Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,106
Likes: 2,762
From: Fredericksburg, Va
Bikes: ? Proteous, '65 Frejus TDF, '73 Bottecchia Giro d'Italia, '83 Colnago Superissimo, '84 Trek 610, '84 Trek 760, '88 Pinarello Veneto, '88 De Rosa Pro, '89 Pinarello Montello, 'Litespeed Catalyst'94 Burley Duet, 97 Specialized RockHopper, 2010 Langster
Pure speculation, but I can imagine the initial reason for cleats was to position the foot/shoe on the pedal consistently and in the best location. The other benefits may have been realized afterward and with use.
Using a strap to keep the shoe from leaving the pedal would be the next step and position it laterally, IMHO.
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