Pronunciation: [klˈɪpləs] (IPA) 
The word "clipless" is often used to describe bicycle pedals that do not require the use of toe clips. The spelling of this word follows the regular English orthographic rules, with the "i" and "e" forming a long "i" sound (/aɪ/) followed by a "p" sound (/p/). The ending "less" uses the double "s" to indicate the pronunciation of a single /s/ sound. Thus, the IPA phonetic transcription for "clipless" is /ˈklɪpləs/.
Clipless is an adjective that is commonly used to describe a type of cycling pedal system that does not require the use of traditional toe clips or straps to secure the cyclist's feet to the pedals. Instead, clipless pedals utilize a different mechanism such as a cleat and a corresponding pedal design to achieve the same effect. The term "clipless" may seem counterintuitive at first since it implies the absence of clips, but it has become the dominant term to describe this type of pedal system in the world of cycling.
The clipless system allows cyclists to attach specially designed cycling shoes to their pedals, creating a secure connection between the foot and the pedal. This connection offers several advantages, such as allowing for more efficient energy transfer, providing increased stability and control, and reducing the risk of foot slippage during high-intensity or difficult cycling maneuvers. By eliminating the need for toe clips and straps, clipless pedals also enable quick and easy entry and release of the foot from the pedal, making them preferred by many cyclists, especially those engaged in competitive cycling disciplines like road cycling and mountain biking.
Overall, "clipless" refers to a type of bike pedal system that eliminates the need for toe clips and straps while providing a secure connection between the cyclist's foot and the pedal, resulting in increased efficiency, stability, control, and ease of use.
The word "clipless" is a 20th-century neologism formed by combining the word "clip" with the suffix "-less".
The term originated in the bicycle industry and relates specifically to bicycle pedals. In earlier designs, traditional pedals required a rider to use toe clips to secure their feet onto the pedals. These toe clips (also known as pedal clips or toe cages) were straps or cages that attached to the front of the pedals, helping to keep a rider's feet in place while pedaling.
In the 1980s, a new type of pedal system was introduced to the market that did not require the use of toe clips. Instead, these pedals utilized a cleat attached to the rider's cycling shoes, which locked into the pedal mechanism. Because these pedals did not require clips, they were referred to as "clipless pedals" to distinguish them from the older toe-clip design.
