Which Cleats For A Peloton Bike? | Get The Right Fit Fast

If you’re staring at your shoes and wondering which cleats match Peloton pedals, here’s the short path. The stock pedals on the Peloton Bike and Bike+ are Look Delta–style. That means a three-bolt road pattern. If you prefer two-bolt SPD for easier walking or gym crossover, you’ll swap the pedals first or use a dual-sided option. This guide lays out the options, why you’d pick one over another, and how to avoid fit headaches.

Which Cleats For A Peloton Bike? Options That Actually Work

The default answer is Look Delta cleats. Peloton states that its bike uses Delta-compatible cleats that mount to any shoe with a three-screw setup, which you’ll find on most road-style indoor cycling shoes. That’s the cleanest match for clipping in on day one. If your shoes only take two bolts for SPD, you’re not stuck; swap the pedals to an SPD model or choose hybrid pedals that take both styles. Peloton also sells replacement Delta-compatible pedals if you want to keep the stock feel while refreshing hardware over time.

Cleat Systems At A Glance

The table below shows the common systems you’ll see with indoor and road gear and whether they work with the stock Peloton pedals out of the box.

System	Bolt Pattern	Works With Stock Peloton Pedals?
Look Delta	3-bolt road	Yes — designed for Peloton clip-in.
SPD (Shimano)	2-bolt recessed	No — swap to SPD or dual-sided pedals first.
SPD-SL (Shimano)	3-bolt road	No — different interface from Delta; needs SPD-SL pedals.
Look Keo	3-bolt road	No — Keo and Delta aren’t cross-compatible.
Speedplay (Wahoo)	4-bolt (with adapters)	No — requires Speedplay pedals/adapters.
Toe Cages/Platforms	N/A	Only with cage adapters or platform pedals.
Flat Pedals	N/A	No — replace the clipless pedals with flats.

Cleats For Peloton Bike: SPD, SPD-SL, And Look Delta Compared

Think about your ride goals first. If you want the simplest Peloton setup, stick with Look Delta. The feel is stable, entry is firm, and the cleats match the stock pedal body. If you value walkability between sets or need a shoe that doubles for gym circuits, an SPD shoe plus SPD pedals can be a smarter fit. SPD-SL sits in the road camp like Delta, with a broad platform and single-sided entry; it suits riders who own road shoes they’d like to keep—once the pedals match. Shimano’s own guides break down the SPD vs. SPD-SL float levels and walking trade-offs in plain terms, so you can choose the cleat feel you prefer.

Why Look Delta Is The Default For Peloton

Delta cleats are a long-standing three-bolt standard from LOOK. They disengage with a twist, offer a wide contact area, and are specifically noted as compatible with non-Keo LOOK pedals—the bucket the Peloton pedal sits in. That’s why Peloton’s official materials pair the bike with Delta-compatible cleats and shoes.

Why Someone Picks SPD Instead

Lots of riders pick SPD for everyday convenience. The metal two-bolt cleat sits recessed in the sole, so it’s easier to walk around the house or gym without tip-toeing. Double-sided SPD pedals make starts simple. The trade-off is you’ll change pedals on the Peloton to an SPD model or a dual-sided SPD/Delta pedal before those cleats will clip in. Shimano’s buyer content spells out the walkability and platform differences clearly.

What About SPD-SL Or Look Keo?

Both are road systems with a three-bolt shoe pattern. They don’t lock into Peloton’s stock Delta-style pedals. If you already own SPD-SL or Keo shoes, you can keep them by swapping the pedals to match. Riders who want the Peloton to mirror their road bike often go this route to keep one shoe/cleat setup for every bike.

Fit, Float, And Feel: How To Set Cleats So Knees Stay Happy

Once you’ve picked a system, set position with care. Start with a neutral foot angle. Line the cleat fore-aft so the pedal axle sits near the ball of the foot. Tighten hardware just enough to hold shape, then fine-tune during a short spin. Small moves make a big difference in knee tracking and comfort. Shimano’s SPD-SL content explains how float changes the on-pedal feel; the same concept applies to other systems.

Quick Setup Flow

1. Pick the cleat system that matches your pedals (or pick pedals that match your shoes).
2. Install cleats with thread-locker or fresh bolts/gaskets from the kit.
3. Set neutral toe angle, then mark the sole with a fine tip pen for repeatability.
4. Clip in with light spring tension first; increase quarter-turns as comfort grows.
5. Test out of the saddle at low resistance to check knee path.

