle position adjustment 
• Still rare; uncertain future and parts availability 

Shimano SPD^®

Shimano SPD ("Shimano Pedaling Dynamics") uses compact two-hole metal cleats, usually double-sided entry depending on the model, and an open design for self-cleaning. The pedal bodies are notably smaller than road versions. Release tension is continuously adjustable, though foot stability and the pull phase have some play. The SPD standard is also adopted by many other manufacturers for their pedals and shoe mounting patterns. 

Best for: MTB XC and marathon, gravel, everyday riding, bikepacking 

Pros: 

• Very reliable hold on the trail 
• Cleat recesses into the lugged sole for comfortable walking 
• Huge model variety, with and without surrounding cage 
• Durable and affordable cleats 

Cons: 

• Small platform — less direct power transfer 
• Inherent slight play between pull and push phases 
• Can produce noise/squeaking between steel cleat and steel body 

Crankbrothers^®

Crankbrothers uses a bail-style engagement system with four-sided entry, excellent self-cleaning, and a fixed release angle. Spring tension isn't adjustable but can be modified with different cleats. The metal cleats also attach with two bolts recessed into the shoe's lugged sole. The cleat mainly acts as an engagement point for the opposing bails; force is transferred through these bails or a surrounding frame to the shoe sole — there's no traditional pedal body. 

Best for: MTB, enduro, downhill, cyclocross, gravel, bikepacking

Pros: 

• Outstanding mud resistance 
• Very generous float 
• Four-sided entry on base models; easy to engage 
• Large platform area depending on model (models with larger cage sacrifice two of the four entry points) 
• Lightweight construction without a solid pedal body 

Cons: 

• No fine-tuning of release tension 
• Brass cleats wear quickly and aren't cheap 
• Significant play between shoe and pedal; too much for a clean pedal stroke 

Time ATAC^®

The ATAC system combines the bail-style cleat engagement of Crankbrothers with a pedal body that surrounds the mechanism and features adjustable release tension, similar to an SPD pedal. This provides both lateral and rotational freedom of movement along with excellent self-cleaning. The release angle ranges from 10° to 17°, depending on the cleat. The ATAC pedal is also double-sided, with compact, two-bolt cleats. 

Best for: MTB, cyclocross, gravel, bikepacking

Pros: 

• Easy entry and exit 
• Dirt-resistant and robust 
• Joint-friendly float 
• Ergonomic platform 

Cons: 

• Less widespread 
• Replacement cleats harder to find and wear faster than SPD cleats 
• Consistent slight play between cleat and bails 
• High stack height reduces pedaling efficiency and minimum cornering radius

Magped

Magped takes a fundamentally different approach than traditional clipless systems and doesn't quite deserve the "clipless" label, since there's no mechanical locking mechanism — instead, it uses a magnetic connection. A patented neodymium magnet connects the pedal to a metal plate under the shoe. The connection is strong vertically but releases instantly sideways, with no defined release angle or tension. Depending on the model, you stand on a compact to massive platform pedal with the replaceable magnet flush-mounted in the body; some models include additional spikes to prevent slipping or rotation. 
Depending on the model, magnetic retention forces range from 22 to 45 lbf. 

Best for: Beginners and safety-conscious riders; MTB, gravel, bikepacking, everyday riding, road 

Pros: 

• Fast, intuitive foot release without the "tip-over effect" 
• Little to no wear 
• Fully adequate power transfer without rigid fixation 
• Compatible with two-hole MTB shoes; walkable 
• Varying degrees of foot mobility depending on the pedal cage 

Cons: 

• Lower maximum retention than clipless pedals 
• No precisely defined foot position like cleats provide 
• Unintentional release when twisting or pulling at an angle

Combo Pedals

Besides pure road pedals, all systems are also available as combo pedals. One side of the pedal features the clipless mechanism, while the other side provides a platform for non-cleat shoes. This is useful not only for getting off on climbs — where you need to quickly find the pedal with your second foot — but also makes the pedal more versatile if the same bike is used for sport and commuting. 

Best for: MTB beginners, bikepacking, everyday riding and commuting 

Pros: 

• Usable with both cycling and regular shoes 
• Fast and confident starts, even for beginners 
• Defined foot position on one side, flexibility on the other 

Cons: 

• Heavier than pure clipless pedals 
• Extends further from the bike; limits tight cornering 
• Must be actively flipped to access the clipless side 

Yes, they obviously need to fit your foot — but they also must be compatible with your pedal system. Cycling shoes are rigid shoes with as stiff a sole as possible to maximize power transfer. They're allowed to feel snugger than running shoes, for example. Since you don't roll through a stride in them, your toes can reach all the way to the tip — the classic "thumb's width of space" rule would actually shift the main pressure point under the ball of your foot behind the pedal axle.

