Even if you ride a Peloton bike in your house, there will still be dangerous problems that you must take precautions for carefully. One of the most common problems is that the pedals of the bike do not connect to the Peloton shoes which can cause slippery and injuries. At this point, putting cleats on your Peloton shoes is very important.
This article will give you everything you need to know about the cleats on your Peloton shoes. Let’s get started!
About cleats on Peloton shoes
If you are a newbie who uses special shoes for Peloton for the first time, “cleats” can be a strange word. So, before we get into the main part of how to put the cleats on your Peloton shoes, we will go through the definition and types of cleats.
What are they?
Cleats are accessories put under cycling shoes to connect them with the bike pedals. They can be made of plastic, rubber, or metal. Cleats have many types and colors depending on your cycling shoes. For Peloton shoes, the cleats have a triangle shape, red color, and 3 holes.
When you join the Peloton Cycling workouts, the cleats are put under the cycling shoes to provide additional traction on the Peloton Bike slippery pedal (clipless). When you buy Peloton shoes, sometimes they are delivered with the equipped cleats, sometimes not.
What are cleats
Cleat types
There are many types of cleats on the market to suit different cycling shoes and bike pedal designs. So what kind of cleats should and shouldn’t you buy for your Peloton shoes? Let’s find out!
Which are suitable/unsuitable for Peloton shoes?
The most suitable cleats for Peloton shoes are the Delta Cleats or you can call them Look Cleats. They connect to the Peloton shoes using three points of contact. Delta Cleats are red, plastic, and have a triangle shape. Unfortunately, they will wear down over time, so you have to replace the cleat once or twice every month.
Because of the special design of Peloton shoes, except for the Delta/Look cleats, other kinds of cleats are not compatible. However, some of the cleats may fit the Peloton shoes if you change the Peloton Bike’s pedals. So, instead of listing all kinds of cleats, we just mention these two below as they can be replaceable options for your Peloton bike.
- The SPD Cleats
This kind of cleat is the closest to a universal standard which attaches to the shoe with two bolts. When using it, you may feel the connection to the pedals is slightly reduced, but it still ensures safety actually.
- The Shimano SPD-SL Cleats
Shimano SPD-SL Cleats are very similar to the Delta cleats in terms of appearance and performance. The only big difference is these two’s systems. Someone even tries to clip their SPD-SL cleat into a Delta pedal in a pinch, but it is not a good long-term answer.
The Delta Cleats
How to change Peloton pedals if using unsuitable cleats?
If you want to change the cleat, you have to change your Peloton Bike pedals since they are only compatible with the Delta/Look cleats. Here is the step-by-step instruction for you.
Step 1: Turn the resistance knob all the way to the right.
Changing Peloton pedals step 1
Step 2: Use a 15mm wrench to remove the pedals.
- For the right pedal, turn the wrench counterclockwise.
- For the left pedal, turn the wrench clockwise.
Changing Peloton pedals step 2
Step 3: Insert the new pedal into the crank arm.
Changing Peloton pedals step 3
Step 4: Turn the pedal a quarter turn counterclockwise, so the threads catch. Then rotate the pedals clockwise until it’s too difficult to turn by hand.
Changing Peloton pedals step 4
Step 5: Tighten the pedal using a 15mm wrench until you can no longer move the wrench. Then do the same with your left pedal.
Changing Peloton pedals step 5
If you are still not clear at some point, check out this private Peloton instruction video on “How to change Peloton pedals”:
Why do you have to put cleats on your Peloton shoes?
There are many reasons why you have to equip the suitable cleats for your Peloton shoes because it relates to your cycling experience and safety.
- Avoid slippery problems from the Bike pedal.
- Prevent injuries, especially on the knee.
- Make you feel comfortable and secure.
- Achieve good Peloton outputs since you can pedal faster without any worry.
- Help you to pull up on the pedals when you are pedaling slowly, especially when you have to adjust the resistance and cadence high level
- Make your experience more realistic.
Peloton shoes with cleats on
Necessary things you have to prepare before putting on the cleats
Before you start to put cleats on your Peloton shoes, there are some necessary things you have to prepare:
- Delta/Look cleats or any kind of cleats if you have already changed the bike pedal.
- A small wrench in case your hand needs help.
- A 4mm hex key.
4 mm hex key
How to put cleats on Peloton shoes?
At this point, you probably know clearly everything about cleats for your Peloton shoes. Next, we will go through specific instructions and notes on how to put those cleats on those professional cycling shoes.
Specific instruction
When you prepare all the necessary things well, let’s put the cleats on your Peloton shoes now!
Step 1: Position the cleats over the three screw holes on the bottom of your Peloton shoes.
How to put cleats on Peloton shoes step 1
Step 2: Set the washers into the recesses of the cleats.
How to put cleats on Peloton shoes step 2
Step 3: Place a screw into each screw hole.
How to put cleats on Peloton shoes step 3
Step 4: Position your cleats to face forward and in line with the toe. Make sure the middle of the cleat is across the ball of the foot on the shoe.
How to put cleats on Peloton shoes step 4
Step 5: Tighten the screw by using a 4mm hex key to attach them to your shoes securely.
How to put cleats on Peloton shoes step 5
Step 6: Start pedaling to check if your cleat is put under your Peloton shoes properly.
Besides this instruction, check out the Peloton tutorial on “How to put cleats on Peloton shoes” to be more clear:
Notes
Whenever you feel discomfort in your feet, legs, or knees during your random Peloton cycling class, you have to stop and check out the cleats under your Peloton shoes. Unfortunately, the cleats do not always remain fine since they will be shifting and unstable after a period of time.
