New clipless pedals..anyone have these??

[jehocu03]

Hey everyone! I bit the bullet, so to speak, and bought my clipless pedals today. I joined a local women's bike team after doing a clinic with them last weekend, so I went to our team LBS and got a deal on some Time Light Action road pedals. Now the tricky part: How to adjust them so they are easy to get in and out of (at least until I get used to them). Anyone have these or similar kinds of clipless pedals that can help me figure out these things? I am horrible at reading directions and even worse when I want to get out on the grass and practice!

Also, can someone explain to me the correct way to come to a stop with clipless pedals. In the past (when I was crashing with my previous clipless pdeals and not comfy on my bike) I would unclip my right foot when I was coming to a stop sign/light. I would then come to a pretty complete stop with my brakes and then get up out of the saddle and put my right foot down. However, many times I did not time my stopping and foot down maneuvers correctly, it seems, resulting in my weight being loaded on my left side (hence, I would do a standing crash onto my left side). Should I be out of my saddle when coming to a stop or what is the correct sequence of events? Also, what is the best thing to do in an emergency when you have to stop quickly with clipless pedals?

Thanks!!

[mimitabby]

I am no expert. I've had SPD's for a year now.
I always unclip my right foot when coming to a stop and put that foot down.
In an emergency, I usually pull both feet out at the same time.

I don't get out of the saddle at first, but i will if i have to stay stopped.

[maillotpois]

If you're just learning to master clipless pedals, it might be a good idea to get into the habit of unclipping on the LEFT side so that if you DO fall over you don't fall over into traffic.

Strike that and reverse it if you like in the UK or Oz or some other weird place like that. ;)

[dachshund]

If these are the Speedplay Light Action pedals, the tension isn't adjustable. That may be good or bad news for you, depending. Here's their FAQ page: http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.lightactionfaqs

I have the Speedplay X5s, which have the same shape. Both models are designed with a set amount of float, and I like them because I find them really easy to get out of.

I'm a real weenie with clipless pedals, so I clip out with my right foot while coasting to a stop, and then start the whole process of getting off the bike. So I can't help much with the technique here.

[VeloVT]

Also, can someone explain to me the correct way to come to a stop with clipless pedals. In the past (when I was crashing with my previous clipless pdeals and not comfy on my bike) I would unclip my right foot when I was coming to a stop sign/light. I would then come to a pretty complete stop with my brakes and then get up out of the saddle and put my right foot down. However, many times I did not time my stopping and foot down maneuvers correctly, it seems, resulting in my weight being loaded on my left side (hence, I would do a standing crash onto my left side). Should I be out of my saddle when coming to a stop or what is the correct sequence of events?

When I pull up to stop for a while (if I'm ending a ride, or about to rest, or talk), I will come up out of the saddle and stop flat-footed, but at lights and such, I think it's a little easier and more efficient to just unclip and balance on a toe, no need to get out of the saddle. This makes for a faster start too, I think. YMMV.

Getting comfortable with clipless pedals is a little bit like learning how to drive a stick-shift. At first you have to think through everything or else you end up stalling out, grinding gears, etc. You have to say, "okay, I need to shift up: right foot off the gas/brake, left foot on the clutch, shift down-over-up, release clutch with left foot, apply gas with the right foot." And sometimes you still stall out. Eventually though, you don't have to think about it anymore, it just happens when it needs to happen. This only happens because you have taught yourself through countless conscious repetitions.

With pedals, you have to go through this same repetition process -- it takes more than a couple of times to make it into a habit. At first, every time you approach a stop, think to yourself, "ok, I am going to need to slow down, unclip left, lean left and stop." Then walk yourself through it while you're doing it. "slow down, unclip left, lean left, stop." Don't think to yourself, "I'm going to have to stop up there," think, "I'm going to slow down, unclip left, lean left and stop." Eventually, you will develop a habit of automatically leaning in the right direction when you unclip/stop. And then the whole thing will become completely subconscious, like the process of driving a standard car does, and it will just happen when it needs to happen, and you will do it without falling. Eventually you will also wait until the last minute to unclip, but when you're trying to teach your body the habit of unclipping I think it's easier to give yourself plenty of time to unclip.