Peloton-Specific Notes That Avoid Hassles

Official Guidance On Shoes And Cleats

Peloton confirms that its bike uses Delta-compatible cleats mounted to three-bolt shoes. If you’re buying shoes elsewhere, just check that bolt pattern. Peloton’s own pages also list Delta-compatible replacement pedals for riders who want fresh hardware with the OEM feel. Link to the exact pages here: Peloton Bike shoes and Delta-compatible pedal set.

Delta And Keo Aren’t Interchangeable

This trips up a lot of shoppers. Both use three bolts, but the cleat shapes and pedal jaws differ. Keo cleats won’t lock into a Delta pedal and vice versa. That’s not a defect; they’re separate families. If you want Keo, change the pedals. LOOK’s own Delta page and indoor cycling guides make that split clear. LOOK Delta cleat info.

Which Cleats For A Peloton Bike? Real-World Picks By Use Case

Here are plain picks that keep setup simple. Choose the lane that fits how you ride.

“I Want Plug-And-Play”

Buy a Look Delta cleat kit with hardware and mount it on a three-bolt shoe. It clips straight into Peloton’s stock pedals, and you can adjust spring tension as you learn the twist-out motion.

“I Walk Around Between Sets”

Pick SPD shoes with a recessed two-bolt cleat and swap to SPD or dual-sided pedals. You get easier walking, two-sided entry, and plenty of pedal choices. Shimano’s buyer guides outline the entry and walk traits.

“My Road Bike Uses SPD-SL Or Keo And I Want One Shoe”

Change the Peloton pedals to match your outdoor bike. Keep one shoe and cleat plan across both. That saves time and keeps your fit consistent.

Care, Wear, And Replacement

Cleats are consumables. Plastic road cleats scuff on hard floors; metal SPD cleats last longer but still wear at the contact edges. Inspect monthly. If entry feels vague or release feels sticky, it’s time. Shimano’s maintenance notes point to rounded edges and dull engagement as clear signs to replace.

Cleat Care Checklist

Item	What To Check	When To Replace
Look Delta Cleats	Worn edges, slippery walk pads, loose hardware	Entry or release feels vague; pads smoothed over
SPD-SL Cleats	Rounded front tab, color wear at contact points	Less crisp lock-in or noisy disengagement
SPD Cleats	Burrs or rounding on metal tabs	Unreliable release or slip under load
Pedal Springs	Excess play, tension screw at max	Swap the pedal or service tension hardware
Shoe Soles	Cracked threads, stripped inserts	Replace shoe before bolts fail
Bolts/Gaskets	Corrosion, missing washers	Replace with the next cleat kit
Toe Cages/Adapters	Loose rivets, cracked plastic	Replace at first sign of flex or wobble

Simple Setup Paths Based On What You Already Own

You Own Three-Bolt Road Shoes With No Cleats

Install Look Delta cleats and ride. This keeps your Peloton identical to the official setup and avoids pedal swaps. Peloton’s shoe page shows the same three-bolt approach.

You Own SPD Two-Bolt Shoes

Pick SPD pedals or a hybrid pedal that accepts SPD on one side and Delta on the other. Mount them on the bike, set light spring tension, and you’re set.

You Own SPD-SL Or Keo Shoes

Swap to SPD-SL or Keo pedals. Keep your cleats and fit as is. This mirrors your road rig and keeps muscle memory consistent.

Peloton-Friendly Tips That Save Time

• Mark cleat position on the sole with a fine line before adjustments. You’ll return to the same spot any time.
• Use the pedal tension screw to raise or lower release force in small quarter-turn steps.
• Keep a small hex key near the bike; a tiny snug of the cleat bolts after the first ride helps prevent creaks.
• Store spare bolts and gaskets in a labeled zip bag so replacements are easy to find.

FAQ-Style Clarity Without The FAQ Section

Do I Need Peloton-Branded Shoes?

No. You can use any three-bolt shoe for Look Delta cleats. That’s the entire point of sticking to common standards. Peloton’s pages confirm the three-screw shoe fit.

Can I Convert My Setup Without Buying New Shoes?

Yes. Match the pedals to the cleats you already own. If your shoes are SPD, go SPD on the pedals. If they’re Delta already, you’re set. Shimano’s content explains the feel differences so you can decide whether a switch pays off.

Verdict: Pick The Cleat That Matches Your Ride Life

If you want the quick answer to “which cleats for a Peloton bike?” it’s Look Delta. That’s the match for the stock pedals and the fastest path to a smooth clip-in. If walkability or crossover matters more, set the bike up for SPD and enjoy easier off-bike movement. If your road shoes already use SPD-SL or Keo, change the pedals once and keep one shoe system for every ride. Two links worth keeping handy: Peloton’s note on Delta-compatible shoes and LOOK’s page for the Delta cleat.