Peloton recommends you straighten your cleats and tighten the screws once per month. Doing this is not only for your safety but also helps you have a great experience in every class.
The common problems of the cleat
During the process of attaching cleats to your Peloton shoes, you can’t avoid unexpected problems. So, what could they be, and how to fix them? You will find the answer right here.
What are the problems of the cleat?
Many problems may happen during or after you put the cleats on your Peloton shoes. It will make you uncomfortable or even in pain. We have summarized all of the problems below, have a look to notice for later:
- Loosing screws
- Wrong placement of the cleat
- Broken cleats
- Clicking noise caused by loose cleats in shoes
- The cleats are stuck in Peloton Bike pedals
Worn Out cleats
How to resolve them?
To solve the above common problems, you just need some simple preparation and note about the cleats. In addition, we will also provide instructions for cleats getting stuck on Peloton pedals since it is most asked from Peloton members.
Backup preparation and notes
At first, you should have some prevented set of cleats to replace them anytime you need, especially when you join a specific cycling challenge and you want to get a badge as soon as possible. Also, it can’t be sure that you can always purchase suitable cleats, or you can get some in a short time, so backup the cleats is a smart idea.
Next, you have to check on your cleats at least once per month and replace them every month if possible since they are easily worn out and can cause injuries. If your cleats are broken, or you can’t fix the problems, contact Peloton Support by the information below for further instruction or a warranty.
- Phone number: (866)-679-9129.
- Website: https://support.onepeloton.com/hc/en-us/p/contact-us
- Email: [email protected].
The Peloton Member Support is online every day from 9 AM to 9 PM.
Removing cleats stuck in the pedal
The cleats will easily get stuck in the pedal since the screws are not tightened enough or worn out after a period of time. The specific situation is when you complete a ride, you twist the ankle as well as the shoe but the cleats are still on the pedal. The only way to get out of the bike is to take your Peloton off and take the cleats out later.
Follow the instruction below to get rid of this annoying problem.
Step 1: Move the pedal with the stuck cleat to the 12 o’clock position.
Removing Cleats Stuck In Pedal
Step 2: Turn the resistance knob all the way to the right to immobilize the pedals.
Removing Cleats Stuck In Pedal step 2
Step 3: Turn the pedal over, so the cleat side is facing down, and locate the tension screw.
Removing Cleats Stuck In Pedal step 3
Step 4: Use a 3mm hex key to turn the screw one full turn counterclockwise. Be careful if you over-loosen, you could break the pedal.
Removing Cleats Stuck In Pedal step 4
Step 5: Turn the pedal back over.
- Grip the back of the pedal with your thumb on the Peloton logo.
- Pry off the cleat.
Don’t be afraid to exert some force.
Removing Cleats Stuck In Pedal step 5
Step 6: Tighten the tension screw before clipping again.
Removing Cleats Stuck In Pedal step 6
Watch the video below for a better look at how to remove cleats stuck in the pedal:
Disadvantages of placing cleats on your Peloton Shoes
Despite all the benefits mentioned in the second section, sometimes placing cleats on your Peloton bike will cause some problems, but not too much.
- Making it harder to walk off the bike.
Sometimes, after a Peloton ride, you can’t walk off the bike right away because of the tight connection between the shoes and pedal.
- Always making noise and especially louder if there is a problem.
When your Peloton shoes have been attached cleats, they will always make noise. The noise is not too loud when it is in a normal state but can be annoying for some people who are sensitive to sound.
- Less reflex than when not using cleats.
If your Peloton bike has some problems and falls to the ground, you can’t get out of the bike reflexively and it may cause injuries.
Conclusion
As you can see, putting cleats on your Peloton shoes is very important and have a lot of benefits. This will help you have a better experience and ensure your safety during the ride, even when cycling indoors.
We hope that the information in this article has helped you understand the definition as well as how to equip cleats for your Peloton shoes. So if you haven’t done it yet, do it today!
FAQs
1. Can I ride a Peloton bike barefoot?
Yes, you can ride a Peloton bike barefoot but you have to change the pedals or use the toe cage. The reason is Peloton bike’s pedals are designed for Peloton professional cycling shoes and you have to attach Delta cleats to use. In addition, riding a Peloton Bike barefoot can cause various degrees of scratches to your feet.
2. Can I wear sneakers on the Peloton bike?
You can wear sneakers on the Peloton bike but it can be quite dangerous. Your sneakers will slip from the pedal and it may cause you injuries. If you insist to wear sneakers, you should add the toe cage binding wrapped on your shoes to keep the feet secure to the pedals.
3. Does Peloton put cleats on Peloton shoes before delivery to members?
Sometimes, Peloton puts cleats on Peloton shoes before delivery to members. Sometimes, Peloton does not. There are so many members complaining about this. They even receive Peloton shoes without any of the cleats to put on.
4. How often do I have to replace the cleats?
Peloton recommends you check out, replace or tighten the cleats once per month.
5. Where do you put cleats on cycling shoes?
You put cleats under your cycling shoes. Depending on your kind of cleat, you should follow the instructions we showed you on the “How to put cleats on Peloton shoes?” part to equip them precisely to avoid unexpected injuries.
6. What happens if cleats are too far back?
When the cleats are too far back, you will constantly feel uncomfortable during cycling classes. Also, you will hear a lot of noise when pedaling. Besides, possible injuries like overloading the lower leg muscles, straining the upper leg muscles, and so on can happen.
That’s why you have to check and tighten the cleats every month to notice the problem and solve it as soon as possible.
