The Cleat Key­™ is a tool that every cyclist needs

The Cleat Key is a tool designed to help any cyclist properly install their road bike cleats, and is unlike any existing product on the market today. Using this tool in conjunction with our Cleat Key Protocol enables the user to properly install a bike cleat, and most importantly, set the correct cleat rotation angle. 

A properly positioned bike cleat ensures maximum power and performance, and decreases the risk of injury. An incorrectly placed cleat can result in sub-optimal performance and injury. 

The Cleat Key works with both Look Keo and Shimano SPD-SL road cleats, the two most popular cleat/pedal systems. You can use a single Cleat Key to install both Look and Shimano road cleats. 

Why Cleat Key?

The cleat position is the most critical aspect of the human-bike interface, and the cleat angle is the single most important aspect of cleat installation. If you google, “How do I set up my bike cleats?” you’ll see posts recommending that you get a “rough feel” for the cleat angle, eyeball it, and try it out. We don’t think that’s good enough.

The Cleat Key tool can be used by any road cyclist to properly set up their road bike cleats themselves. It’s accurate, precise, and consistent. 

We’ve also developed a robust Cleat Key Protocol (see below) to ensure you get the job done right.

What makes the Cleat Key unique?

The Cleat Key is the only tool we know of that tells you quickly, clearly and accurately what the cleat rotation angle is. It is simple and intuitive to use. Because it is transparent, you can see what you are doing when you are setting up the cleat on the shoe.  When used with the Cleat Key Protocol (see below), it can be used to help you set up your bike cleats, just like a pro bike fitter would. Cleats set right, each and every time. 

Unlike other cleat setting devices, it’s simple to use, reasonably priced, and not exclusively designed for bike fitters – anyone can use it. 

Design

The Cleat Key design is the result of over 10 years of evolving product development. It has been used to set the cleats on hundreds of bike riders, at all levels, from beginner to elite, including professionals and top age-group athletes. The final versions of the tool were rigorously tried-and-tested in a shop setting. 

The unique clamp design enables the tool to be used with both Look Keo and Shimano SPD-SL road cleats.

The Cleat Key is made of environmentally-friendly PMMA OM92 acrylic, and aircraft-grade 6061 aluminium alloy. Its durable construction has already proven itself in years of shop service.

It Works!

The Cleat Key (or prototype), along with the Cleat Key Protocol, has already been used to set up the cleats of hundreds of cyclists, from beginner to elite, including over 80 qualifiers to Ironman, IM 70.3, and UCI road cycling world championship events. 

You can follow our Cleat Key Protocol (see below) to set up your cleats, or just use the device to quantify your cleat angle, making small adjustments as needed. You can easily replicate that cleat setting when you replace your cleats, change cleat brands from Look to Shimano, or vice-versa, or use it when you install a new set of cleats on a new pair of bike shoes.

Testimonials 

“The position is better and much faster than before.”

Erich Felbabel, Bern, Switzerland. Sporting goods executive and former professional triathlete.

“After the fitting, had my best bike split in 6 years!”

Olaf Kasten, Hong Kong. Investment executive. Ironman personal best 8h48.

“That comfortable position on the bike was what I needed for a strong marathon.”

Stefano Passarello, Hong Kong. Entrepreneur. Kona finisher and age group marathon record holder.

“Haven’t changed a thing since our fitting.”

Raynard Picard, San Diego, USA. 2nd place age group, 5th overall, Kona 2019.

“On the day after the TT bike fitting, I destroyed the course record.”

Paolo Caputo, Hong Kong. Cycling coach and elite cyclist.

“Man, you know what you’re doing.  Good to have you in my ‘village.’ The position is comfortable and powerful.”

Olivier Baillet, London, UK. Triathlon coach.