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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 sur-
faces. 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 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. Shoes with deep treaded soles or welts which might make it more dif-
ficult 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 efficiency. They have a plate, called a “cleat,” on
the sole of the shoe, which clicks into a mating spring-loaded fixture on the pedal. They only
engage or disengage with a very specific 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.
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. Do not use shoes
which do not engage the pedals correctly.
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