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How to Unclip Peloton Shoes (A Quick Guide)

Carlos Glover
October 25, 2022

Sometimes, unclipping Peloton shoes from your bike can be a bit tricky. To solve this issue, just turn the resistance knob to the right, which will stop the pedals from moving. Then, try gently nudging your foot to the inside or outside to release.

As a Peloton bike rider, pedal stability is one of the most important things. Since Peloton offers stationary bikes, they've come up with the bike clip to ensure this goal is met. When training, the Peloton bike pedals are quite practical to use, particularly during intense sessions. However, removing them is always a nuisance, so knowing a few tricks might save you time. It has certainly spared me some stress.

In this article, we´ll review everything you need to do to efficiently unclip Peloton shoes from your bike, without having to resort to extreme measures.

How to Take off Peloton Shoes?

To be clear, Peloton shoes can get stuck on the pedals in a variety of ways. However, it's most likely the tricky mechanism which keeps your foot in place.

Indoor Biking At Gym

Tips Before Starting

Feeling like you can't get off the bike can be quite stressful, but it's important that you stay calm. Any rough movements could injure you or damage your Peloton bike and shoe cleats.

Unclip Peloton Bike Shoes After a Workout

To safely release your shoes from the pedals without any trouble, follow these next steps:

1) Bring the Bike to a Stop

Don't try to release the pedals if your feet and the bike are still moving. If you do this, you could injure yourself. It is important that the bike isn't moving, so be patient when you´ve finished your workout. You can try to slow down the bike by gently turning the resistance knob.

2) Unclip Your Dominant Foot First

If you´re a right-footed person, first unclip your right foot pedal. Conversely, if you´re left-footed, begin with your left pedal. Don´t remove both shoe cleats immediately, rather, remove the first one by gently twisting one foot. Then place that shoe on the floor for extra support.

3) Unclip the Other Shoe

Once the first foot is released, it's time to work on the other foot. Try gently twisting the foot to release it from the Peloton pedals. Make sure your other foot is steady and that you can comfortably move your foot.

How to Unclip Peloton Shoes When They're Stuck on the Pedals?

If you can't release your shoes by following the previous method, odds are your shoe is stuck to the cleat attached to the Peloton pedal. Most times, you can try and remove the part from the pedal to release.

Here's what you might need: 3mm Allen Wrench

Here are the basic steps to follow:

1) Try to Release Your Foot From Peloton Shoes

If possible, try to take off your cycling shoes. This way, the shoes will remain on the bike, but you won't. This should allow you to get off the bike and make it easier to unclip your shoes from the foot pedal.

2) Move the Pedal to the 12 O'clock Position

Picture your Peloton pedals as a clock. The pedal you´ll be working on first should be at 12 (the highest point), the other one at 6 (lowest point). Placing it in this position will give you some space to maneuver and easily loosen the bike shoes.

3) Immobilize Your Peloton Pedals

To easily remove your Peloton shoes from the bike pedal, you can reduce movement by turning the resistance knob to its highest tension level. To tighten the knob, turn it to the right as much as you can. The resistance knob is red and it's located at the top of the bike frame.

4) Turn the Pedal Over, Cleat Side Facing Down

This should allow you to locate the tension screw. Once you´ve identified it, use your 3mm hex key (allen wrench) to loosen the pedal tension. Turn the tension screw one round in a counterclockwise position.

Do this gently, as over-loosening the pedal could end up breaking it.

If you´re stuck on your bike, you might be wondering how you can get such a tool. Try to take off your shoes and work on the pedal off the bike. The shoes will stay on the bike, but you can get off. It´s not that tough to take your shoes off.

5) Return the Pedal to Its Normal Position

Once the pedal is back in place, grip the back of your pedal with your thumb, where the Peloton logo is and remove the cleat. Don´t be afraid to exert moderate force into the move. Just be careful it's not too harsh on the bike. The cleat could come off.

Women During Indoor Cycling Class

Do You Need Pedal Adapters?

It's true that you can ride a Peloton bike without special shoes. However, it's also true that you need special Peloton shoes to ride.

It really depends on how much you'll be using your bike. If you´re just giving it some light use and are only doing a couple of spins each week, you can use toe cages. You can also get spd cleats which are a great option, but you´ll have to change the bike's pedals. Conversely, if you want to do more of an intense workout, you´ll need to get some proper shoes.

Peloton bikes are trickier when it comes to shoe compatibility. Peloton shoes normally have great grip and 3 distinct holes. The ideal Peloton shoes are compatible with delta pedals or SPD-SL cleat systems. The good news is that you can find them in shoe stores all around.

Can You Use the Peloton Bike With Clipless Pedals?

Training on your Peloton bike with clipless pedals is possible, but it can also be riskier to do. This is particularly because of the previously mentioned stability and grip issues. You can also change the pedals, for which you won´t need Peloton shoes.

Be careful during particularly intense rides, as one foot or the other could easily slip. Peloton shoes normally provide safety, comfort and the best riding experience. However, to use them, you´ll need the traditional pedals.

Recommendations

  • To prevent your cleats from getting stuck in the pedals, make sure they are installed tightly and correctly.
  • After using them, it should become increasingly easier to use your Peloton bike clips. You´ll also become an expert when it comes to knowing how to unclip your Peloton shoes.
  • Toe cages are a type of pedal meant to keep the foot in place while riding. It doesn't have a clip, but rather the design helps keep one and the other foot steady.
men on indoor bikes in gym

Final Thoughts

If you want to ride your Peloton bike properly, you'll most likely have to use Peloton shoes. You´ll just have to learn to clip and unclip them, even if it's a bit of a nuisance.

Once you get the hang of it, you´ll quickly discover that it´s not too complicated. Just make sure to properly fasten everything before beginning your ride. With a simple foot twist, the pedals should release.

However, knowing how to unclip your Peloton shoes from your bike might come in handy.

Now that you know how to unclip Peloton shoes, go try the skill out. Good luck.

Carlos Glover
About the Author
I took up cycling in high school and haven’t looked back since. My love of cycling eventually evolved into an obsession with bicycles. From road bikes to mountain bikes, I have tried them all – and have the scars to prove it! I love sharing my findings with the rest of the cycling world as unsolicited as they may be.
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