Clipless pedals are platform pedals that contain receptacles that mechanically connect and lock to your bike shoes. One style of clipless pedal is the SPD-style. This style of pedal comes with a shoe that has a cleat that is recessed on the sole; the pedals contain a tension adjustment to make the pedal-cleat connection tighter or looser. Clipless pedals can give you a more effective range of motion and upstroke, as well as better control and foot placement.
Upstroke
Clipless pedals can help with your cycling upstroke. With clipless pedals, you don't have to apply pressure to keep your feet on the pedals during the upstroke. Keeping your feet affixed to the pedals helps you transfer more power to the pedals while your feet are lifted on the upstroke, which leads to better pedaling efficiency.
Range of Motion
Clipless pedals can help with range of motion during cycling. The pedals and cleats are made so that you can pull up on the pedals without disconnecting your feet. They allow your feet to move naturally throughout the pedal strokes, which helps prevent stress on your ankles and feet.
Control
Clipless pedals can help you maintain better control over your bicycle because they prevent your feet from slipping off the pedals.
Foot Placement
Clipless pedals can help with the placement of your feet on the pedals. These pedals require a simple outward twist of your feet for removal instead of tightening or loosening straps on toe-clip pedals. When you place your feet in the clipless pedals, the back of your cleat pushes a spring-actuated plate closed and makes a clicking sound. This sound informs you that your feet are securely attached to the pedals.