Article: Correct foot position on the pedal

The easiest way to check compatibility between your clipless shoe and pedal system is to compare the cleats and their mounting patterns. Currently, cleats come in two-, three-, and four-bolt versions. You'll also need to note whether the cleat mounts on the flat outer sole or recesses into a lugged sole. The latter are always shoes designed for mountain biking, everyday use, travel, and touring — and Shimano's SPD standard has become the norm here, identifiable by two parallel mounting threads on both the shoe and cleat. Crankbrothers, Time, Look, and Magped also use this two-bolt pattern for their MTB variants. 

For road bikes, some older shoe models share the same standard. There are also two inline threads for the old Shimano two-bolt SL system. Both of these older shoe types should be replaced eventually, as spare parts are becoming scarce and both mechanisms have been replaced by better options.

Watch out — Look and SPD-SL look almost identical!

The cleats from both road manufacturers appear very similar, and even the triangular three-bolt mounting pattern is identical. But the two systems are not compatible! Since both are made of plastic, you'll reach the wear indicator quite quickly just from walking. When buying replacements, make sure you're getting the correct brand. Both systems use different colors to indicate release angles, which only increases the risk of mix-ups. Take those wear indicators seriously — in high-effort situations like sprints, heavily worn cleats can actually pull out of the pedal. 

A new competitor with a new diamond-pattern four-bolt layout is the SRM pedal, co-developed with shoe brand Q36.5. Currently, only their two systems work together, but the diamond arrangement of four bolts does make triangular cleats from Shimano and Look physically compatible — with the shoes, not the pedals.

The pedals are installed into the crank using either a 15 mm open-end wrench or a large hex key (5, 6, or 8 mm). The important thing to remember is that the left pedal (in the direction of travel) has a left-hand thread and should be turned counter-clockwise to install. Threads should be lightly greased and hand-threaded at least two full turns before tightening to prevent cross-threading, which can damage the crank threads. Using the Ergon TP1 Tools, you can precisely align or transfer your cleat position.

Cleat installation can be tricky because cleats not only set foot position on the pedal but also keep it consistent over many miles. Poor alignment can lead to a range of issues, from reduced performance and comfort to serious muscular strain, foot pain or burning sensations, numb toes, and joint damage.

How to properly position the SPD cleat → read here

How to optimally position the SPD-SL cleat → read here

1. Performance gain: Clipless pedals increase pedaling efficiency by 5–15% compared to platform pedals, depending on the study. 
2. Pro road cycling: 100% of WorldTour riders use clipless pedals. Even among recreational riders, the rate is probably close to 99%. 
3. MTB share: About 70% of serious MTB riders use clipless systems — significantly higher in XC, and lower in gravity and downhill disciplines. 
4. Weight: Premium road pedals like the Speedplay Nano weigh only 5.9 oz per pair. 
5. SPD release angle: Standard cleats release at roughly 13–15° of rotation. 
6. Float Range: Most clipless systems provide 0–9° of float. Shimano SPD cleats release at approximately 13–15° of heel rotation; Speedplay offers 0–15°, which is significantly more than the knee or ankle actually need. 
7. Market leader: Shimano controls over 60% of the clipless pedal market, according to specialty retailers. 
8. Cleat lifespan: Plastic road cleats last about 930–1,860 miles according to manufacturers; wear can be reduced by walking as little as possible on them. 
9. SPD cleats: Steel SPD cleats moretypically last well than 6,200 miles. 
10. Conversion rate: More than 80% of riders who switch to clipless pedals keep using them permanently. 
11. Stack height reduction: The SRM Q36.5 system lowers stack height by approximately 6 mm compared to traditional road pedals → enhances power transfer.

Many future clipless pedal users hesitate to switch because they worry about forgetting to release tension or not making the small rotational movement with their foot when unclipping. The result is that you tip sideways when stopping, struggle to get the right foot out in time, and fall on your shoulder. 

To put those fears to rest: everyone eventually internalizes the motion so thoroughly that they unclip automatically. 

TIP: When installing a clipless system for the first time, tie a brightly colored ribbon or another eye-catching marker to your handlebars to remind you to unclip before you stop. 

