How To Thread Indoor Cycling Bike Pedal Straps (Everything You Need to Know!)

 Is there a correct way to thread indoor cycling bike pedal straps? Yes, there is. To know how to correctly thread indoor cycling bike pedal straps, you need to consider three things. The type of pedals, shoes, and cleat if any. When all put together well, you will have the freedom to go for a pumped session with no fear of your feet slipping out.

First, most indoor cycling bikes allow you to use any kind of shoe. Purchasing a special cycling shoe is still a worthy investment though. With the right kind of shoes, attaching to the pedals is easy and efficient. Threading is then easier as well. Some good options are mountain biking shoes that are compatible with the type of pedals.

Modern commercial indoor cycling bikes are now fitted with cleats that make connecting your shoe with the bike a breeze. All you need to do place the cleat on your shoe and then into the clip. Once in, push down so that feet clip into the pedal. Once done with your exercise and you want to release, all you need to do is twist away your foot from the bike and you will feel the tension be relieved.

Thirdly, the type of pedal your bike has factors in

Type of pedals

First, there are three different types of pedals. In most exercise bikes, they are fitted with plain pedals that do not require any special action or procedure to secure the pedals to your feet. This kind of pedal is simple and easy enough for use by children and newbies to cycling as well. To get the pedals moving, all you need to do is orient your feet and easily start pedaling. Stopping with plain pedals is just as easy. They also work with any kind of shoe so you do not need to go out to purchase shoes for riding. They are also quite good for interval training because of the ease of use.  For these reasons, they are well-rated among all kinds of riders ranging from rookies to Tour de France athletes.

The second type is clipless pedals that are rather new in the market. With these,

The third type is toe clips and straps. Also known as a toe cage, this kind of pedal entails small frames that surround your toes and attach to the front. They work by letting you pull up and push down the pedal with your strokes. This article deals with pedals that have this kind of design because most indoor cycling bikes are fitted with them.

This guide first gives you a brief outline of how to fit in pedals and then how to thread in the straps. This is because you might find yourself having to assemble and thread the pedals yourself.

Fitting pedals

Indoor cycling bike pedals are made of a steel cage, reflectors and nylon reinforced body. Together you have a sturdy construction that is able to resist normal wear and tear.

First, if the pedals come undone check which one is the right pedal and which the left.  There are usually hash marks indicating L/R pedals.  Once you have figured this out, it is smooth sailing from there. All you then need to do is tighten the pedals on the bike. Remember to tighten in the direction the bike goes. To loosen the pedals, move against the direction the bike goes.

Threading indoor cycling bike pedal straps

There are many ways of threading indoor cycling bike pedal straps. Here is an overview of some of the best options that are simple enough to follow.

Process 1

If your indoor cycling bike is a toe clip and straps pedal, the most common process of threading is simple and easy to follow. The first step is to push open the toe cage so that doing everything else is easy. All indoor cycling bikes have adjustable toe cages and straps so they are a good fit for all kinds of people. Therefore adjust it all first according to your preferred feel.

Secondly, once you have it open, thread the strap through the backside so that it clamps well on the little spring roller at the end.

The third step is where the challenge usually comes in using indoor cycling bike pedal straps. For the large amount of material that remains some people like to leave it hanging. Others choose to tighten it around their foot. Here is a bit of trial and error as you try to find which works for you. Leaving it hanging can make it drag on the ground and greatly interfere with your biking experience. If you have a bike whose bottom bracket is low, you should consider having it out of way. Nonetheless, tightening it around your foot can also greatly hinder your performance. No one wants to feel unbearably connected to the pedal. You should also have some leeway for minimal movements.

Process 2

This process is not entirely different from the first one. The main difference in this way of threading is that it calls for knots at the end. This gives you a better feel of security and comfort. However, this knot can eventually become tighter and tighter. In fact, some indoor cycling bike pedals have had to be opened using a screwdriver because of tight knots.

The first step is to open the toe clip just a little for ease of threading. Because they are easily adjustable, you can set it according to your size specifications.

The second step is to move the strap around the pedal and under the spring roller that is on the other end. After, move the strap on top of the teeth so as to leave room for any enhancements and have it well clipped in. For the extra amount of material left, you can tie a knot so that it does not get loose easily with your spinning.

No matter which of these techniques you follow, you should always have a float in mind. For indoor trainers like indoor cycling bikes, float refers to the space your foot has when it is clipped. More accurately, it is the amount of rotation your foot has on the pedal. The right float is one that allows you to have easy, natural and soft pedal strokes while pedaling. You should not clip yourself in too tightly because it does not add to your performance in any way. Leaving too much space is also not ideal.

Designed in the 80s with professional athletes in mind, an indoor cycling bike is a highly intense trainer. Its front flywheel alone weighs between 38-42 pounds and it is made entirely out of steel. Because of the tremendous amount of effort you need for indoor cycling especially at high resistance, float is important. When seated or standing on your indoor cycling bike, your feet should fit snugly in the toe clip. Have them tight enough to have no slack. This helps you feel more secure to go at faster speeds with ease. Such a simple modification can greatly enhance your cardio workout and boost your fitness levels.

Right out the box, indoor cycling bike pedals come already threaded. However, you might end up having to thread them yourself sometimes.

Extra Pointers

In case it becomes difficult to thread the indoor cycling bike pedal straps, there are a few things you can do. Here is the easiest process to get that dealt with.

First, sparingly dab grease on your pedal and all over the thread as well. Things can get a bit messy so be sure to have a towel nearby to clean up any spills. Do not use too much but make sure the thread is well-greased.

The second step is to thread in the straps using your fingers. Use the right threading for the right pedal and the left for the left pedal. The process is usually quite easy to complete within a few minutes or less once properly lubricated.

Conclusion

There are several ways to thread indoor cycling bike pedals. This article has highlighted some of the best options that are hassle-free. It has also included some of the things you need to consider before getting to it. In a nutshell, knowing how to thread indoor cycling bike pedal straps greatly enhances your workout experience. You should strap yourself in to be as comfortable as possible leaving enough float for rotation are.

Finally, remember there is nothing wrong with asking a professional trainer to help you with the pedal straps. Do not be afraid to ask a pro on which pedal goes which side and how to strap in. You can save yourself a lot of discomforts that way. While at it, also have the trainer check on whether you have threaded the indoor cycling bike pedal straps correctly.

Most indoor cycling bikes have now been tweaked to have clipless pads. However, when you do find yourself having to thread straps, you should not be so clueless about it.