• Cleats engage with a spring mechanism integrated into the pedal to function. When you push the cleat onto the pedal with the cleat affixed to the bottom of your shoe, the mechanism clamps onto the cleat and holds it - and thus your shoe - in place.

• You can use the pedal to push down, pull up, or even pedal backward.

• Simply push your heel to the side, away from the bike's frame, to unclip — to release the cleat from the pedal. So you'd twist your left heel to the left to unclip your left foot and your right heel to the right to unclip your right foot. This is how almost all clipless pedals function, so you won't have to relearn every time you switch cleats.

• In order for everything to operate, you'll need a compatible cleat, shoe, and pedal set-up. A Shimano Pedaling Dynamic (SPD) cleat, for example, will fit on an SPD-compatible pedal and a two-bolt compatible shoe, but not on a Speedplay pedal or a three-bolt compatible shoe.

• Cycling cleats are extremely risky for inexperienced cyclists. If they don't know how to unclip their cycling cleats from their bike pedals, they can fall off their bike. Cars might hit them if they use it on the road and tumble! That is why it is preferable to practice using cleats in your town before attempting to use them on a busy route.

• Cleats might be cumbersome and it takes some skill to be able to dismount the bike properly every time.

• Cycling cleats are risky for one main reason only. The reason for this is that you may fall from your bike, resulting in minor or fatal injuries. When using bicycle cleats, you must exercise extreme caution to avoid mishaps.

• Mountain bikers and all-terrain riders will appreciate these two-bolt cleats. SPD cleats have a smaller contact point than comparable choices, which means you'll sacrifice some efficiency and power transfer. So, what's the point of using these pedals? They're more convenient to clip into than typical road pedals, and they're also more robust. They won't worry if a scrape on the ground occurs, or if a clump of mud becomes lodged in the pedal body.

• Because there are fewer alternatives for movement on the sole of your shoe, the two-bolt pattern makes SPD easy to use and adjust. Additionally, SPD-compatible shoes and cleats are more comfortable to walk in than SPD-SL, Look, or Speedplay cleats. This is due to the fact that they are recessed cleats, which are cleats that are inserted deep into the shoe rather than those that protrude from the bottom of the sole. If you ride your bike to the coffee shop, the park, or even the grocery store, you should really consider SPD or recessed cleats.

• A high-end road cycling shoe designed to transfer maximum power. Look pedals are a popular choice among track cyclists, who often exert over 1500w of force on their pedals. Look KEO cleats are robust and sturdy; you won't lose much power transfer, but clipping out won't be easy.

• Look Keo cleats provide a wide contact platform and are compatible with practically any road shoe on the market, thanks to their classic three-bolt connector. When fully clipped in, Look Keo cleats allow for some "float," or side-to-side movement. The amount of float is determined by the cleat color you choose, which can be 0-, 4.5-, or 9-degrees. This isn't always a bad thing; in fact, many riders prefer to Look cleats since they are stable and secure while still allowing for a modest amount of pleasant foot movement.

• On the downside, look cleats are slick and difficult to walk in, so don't intend on clomping around the café in these. They're also stiff, and unclipping them can be tough (although this can be adjusted). If you're a commuter searching for your first pair of cleats, there are probably better-fitting options out there.

• Due to its propensity to shed mud, the 'Eggbeater' style cleat is ideal for mountain biking and cyclo-cross. These cleats are noted for being extremely easy to clip in and out of, which is ideal for novices but terrible for those who prefer a secure grasp, and their unusual shape results in very little pedal tension. The 'Eggbeater' style pedals aren't the most secure or efficient, but they're undoubtedly the finest for all-weather riding.

• Speedplay's, which used to be one of the most popular cleat styles, have been gradually going out of favor, but with Wahoo's recent acquisition and relaunch, they're back in the game.

• The pedals are particularly useful because they can be clipped in on either side (other cleats can only be clipped in on one side of the pedal) and are very adjustable. Due to their circular design, Speedplays are unique in that they are four-bolt, but they are still compatible with most road shoes that take three-bolt cleats.

• Speedplays are designed for road riding and come in a variety of versions, including the Aero version, which has a dimpled aero design that resembles a golf ball on the underside. When compared to other cleat models, Speedplays have the most float, and instead of changing the cleat totally, the amount of float may be adjusted between 0 and 15 degrees.

How to choose cycling cleats ?

How to set up cycling cleats?

• Attach them to the bottom of your shoe, but there are a few details to ensure they're in the right place, and with two-bolt cleats, make sure they're the right way around. Fortunately, cleat installation does not have to be difficult, and all manufacturers contain a basic fitting guide.

• Many people, like myself, believe that mounting your cleats in the middle (both vertically and horizontally) of the ball of your foot is the optimum practice, and that you should modify from there. The axle of the pedal should lie squarely beneath the ball of your foot, as described in our bike fit guide. So, here are a few methods you may evaluate and change your cleat location to enhance comfort and power transmission at the same time.

• Fore and aft (closer to toe or heel), side-to-side, rotationally, float, and pedal tension are the five main ways to modify your cleats.

• Before you make any changes, keep in mind that just because you're modifying one cleat doesn't imply you have to adjust the others as well. Minor anomalies, such as a leg length difference or twisted hips, affect many of us. A unilateral adjustment may be all that is required to get you back into harmony. A shim is a common cleat adjustment that requires inserting a thin piece of material between the sole of the shoe and the cleat itself on one of your cleats. This can assist balance out any disparities by adding 0.1cm or 0.5cm of height to one side.

• Personal taste and physical requirements drive fore-and-aft and side-to-side modifications. A bike fit is one of the most effective techniques to guarantee that you have the proper cleat position while maintaining proper knee and hip angles.

• As previously said, a small amount of float is beneficial to most riders because it helps your knee to bend and flex in a more natural and fluid manner than it would if you rode straight up and down. Many cleat manufacturers will include restrictions on the amount of float allowed in their products, so study the fine print before committing to a purchase. Color-coded cleats are available from Look and Shimano to indicate float.

• Keep in mind that the position and height of your cleats will affect your riding position, particularly your saddle height. If you don't alter your saddle height, new cleats can add 1-2cm of height to the bottom of your foot, changing your riding position. So, if and when you change your cleats, remember to alter your riding stance as a whole.