BMW Mountain Bike Enduro Owner's Manual page 87

Special cycling shoes are obligatory if your cross or mountain bike is
equipped with clipless pedals (a). With these shoes small cleats are fixed
to the sole (b). They give you a firm connection between shoe and pedal
and allow an acceptable walking position.
The main advantage is that these cycling shoes and clipless pedals
prevent your feet from slipping off when pedalling fast or when riding
over rough ground. They enable you not only to push but also to pull the
pedals. This makes your pedalling more fluid and increases the power
transmission compared to normal pedals. With clipless pedals you can
get off the pedal very quickly. Just turn your heel to the outside. Practise
the engagement and release of clipless pedals so that you will be pre-
pared to face any difficult situation.
Read the operating instructions of the pedal manufacturers. If
you are in doubt or if you have any questions, please contact
your BMW partner!
The usual way to engage with the pedal is to turn it from the lowest
position of the crank to the horizontal using the tip of the cleat and push
down on the back of it. Normally, the shoe engages with the pedal with a
click which you will hear and feel clearly. Cleats come in different shapes,
with varying release angles and tensions. If you are in doubt or if you
have any questions, please contact your BMW partner!
a b
Make sure pedals and shoe soles are always clear of mud and
other impurities and grease the lock-in mechanism with lubri-
cant at regular intervals.
Taking up the pedals, engaging and disengaging the shoes
should first be practised while stationary. Later you can refine
your technique in a place free of traffic.
The cleat should be positioned so that the ball of your feet rests over
the pedal spindle (c). Your feet should assume a natural position when
pedalling. For most people this means that the heels will point a little
inward. Your BMW partner or the staff of a bicycle specialist shop of your
trust will be pleased to help you adjusting and mounting the pedal best
meeting your demands!
Make sure the fastening bolts of the cleats are properly tight-
ened, as you will find it almost impossible to disengage your
shoe from the pedal, if the cleat is loose. Risk of accident!
The release force of clipless pedals is adjusted by means of an Allen
key (d). If there are any creaking or squeaking noises occurring, some
grease will solve the problem in most cases. These noises as well as
lateral play of the shoe on the pedal can, however, be also signs of wear.
Check the cleats at regular intervals.
c
d
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