The confusing name comes from the fact that earlier systems used a cumbersome metal toe cage or clip to keep the foot secured to the pedal. The clipless pedal did away with the need for this toe clip.

Today, they come in a wide variety of styles suitable for both road and mountain bike riding. Mountain bike clipless pedals are usually dual-sided so that the rider can clip into either side of the pedal – handy on rough tracks when you don’t want to be trying to find the side of the pedal with the clip.

The shoes designed for use with clipless pedals have a cleat embedded in the sole that enables the ride to quickly engage or disengage.

Most clipless pedal systems sold in Western Australia are disengaged by simply twisting your heel outwards.

Riders using these pedals and shoes for the first time may experience a few initial problems.

The physical act of clipping in and out of the pedal can take some getting used to, although the spring tension on most systems can be adjusted to make it easier.

Some riders experience sore knees when they first go clipless and this is often caused by using a system that permits too limited amount of sideways foot rotation on the pedal – called “float”. The more float that a system allows before the shoe becomes disengaged, the less stress is placed on the knee joint.

It used to be almost impossible to walk anymore than a few metres in shoes made for clipless pedals because the cleat was raised above the sole. However, more recent designs have the cleat recessed into the sole and you no longer see riders having to waddle like a duck into a shop or café.