How to Install Clipless Bike Cleats

Posted April 21, 2021 in Bike Maintenance, Cycling Gear by eriksbikeshop

man setting up bike cleats

Did you just purchase your first cycling shoe and clipless pedal system? Awesome! Now it’s time to get your cleats set up. Watch our tutorial for easy-to-follow instructions on how to do just that!

The setup instructions below place your cleats in a basic starting position. You may need to adjust the fore/aft position or the angles of your cleats to match your unique physiology. For best results, consult a professional bike fitter.

Steps to Set Up Your Cleats

1. Prepare Your Shoes

  • Put a piece of masking tape on each side of your shoes for marking purposes.
  • Put your shoes on.
Step #1 on how to set up your bike cleats

2. Identify the Bony Protrusions

  • Feel for the bony protrusions on each side of your left foot and indicate their locations on the tape.
  • Feel for the bony protrusions on each side of your right foot and indicate their locations on the tape.
where to find the bony protrusion on your right foot and indicate its location on your tape for setting up bike cleats

3. Mark the Cleat Position

  • Take the shoes off and flip them over.
  • Find the mark on the right sides and draw a line all the way across the bottom of your shoes.
  • Find the mark on the left sides and draw a line all the way across the bottom of your shoes.
  • Find the spot directly in the center of those two lines. This is your ideal, neutral position.
neutral position for setting up your bike cleats

4. Prepare the Cleats

  • Apply a dab of grease to the threads on each of your bolts.
Position your bike cleats so that the spindle of your pedal falls at that neutral position.

5. Position the Cleats

  • Position your cleats so the spindle of your pedal falls at that neutral position.
  • For 2-bolt cleats, place the bolts in that neutral position.
  • For 3-bolt cleats, determine if there is a mark indicating the center of the cleat or compare where the cleat falls on the pedal and mark the center point on the cleat.

6. Secure the Cleats

  • Tighten your cleats until they don’t move (but don’t fully tighten).
  • Adjust the angles of your cleats to replicate your natural foot angles.

7. Test and Adjust

  • Give them a try! If you experience discomfort, adjust as needed to find your perfect setting.

Now Get Riding!

While you’re out riding and getting a feel for your cleats, swing into your local ERIK’S. Check out our awesome selection of cycling shoes, pedals, bike socks, cleats, and more. Our expert staff can assist you however you need!