Cleat assembly for clipless bicycle pedal

A cleat assembly configured to be releasably secured to a clipless bicycle pedal, the cleat assembly comprising:

• a first plate;
• a metallic second plate disposed over the first plate, the second plate defining a fully enclosed first pedal aperture having a circumferential periphery, the circumferential periphery comprising a first portion defining a first plane, and a side tie portion curving away from the first portion toward the first plate, wherein the side tie portion imparts rigidity to the second plate;
• an intermediate plate disposed between the first plate and the second plate;
• a plurality of metallic spacers formed on the second plate and disposed between the first and second plates, each of the plurality of spacers having a height to space apart the first and second plates at a predetermined distance;
• and
• at least one screw securing the second plate over the intermediate plate to the first plate;
• wherein at least one of the plurality of spacers has a bore extending therethrough;
• and
• wherein the at least one screw extends through the bore of the at least one of the plurality of spacers and applies an immobilizing force to the intermediate plate, the immobilizing force being sufficient to inhibit the intermediate plate from moving with respect to the first plate.