I was taught to put 2 twists in the section to the center of the pedal; works fine with the basic leather straps I use. The end only goes through the roller part of the buckle, you pull on the straps to tighten when spinning, pull on the buckle for a quick loosen. If you add these plastic buttons on the ends, the strap won't be coming out of the buckle and you have something to grab when you tighten. You can also add these leather sleeves which pad the side of your foot at the strap.