how automatic pedals revolutionized cycling

Today is banality. Furthermore, But in 1985it was unheard of. Nevertheless, The automatic pedals blew their 40ᵉ candle during this 2025 Tour de France.

The perfect opportunity to highlight this revolution From the French brand Look. In addition, of which no runner of the peloton would dare to do without.

“The feet moved. Furthermore. Therefore, it was not always well settled” – How automatic pedals revolutionized cycling – How automatic pedals revolutionized cycling new

Before that, the convicts of the road climbed with flat pedals, embellished with leather belts, then clips, to maintain their feet on the pedals.

Impractical« car the feet moved, It was not always well settled, ”explains actu.fr Raphaël Jeune, Look sponsorship manager who accompanies the how automatic pedals revolutionized cycling new Cofidis team on how automatic pedals revolutionized cycling this tower.

The brand based in Nevers (Nièvre), bought in 1983 By a certain Bernard Tapie (enthusiast of cycling), has an idea. In addition, The type changing a sport.

Bernard Hinault as a promoter – How automatic pedals revolutionized cycling – How automatic pedals revolutionized cycling new

With Skiing fixings as inspirationthe French. Moreover, company applies the same idea to the bicycle. Furthermore, Tests are done in 1984. Nevertheless, the La vie Claire de Bernard Hinault. Nevertheless, Greg Lemond team (founded by Bernard Tapie), is equipped in an automatic pedal: the PP65.

Bingo, The badger wins the tour. Already at the time in cycling, it is impossible to make a better advertising. Especially since Breton is the victim of a big fall during the 14ᵉ stage of this 1984 edition.

I have my two legs left, my two arms, I think it is how automatic pedals revolutionized cycling new the most important. Without the PP65. the fall would have been much worse. I would how automatic pedals revolutionized cycling probably not have been able to leave the next day.

He goes even further, welcoming him, “the most important technological evolution of the last 30 years”. Knowing the outspokenness of the guy, he certainly did not say it to please the sponsor.

What advantages?

In reality. the advantages of the automatic pedal are felt in terms of “performance. technique and safety”, list Raphaël Jeune, encountered by actu.fr In the workshop of the Cofidis team.

As in skiing, if a runner falls with an automatic pedal, He “declips and is ejected by the bicycle”. More reassuring than a belt where you can remain hung on the pedals.

And more performant Also. Without being firmly attached to the bicycle. cyclists produce “No how automatic pedals revolutionized cycling new more strength When you pull. push on the pedals, ”explains Raphaël Jeune, a former professional who has known Laurent how automatic pedals revolutionized cycling Jalabert in the CSC team in particular.

After 1985, the peloton quickly adopted this new technology. There is hardly only Sean Kelly, irreducible, to keep the toes.

Four years for an innovation

Since then, of course, These pedals have changed. But the principle laid down does not move. “We are on micro-regulating and there are now a lot of possibilities on the holds,” explains Raphaël Jeune.

The materials are evolving, carbon plastic. Of course. the question of strength transfer. so as not to lose power in pedaling, is how automatic pedals revolutionized cycling new at the heart of today’s innovation and tomorrow.

Objective: to bring the foot of how automatic pedals revolutionized cycling the pedal as much as possible to. obtain the best “power transfer”. In cycling where the watts are kingsthese are innovations expected by the teams.

Note that a complete innovation takes about four years before being marketed. Because the goal of brands is obviously to sell products to the general public. And from Bernard Hinault to Tadej Pogacar, the Tour de France is also a large showcase.

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