Clipless pedals have been around for a number of years. This site is intended act as a brief guide to the different types of pedals that are available and their history and the manufacurers Look, Campagnolo and Time, Speedplay. Please see our history page for a complete history.

In 1984, Look marketed the first clipless pedal, based on ski boot bindings,  with which Bernard Hinault was to win the 1985 Tour de France. Look then became the world leader for the road race automatic pedal. Arguably, it still occupies this position although there are now many worthy competitors.  Look now offer a wide range of pedals and accessories for different uses, click here to see the full range of look pedals.
 

The first Campagnolo-produced clipless pedal, the stainless-clad Campagnolo SGR Clipless Pedals debuted in the same year as the first Look pedal. The mechanismwas a little on the heavy side but it was probably the toughest and smoothest clipless pedal ever built, loaded with many features and rider adjustments. The modern range is far lighter and more streamlined.   Click here for a full range of Campagnolo pedals.

The next major development in clipless pedals was Shimano's SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) pedal system. Whereas Look cleats are large and protrude from the sole of the shoe, SPD cleats are small and could be fitted in a recess in the sole, making walking much easier, therefore these have become popular for touring and mountain biking.  SPD designs vary, and larger road racing pedals with non-recessed cleats are also available. The comfort of recessed cleats may vary depending on cycling shoe sole thickness and rigidity, but this is not normally a problem. Click here for a full range of Shimano pedals.

Speedplay pedals have in their own way revolutionisedclippless pedal technology.  They are particularly popular with people who have joint problems or who are rehabilitating from an an injury..  All speedplay pedals have a true locking mechanism, rather than a spring loaded one. click here for Speedplay pedals.

In 1989 TIME created the first automatic clipless pedal that provided a freedom of lateral and angular float. TIME claim that their clipless pedal system considerably reduces tendinitis, a problem that many riders and especially professionals face.
TIME's off-road cliples pedals, use a concept TIME calls ATAC (Auto Tension Adjustment Concept). This concept allows release angle to be independent of spring tension.  TIME produces in excess of 120,000 clipless pedals annually for both recreational, amateur and professional riders.
They have also become a favorite with the inner-city bicycle couriers, because of their small cleat size, ease of entry and exit, light weight, and reliability.

Click here for a full range of Time pedals.

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