JARGON

BELLOWS

The ‘wings’ on the side of a shoe’s tongue that connect it to the upper.

BOA

Trademarked dial for tightening a fishing-line-based fastener system.

CLEAT

Shaped metal ‘key’ that bolts into two parallel slots on the shoe’s sole so you can click-lock into clipless pedals.

HOOK-ANDLOOP FASTENER

Basically Velcro, but that’s a trademarked name so we probably shouldn’t use it for copycat ‘furry fabric meets hooky fabric’ fasteners.

S.P.D.

Shimano Pedalling Dynamics. The most used and copied clipless system.

WRAP-OVER STRAP

Strap that crosses the shoe, loops through a buckle, then pulls back over itself for tightening and securing.