Most models let you adjust the release tension. Beginners can select a very light spring tension. For gravel or mountain biking, where you might need to put a foot down quickly in a corner, light to medium tension works well. Riders who pull hard on the pedal — on climbs or in sprints — should tighten the mechanism to prevent unintentional release.

How Do I Pedal with Clipless Pedals?

With a secure connection between shoe and pedal, you not only stand more confidently on the pedal surface — you can also pull effectively. In the '90s, as clipless systems gained popularity, the myth spread that 30% of forward propulsion now came from the pull phase. This is greatly exaggerated for any sustained effort. Repeatedly lifting your leg's weight over several minutes strains the hip and knee flexors even in well-trained riders — especially on a road bike, where the angle is particularly unfavorable. If you're skeptical, try riding on flat ground in an easy gear with one leg and no active effort. Within a few minutes, the hip flexors will tire — even in pros.

The Circular Pedal Stroke
Even when using clipless pedals, most of the propulsion comes from the push phase. However, smoothly transitioning through the top and bottom dead centers can significantly reduce power loss, making the entire stroke more efficient. The pedal connection helps maintain smooth contact with the pedal at high cadences. Even light pulling on one side unloads the opposite side: if you pull up on the left, you don't need to push as hard on the right. The goal of the circular stroke is to apply force to the crank arms as close to perpendicular as possible. The downstroke will always be the main source of power — that's simply how our legs and muscles are designed. But brief, maximum pulls on the pedal can either relieve the rest of the leg muscles or give a noticeable wattage boost during a sprint. 

How Do I Clip In and Out? 
With MTB systems, you typically just step directly onto the pedal or engagement mechanism. Depending on the release tension, only a small percentage of your body weight is needed to click in. For road pedals — especially since they only accept cleats on one side — you slide the cleat forward over the front of the pedal, which lifts the correct side upward while guiding the front nose of the cleat into the pedal. Once fully seated forward, slight downward pressure closes the spring-loaded mechanism around the rear edge of the cleat. Plastic cleats are quite forgiving here and produce a satisfying click when engaged. 

The motion is pure muscle memory. After a few practice runs — ideally in an empty parking lot — you'll hit the pedal every time without looking down. Interestingly, if an experienced rider's saddle position is changed, they'll need to relearn their accuracy all over again. Unclipping is the same across all systems (except the unconventional Magped) and is entirely a matter of habit. A few degrees of inward heel rotation releases the cleat from the latch, allowing you to set your foot down. Release timing depends on float — the more freedom of movement you allow, the later the pedal releases. Be careful with plastic cleats: they're a bit slippery, so make sure you're fully stopped before touching the ground.

Ergonomics pioneer and expert Dr. Kim Tofaute explicitly recommends clipless pedals not just for performance-oriented riders. Beyond distributing propulsive force across more muscle groups, fixing the foot in a designated correct position helps keep the ankle, knee, and hip in a biomechanically sound alignment — which protects the joints. He adds that the more consistent application of force to the crank, compared to the sometimes stomping motion of platform pedals, results in more efficient propulsion. 

The firm foot-to-pedal connection can therefore be used both to boost performance and to reduce physical strain. Include the health benefits of proper leg alignment and enhanced safety — and the argument becomes even stronger. With some practice, the chance of failing to unclip during a critical moment is much lower than the risk of losing contact with the pedal entirely and ending up in a difficult-to-control situation.

Clipless pedals are an improvement over platform pedals for most riders—whether in terms of performance, health, or safety. They have no real downsides beyond a brief adjustment period—assuming they are set up ergonomically. Ergon offers user-friendly tools to help with that. The main inconvenience usually comes off the bike: walking in cycling shoes with stiff soles is awkward and practical only over short distances, especially for road shoes with exposed plastic cleats. If you don't want to change shoes after commuting or are heading out for a quick errand, platform or combo pedals are the better choice. 

Regarding which system: there's no truly bad clipless system, but some have proven themselves more than others. In road cycling, Shimano surpasses pioneer Look with a larger platform and more confident foot feel — which is also why they've captured most of the market share. The new entry from Q36.5 and SRM has impressive technical potential but is extremely expensive; at that price, the French brand Ekoi warrants closer consideration — for the same total cost, you could buy not one but five pairs of high-end shoes. 

In the MTB world, the SPD system mostly dominates because of its wide range of models. Crankbrothers' four options provide what could be better real-world performance thanks to their quick clip-in and clip-out action, especially on the trail with XC or gravel bikes. The downside: their brass cleats are quite soft, and wear quickly causes play between the push and pull phases.