Riding clipless is a very different experience to riding on flat pedals, providing you with much deeper control of the bike.

It means better efficiency, handling, and power, as well as improving balance and the bike’s agility. If you’re serious about taking your cycling to the next stage, then going clipless is the gateway to fulfilling your biking ambitions.

But it’s not something you should dive into without first ensuring you’re ready. So how do you know that the time has come to make the switch?

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0:00 Intro
0:25 What are "Clipless" pedals
1:31 What are "Flat" pedals
2:22 Cleats
2:35 Clipless power efficiency
3:13 MTB Flat pedals
4:07 MTB Clipless pedals
5:50 MTB Cleats and shoes
6:45 Road Clipless pedals
7:04 Road Shoes
7:35 Single sided pedal
8:05 Road pedal cons
8:30 Road flat pedals
9:17 Pedal summary
10:04 Hybrid pedals
10:23 What pedals will you use?

If you’re new to the clipless world, then it might require some explanation.

Firstly, the term: the clipless pedal system allows attachments on your shoes, called cleats, to slot into recesses or clips on certain pedals.

With your shoes attached to the pedals, you can now both push and pull the pedals through the pedal stroke.

The system is engaged by pushing the cleat into the pedal until you feel a satisfying ‘click’. Disengaging requires you to twist your foot – ankle first - from the mechanism.

If this sounds to you like being 'clipped in' then you might well be asking why the pedals are described as 'clipless'. The confusion over the term is a hangover from the days when pedal cages with toe clips were commonplace on race bikes. Since the modern cleat system has largely replaced the old toe clips, modern pedals are called ‘clipless’.

In the interests of clarity, pedals are either ‘flat’, having no clipping function at all, or ‘clipless’ designed to work in conjunction with cleats.

The main advantage of clipless pedals is the ability to push through the first half of the pedal stroke with your quads, then sweep back and lift through the second half of the pedal stroke using your hamstrings and hip flexors.

This helps increase efficiency and power output, while purpose made clip-in shoes can be made stiffer to transfer your power more effectively.

It also provides increased control over the bike, to which you are more directly connected.

Knowing your feet will not slip off the pedals is another advantage, especially in wet conditions or over rough terrain.

When correctly set up, a clipless pedal will ensure your foot is always correctly positioned over the pedal axle - giving you the best bio-mechanical leverage.

However, if you're generally commuting short distances, getting on and off the bike regularly, or just riding low miles casually, the clipless system may not be for you.