Beginner’s mistakes with clipless pedals: How to avoid them

Many of the mistakes listed here are perfectly normal and can be quickly rectified with a little knowledge and practice. The following points outline what you should bear in mind to ensure you have a safer, more relaxed and more enjoyable ride on your gravel bike or MTB.​

8 common mistakes made by beginners with clipless pedals

No practice run before setting off

​Many beginners get straight onto their bikes outdoors without practising clipping in and out beforehand. In real-world conditions – traffic, traffic lights, hills – the stress levels rise, and suddenly they can’t get the hang of it. A quick practice session on a field or outside your house helps to ease the nerves and build up a routine.

Better:

• Practise for 10 to 15 minutes in a meadow or near the house
• Click it on and off several times in a row
• Don’t set off until the movement has become second nature

Incorrectly adjusted cleats

If the cleats do not match the natural position of the foot, knee or hip pain can quickly develop. An incorrect angle or too little float (range of movement) can also make cycling feel unstable. Careful alignment ensures comfort, efficiency and long-term health.

Common mistakes:

• Cleats too far inwards/outwards → knees turn inwards or outwards
• Incorrect angle → Foot is in an unnatural position
• Not enough float

Better:

• Fit the cleats so that the foot is in its natural position
• For beginners: Cleats with plenty of float (6–9°)
• Use the markings on the shoe to check your position

Unclipped too late

The classic scenario: you’re cycling leisurely towards a set of traffic lights, clip out too late – and tip over whilst stationary. The bike loses stability very quickly at the last moment, something beginners often underestimate. If you clip out in good time, you’ll have enough time to brace yourself safely.

Why this happens: Beginners tend to underestimate how quickly a bike becomes unstable when stationary.

Better:

• Unclip early – at least 5–10 metres before the stop
• Always unclip the same foot first (it’s a habit!)
• When setting off, only engage the clutch once you’re rolling steadily

Pedal resistance too high

Many pedals are set relatively tight as standard, which makes unclipping unnecessarily difficult. Especially when you’re just starting out, a slightly looser setting helps to build confidence. Only once you’ve got the hang of the movements is it worth gradually increasing the tension.

Better:

• Set the spring tension on the pedal to the lowest setting
• Only tighten it more firmly later, once you feel confident

Incorrect kicking technique

Clicks pedals are designed to make your pedalling smoother, but many cyclists pedal unevenly and focus, for example, only on the downward stroke. This leads to an uneven riding style and, in the long run, can put one-sided strain on the muscles. Applying even pressure throughout the entire pedal stroke and maintaining a moderate cadence help to improve your technique.

Common mistakes:

• Uneven load
• The heels point downwards
• Restless gait at a high frequency

Better:

• Focus on maintaining even pressure across the entire circle
• Lift your heels slightly, but don’t overdo it
• Cycle at 80–90 rpm to encourage a smooth pedalling action

Tense driving caused by fear

Anxiety often leads to tense shoulders, stiff arms and an unsteady riding style. If you ride tensely, you react more slowly and lose your balance more easily. A relaxed posture and keeping your eyes on the road create stability and self-confidence.

Better:

• Look well ahead, not at the pedals
• Keep your shoulders relaxed
• Building trust: Everyone falls over at the start – it’s all part of the process

Shoes that don’t fit properly

Shoes that are too tight or straps that are adjusted incorrectly can lead to numbness or pain in the forefoot. This becomes noticeable very quickly, particularly on longer rides. A well-fitting shoe with sufficient space and moderate tension ensures comfort and better power transfer.

​Better:

• Shoes with plenty of room in the forefoot
• Do not tighten the strap too much
• On longer rides, take a break now and then

Clicking too early

Many people try to clip in straight away with their very first pedal stroke, which jeopardises their balance. Stability is more important than efficiency, particularly when setting off. First, a few steady turns of the cranks, then clip in calmly – this makes getting started much more relaxed.

Better:

• Start by doing just 2 to 3 steady revolutions of the cranks
• Then click it in gently
• Safety comes before efficiency

Our conclusion

Clicker pedals can be a bit of a challenge at first, but with a bit of practice they’ll soon become your best friend on your road bike. Most mistakes are caused by a lack of practice, incorrect settings or a lack of confidence – all things you can quickly get to grips with by following a few simple steps.