Installation of 2-Bolt MTB Cleats

Lake Cycling MTB shoes are designed for use with 2-bolt MTB pedal systems. In some cases, the connection between the cleat and the pedal may be obstructed due to differences in cleat and pedal design across brands. It is important to carefully install cleats to ensure there is enough clearance for the cleats to engage properly with the pedal, allowing for smooth and pressure-free engagement and pedaling.If pedals are not installed correctly, and pressure is required to engage them, the shoe sole may become damaged, potentially causing deterioration or separation of the rubber sole.
Failure to follow these cleat clearance check instructions will void any warranty related to sole damage and/or cleat pocket separation.Pedals with spring binders that rest on the shoe sole’s contact points must be used with shoe shields or shims, which are typically provided by the pedal manufacturer. These shields protect the sole from friction and eventual structural damage.Spring binder–style pedals include, but are not limited to, the following brands: Crank Brothers®, Look®, Time®, and HT®.

Cleat Installation Options & Mounting Tips

Option 1: Use cleat shims (provided by the pedal manufacturer or sold separately) to install the cleat with a spacing of 0.25–1 mm between the bottom of the cleat and the shoe sole. The desired clearance between the cleat and the ground should be 0.25–1 mm.

Option 2: If no cleat spacer is available, trim the rubber lugs to achieve the desired 0.25–1 mm clearance between the lugs and the ground.

Cleat Bolt Lubrication:

Apply grease to the threads of the cleat bolts to prevent the bolts from corroding, rusting, or seizing up in the cleat nut.

Cleat Bolt Torque Specifications:

Each pedal manufacturer uses different levels and grades of metal for their hardware. For best results, consult your pedal brand’s instruction manual for the most current and correct torque specification to prevent stripping the cleat bolt and cleat nut.

Common Brand Torque Specifications:

Shimano® SPD®: 5-6 Nm (43-52 in-lbs)
Crank Brothers®: 4 Nm (35.4 in-lbs)
Installing 3-Bolt Road Cleats:
Use bolt grease and follow the pedal manufacturer’s recommended torque. Start by tightening all bolts finger tight, then tighten each bolt alternately to the specified torque.

Common Brand Torque Specifications:

Shimano® 3-bolt Road Bike: 5-6 nm (43-52 in. lbs.)
Installing 4-bolt Road Bike Cleats:
Use bolt grease and follow the pedal manufacturer’s recommended torque. Start by hand tightening all bolts, then alternately tighten each bolt until the specified torque is reached.

Common brands torque spec:

• Maximum Speedplay Fastening Torque: 35in. lbs (4nm) for the adapter to the shoe sole
• Maximum Speedplay Fastening Torque: 25in. lbs (3nm) for the cleat to the adapter