If clipless pedals are like a runner's sprinting cleats, Bythlon is the sneaker. Clipless pedals are useful for max effort, short distance rides but are inefficient and increase risk of injury over longer distances.

Bythlon offers a secure connection with a cleat plate that stays engaged without locking you in. You get stability and freedom, allowing you to step out anytime while maintaining a strong pedal connection.

In reality, no one's upstroke generates efficient power, even with clipless pedals. All you efficient power in cycling comes from the downstroke. Biomechanically, this is where your leg's major muscle groups—quads, glutes, and hamstrings—are engaged, driving the pedal downward with the most force. Studies have shown that the upstroke contributes no efficient power, and how can it when you're trying to propel the weight of your body with your leg's smallest muscles. The role of the upstroke (and the sensation of power you feeling during it) is to reposition the leg for the next downstroke, not to actively generate force.

Depends on what you mean by 'pull up.' Like a velodrome racer launching from the start gate? No. But sprinting, climbing, and descending like you would with clipless pedals? Absolutely—yes, yes, and yes.

Bythlon is for all cyclists, from beginners to Ironman finishers. If you're happy with your current pedal setup, there's no pressure to switch — cycling is best when you're safe and comfortable. Bythlon offers all the efficiency as traditional pedal systems but without the risks associated with being locked to your bike. For riders prioritizing safety and efficiency, Bythlon provides the confidence and performance they need, without requiring a rigid lock-in mechanism.

The Bythlon system is compatible with any road bike shoe that has the standard three-hole pattern in the sole, commonly used for road cycling from brands like Shimano SPD-L, Look, Keo, and similar systems. If your shoes have this configuration, they will work seamlessly with Bythlon cleats. Bythlon doesn't work with two-hole patterns commonly found on mountain bike shoes.

The Bythlon pedal weighs 5 ounces (144 grams) and the cleat plate weighs 1.5 ounces (43 grams). The pedal dimensions are 3.5 inches (89 mm) wide and 3.2 inches (84 mm) long. The axle has a total length of 3.5 inches (89 mm), with 3 inches (77 mm) protruding from the crank and a center distance of 2 inches (52 mm) to the crank.

The pedal body is composed of a lightweight polyamide (PA) glass fiber compound, while the axle is made from durable Chromium Molybdenum (Cr-Mo) steel. The cleat plate features a fiberglass body with anti-slip Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) tips for added grip.

It is made in Taichung, Taiwan, where most of the world's high-end bike components are produced. It is designed by Bythlon's German development team and manufactured by a renowned original design manufacturer with many years of experience producing pedal systems.