The Significance of Precise Cleat Adjustments
Cleat adjustment is the first and most critical step in any bike fitting — an often-overlooked detail that directly influences saddle height, handlebar position, and long-term knee health.
A bike fitting should always start with the accurate adjustment of cleats. This often-overlooked step is crucial: the cleat serves as the first and most securely fixed contact point between rider and bicycle — ahead of the saddle and the handlebars. An imprecise cleat position will cascade through the entire fit, affecting saddle and handlebar positions as a result.
Adjustment of Pedal Axis
The pedal axis must be positioned between the first and fifth metatarsophalangeal joints — the joints at the base of the big toe and little toe. In practice, this often means mounting the cleat further back on the shoe to move the foot further forward over the pedal. In extreme cases, adapters may be required if the shoe's cleat channel does not allow sufficient rearward positioning.
Adjustment of Foot Angle
The cleat angle must reflect the rider's natural foot angle. An incorrect setting — even within a cleat system that allows float — can lead to knee pain and long-term joint problems. For precise adjustment, the rider's natural foot angle is measured, divided by three, and then set on the cleat using a specialized tool. Different cleat models offer varying degrees of float, which affects how much correction room remains once the angle is set.
Various Pedal Systems and Cleats
Pedal system manufacturers offer a range of cleat models with different degrees of foot angle mobility. The choice of system and cleat type should be informed by the rider's anatomy and the results of the foot angle measurement. Below is an overview of the most common cleat models used in road cycling.
Precise cleat adjustment ensures optimal power transfer and protects against discomfort in the long run. It is a fundamental — and frequently underestimated — element of every professional bike fitting.
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"I was tired of spending a lot of money on bikes that never truly fit. So I founded Vélobsessive."
Thomas Glättli
Founder of Vélobsessive & Bike Fitter
[ THE MAN BEHIND THE BLOG ]
Tired of Bikes that don't fit
Thomas Glättli is the driving force behind Vélobsessive. As an enthusiastic cyclist and dedicated amateur athlete, he was tired of compromising when it came to finding the perfect road bike. In 2019, he founded Vélobsessive with a clear goal: the rider shouldn't have to fit the bike; the bike should fit the rider.
