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HOW THE COMPONENTS WORK
The toe strap, when tightened, keeps the foot engaged throughout the rotation cycle of the pedal. While
toe clips and straps give some benefit with any kind of shoe, they work most effectively with cycling
shoes designed for use with toe clips. Your dealer can explain how toe clips and straps work. Shoes with
deep treaded soles or welts which might make it more difficult for you to insert or remove your foot
should not be used with toe clips and straps. Getting into and out of pedals with toe clips 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 toe clips and straps where there are no obsta-
cles, 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.
F. CLIPLESS PEDALS
Clipless pedals (sometimes called “step-in pedals”) are another means to keep feet securely in the
correct position for maximum pedalling 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.
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. 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 concen-
tration 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 traffic; and be sure to
follow the pedal manufacturer’s setup and service instructions.
G. TIRES AND TUBES
1. TIRES
Bicycle tires are available in many designs and specifications, ranging from general-purpose designs
to tires designed to perform best under very specific weather or terrain conditions. Your bicycle was
equipped with tires that the manufacturer considered as the best balance between performance and val-
ue for the intended purpose. If, once you’ve gained experience with your new bike, you feel that a differ-
ent tire might better suit your riding needs, your dealer can help you select the most appropriate design.
The size, pressure rating, and on some high-performance tires the specific recommended use, are
marked on the sidewall of the tire. The part of this information which is most important to you is Tire
Pressure.
Never inflate a tire beyond the maximum pressure marked on the tire’s sidewall. Exceeding the recom-
mended maximum pressure may blow the tire off the rim, which could cause damage to the bike and
injury to the rider and bystanders.
The best and safest way to inflate a bicycle tire to the correct pressure is with a bicycle pump which has
a built-in pressure gauge.
There is a safety risk in using gas station air hoses or other air compressors. They are not made for
bicycle tires. They move a large volume of air very rapidly, and will raise the pressure in your tire very
rapidly, which could cause the tube to explode.
Tire pressure is given either as maximum pressure or as a pressure range.
How a tire performs under different terrain or weather conditions depends largely on tire pressure. In-
flating the tire to near its maximum recommended pressure gives the lowest rolling resistance; but also
produces the harshest ride. High pressures work best on smooth, dry pavement.
