E. Pedals

Some higher performance bicycles come equipped with pedals that have sharp and potentially dangerous surfaces. These surfaces are designed to add safety by increasing adhesion between the rider’s shoe and the pedal. If your bicycle has this type of high-performance pedal, you must take extra care to avoid serious injury from the pedals’ sharp surfaces. Based on your riding style or skill level, you may prefer a less aggressive pedal design. Your dealer can show you a number of options and make suitable recommendations.

Toe Overlap is when your toe can touch the front wheel when you turn the handlebars to steer while a pedal is in the forward most position. This is common on small-framed bicycles, and is avoided by keeping the inside pedal up and the outside pedal down when turning.

WARNING: Getting into and out of pedals with toeclips and straps requires skill which can only be acquired with practice. Until it becomes a reflex action, the technique requires concentration which can distract the rider’s attention, causing you to lose control and fall. Practice the use of toeclips and straps where there are no obstacles, hazards or traffic. Keep the straps loose, and don’t tighten them until your technique and confidence in getting in and out of the pedals warrants it. Never ride in traffic with your toe straps tight.

WARNING: Toe Overlap could cause you to lose control and fall. If you have toe overlap, exercise extra care when turning.

Toeclips and straps are a means to keep feet correctly positioned and engaged with the pedals. The toeclip positions the ball of the foot over the pedal spindle, which gives maximum pedaling power. The toe strap, when tightened, keeps the foot engaged throughout the rotation cycle of the pedal. While toeclips and straps give some benefit with any kind of shoe, they work most effectively with cycling shoes designed for use with toeclips. Your dealer can explain how toeclips and straps work.

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K2 Bike K2 BICYCLE manual Pedals