Switching to clipless pedals is universally regarded as one of the quickest ways to improve your overall cycling efficiency. Improved power output and a greater sense of security are just two of the benefits of clipless pedals.

With a little practice in a quiet location, clipping in and out of your clipless pedals will soon become second nature and you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them.

In the days before clipless pedals, riders had to reach down to tighten or release the securing straps from their pedals when riding. Clearly there was room for improvement.

The main breakthrough came in 1984 when the French ski binding manufacturer LOOK first developed a clipless pedal and shoe combination based around their ski boot clip-in technology. The future success of the clipless pedal was sealed in 1985 when Bernard Hinault won the Tour de France using LOOK’s clipless pedal system.

Although clipless pedals connect you to the bike, you are not locked into the pedals. A simple twist of the heel releases the rider’s foot and an in-built ‘float’ within the pedals allow your feet a degree of movement to protect against potential knee issues.

When switching to clipless pedals, first you need to decide whether you want to use road or off-road pedals.