A "clip pedal" typically refers to the older style of cycling pedal system that used toe clips and straps to secure the rider's foot.
Understanding Clip Pedals
In cycling history, securing the foot to the pedal has evolved significantly. Before modern systems, cyclists, particularly road riders, relied on a setup involving the pedal itself, a toe clip, and a strap.
- The Pedal: Often a standard platform pedal, sometimes designed with slots for the strap to pass through.
- The Toe Clip: A cage-like attachment fixed to the front of the pedal that surrounds the front of the rider's shoe.
- The Strap: A leather or nylon strap passed through slots in the pedal and the toe clip, which could be tightened to hold the foot firmly against the pedal.
This system, often called using "clips and straps," effectively created what might be informally referred to as a "clip pedal" setup.
How They Functioned
The primary purpose of the toe clip and strap system was to keep the rider's foot from slipping off the pedal, especially during powerful pedaling strokes or in bumpy conditions. By securing the foot, riders could not only push down on the pedals but also exert some force on the upstroke, theoretically improving pedaling efficiency.
Why "Clipless"?
The term modern cyclists commonly use for pedals where the shoe locks directly into the pedal is "clipless pedals." This name can be confusing because you do clip your shoes into them. As referenced, the term "clipless" comes from the historic abandonment of toe clips and straps over the top of the shoe, which road riders used to use to hold their feet in place. Thus, the modern system is called "clipless" because it lacks the old toe clips and straps.
In summary, while not the technical name, a "clip pedal" points to the traditional system using toe clips and straps to fasten a cyclist's foot to the pedal, predating modern "clipless" technology.
