How to Mount Cleats on Cycling Shoes
A bicycle cleat refers to a small accessory that binds the cyclist’s foot to the pedal. A cleat mount system is designed in such a way that it attaches automatically to the cyclist’s shoe-bottom. The cleat is attached to the shoe, and the mount is installed on the pedal.
Tools
- Adjustable 15mm wrench
- Flat head screw driver
- Bicycle grease
Method
- Locate the markings on the cleats including G/L on the left pedal and G/R on the right foot pedal.
- Handle one cleat/pedal at a time and apply grease. Make sure that it filters right into the spindle threads surrounding the pedal. Apply the coat to cover the entire threads.
- Insert the spindle into the threaded hole just next to the crankshaft arm. Place the threads in the correct position and use your hand to turn the spindle clockwise.
- Attach the pedal to the arm leading to the crankshaft with the wrench.
- Clamp your wrench around the pedal spindle and turn it clockwise to tighten the pedal. Another option of tightening it is to use a 6mm Allen wrench from the frontal position.
- Apply enough grease to the axel-threads on the left hand side. Proceed to thread the spindle’s tip with your hand and do the same to the left hand side crank arm. You will find that threads on this side are threaded in the opposite direction. Turn the spindle counterclockwise to tighten.
- Place the cleat against the under-side of the shoe and orientate it such that its narrow end side faces the front while the attached oval-shaped rubber pad should face upwards.
- Take note of the pedal spindle reference mark beside the cleat. Adjust the cleat so as to align the foot-ball precisely beneath the reference mark on the cleat-in close proximity to the pedal spindle.
- Locate the three rectangular recesses allocated for the washers. With the use of the flat-head screwdriver, thread each screw at a time to its respective hole and screw to tighten firmly. Repeat the process for the left pedal.
- Carry a small tool kit with you during your first ride in case you need to make adjustments. This should contain 4mm Allen wrench, flat screwdriver, pliers.