GIANT MTB CLIPLESS PEDAL MANUAL

Introduction

This manual provides instructions for the installation, adjustment, and maintenance of Giant MTB Clipless Pedals. For optimal performance and safety, Giant recommends that pedals and cleats be installed by a professional bicycle dealer.

Parts Supplied

Cleat
Cleat bolt
Cleat washer

Assembly: Pedals to Crank Arms

Giant MTB Clipless pedals feature 9/16" x 20T threaded spindles. The right pedal (marked 'R') is installed by turning it clockwise. The left pedal (marked 'L') is installed by turning it counter-clockwise.

Lubricate the spindle threads before assembly.
Use a thin 15mm wrench or a 6mm Allen key for installation.
Tighten securely, but avoid excessive force. The recommended torque is 34 Nm (340 kgf/cm).

Assembly: Cleats to Cycling Shoes

The supplied cleats are compatible with all standard SPD cycling shoes. Giant cleats allow for 4° of lateral foot rotation, which helps relieve knee stress.

Use a 4mm Allen tool for assembly.

Using the supplied bolts (lubricate prior to use) and washers, securely attach the cleats to the bolt receiver holes in the shoes.
The lateral center line of the cleat should be aligned under the center of the ball of your foot. Adjust vertically using the slots in the shoe sole. Adjust horizontally using the play between the cleat washer and the cleat. Tighten cleats very firmly.
Cleat position can be fine-tuned after initial trail use according to personal preference. Finding your optimal cleat setup may take time. Refer to your shoe manufacturer's instructions for shoe-specific details.

Recommended torque: 5-16 Nm / 50-160 kgf/cm.

Figure 1: Depicts the cleat attached to a cycling shoe using bolts and washers. Slots in the cleat or shoe allow for fore-aft and lateral adjustment. The cleat should be positioned so its lateral center line is under the ball of the foot.

Adjustment of Pedal Binding Tension

To adjust the tension of the rear binding on the pedals, use a 3mm Allen key on the tension adjustment bolt located within the spring cavity.

Increase tension: Turn the bolt clockwise (+) for a more secure shoe/pedal bind, which requires more effort for engagement and disengagement.
Decrease tension: Turn the bolt counter-clockwise (-) for a less secure shoe/pedal bind, allowing for easier engagement and disengagement.

Binding tension must be equal on both pedals for uniform engagement and disengagement. Minimum tension is recommended for beginners and for riders who require frequent cleat release, such as in heavy traffic.

Figure 2: Shows the pedal's rear binding mechanism. A 3mm Allen key is inserted into the tension adjustment bolt. Turning clockwise (+) increases tension, and turning counter-clockwise (-) decreases tension.

Pedal Use

Engagement: Engage your cleated shoes into the pedals by pushing the front of the cleat into the front binding, then pushing your heel down until the rear binding engages the cleat.

Disengagement: Disengage by twisting your heel outwards (away from the bicycle). The cleat will also release by twisting your heel inwards if necessary in an emergency situation.

Figure 3: Illustrates the engagement process. Push the front of the cleat into the pedal's front binding, then push the heel down to secure the cleat.Figure 4: Illustrates the disengagement process. Twist the heel outwards from the bicycle to release the cleat.

Caution

It will take time to become accustomed to your pedals and cleats. Practice engaging and disengaging your cleats on a stationary bicycle with one foot firmly on the ground, starting with low binding tension.
Once comfortable, progress to practicing in a safe, traffic-free area until engagement and disengagement become natural actions.
Do not over-tighten or over-loosen the tension adjustment Allen bolts; the bolt may fall out if too loose, and over-tightening can damage the threads.
Replace cleats that are badly worn or difficult to disengage. Minimize walking in cleated shoes, as this accelerates wear.
Use only pedal cleats from Giant or other compatible cleats with your pedals. To check compatibility, consult your bicycle dealer or test engagement/disengagement on a stationary bicycle.

Maintenance

To ensure proper function, keep pedals and cleats clean.
Occasionally lubricate cleat bolts to prevent rust and seizing.
Apply oil or light grease occasionally to the rear binding springs.
Pedals should be serviced every 6 months. Replace bearing cartridges if the pedal emits noise when rotated by hand, if rotation feels rough, or if there is play in the bearings.
Replace pedals that have fractures in the body or badly worn or damaged bindings.