As to the specific question of getting out of the saddle when stopping... I'm not sure exactly what order I do this in... but one question that comes to mind is whether you are trying to unclip AFTER you've already gotten out of the saddle. If so, it would probably be easier to unclip first, before you get out of the saddle. I think the twisting motion probably affects your balance less when you are seated. Also, clipping out at the bottom of the pedal stroke is generally easier than clipping out near the top of the stroke. Thinking about it, for me it probably goes like this: slow way way down, to almost a stop; unclip; shift weight up-forward-down at the same time as coming to a complete stop.



Also, what is the best thing to do in an emergency when you have to stop quickly with clipless pedals?
In an emergency, you will react before your conscious brain has time to sort things out. So your best defense is to practice, practice, practice until unclipping without falling is completely second nature. Then when you have to stop short, your body will do the right thing. Other than this, try to anticipate hazards well in advance whenever possible, and if you are worried about your ability to clip out in an emergency, clip out "just in case" when you see a potential tight spot up ahead.

Hope that's helpful! Good luck! I was terrified of my pedals when I first got them.

[jehocu03]

If these are the Speedplay Light Action pedals, the tension isn't adjustable. That may be good or bad news for you, depending. Here's their FAQ page: http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.lightactionfaqs

I have the Speedplay X5s, which have the same shape. Both models are designed with a set amount of float, and I like them because I find them really easy to get out of.

I'm a real weenie with clipless pedals, so I clip out with my right foot while coasting to a stop, and then start the whole process of getting off the bike. So I can't help much with the technique here.

No, my pedals are TIME's not speedplays. I don't really understand what the directions are telling me regarding the cleat placement and how to adjust the spring for easier entry/exit. Anyone want to help?? I'm feeling antsy and want to get out on the grass to try these out!

[imdeanna]

I got the light action speedplays...and when we first put them on, I could not get them to easily clip in.....wasn't sure what we were doing wrong..... Then we added a couple of the shims that came w/the cleats...and then BINGO..they went right in!! (& I have carbon soled shoes...which they said would NOT need shims!!)

I'm still having issues clipping IN quickly on rides...but it could just be ME, they are supposed to be "light action"...and while they are a HUNDRED times easier for me than the spd's were.....I'm still having issues getting used to them!!

[VeloVT]

I have no experience with Time pedals but with Shimano road pedals, the tension adjusts via a hole for an allen wrench on the back of the pedal. There is usually some sort of indicator showing how tightly it's adjusted, too. I set mine to the easiest setting when I first got the pedals, and I've had absolutely no reason to make them tighter, so they're still set to super-easy tension (I guess if you're super strong it's possible to pull out accidentally? This has not been a problem for me :)).

If you've never set up cleats before, it's not a bad idea to have your LBS do it for you, or have one of your teammates help you. It's not hard to do (I do my own cleats now), but it is important to get the cleats positioned correctly, and if you've never used clipless pedals before you don't really have a frame of reference for how they SHOULD feel. Basically, you want the ball of your foot more or less over the pedal spindle. But there's a fair amount of side-to-side and angle adjustment that can be done, and you want to get all of that stuff right.

[SalsaMTB]

For Time pedals, they have the ATAC and Z series for off road and RX and XEN series for road. I'm not sure which you have, but I've used the ATAC and RX and neither had adjustable tension.

[dachshund]

No, my pedals are TIME's not speedplays. I don't really understand what the directions are telling me regarding the cleat placement and how to adjust the spring for easier entry/exit. Anyone want to help?? I'm feeling antsy and want to get out on the grass to try these out!

Sorry about that - boy, google failed me on that one.... :o

[SadieKate]

When I pull up to stop for a while (if I'm ending a ride, or about to rest, or talk), I will come up out of the saddle and stop flat-footed, but at lights and such, I think it's a little easier and more efficient to just unclip and balance on a toe, no need to get out of the saddle. This makes for a faster start too, I think. YMMV.Some of us would be canted over so far that starting is impossible. I think it's got to do with small feet. There is no way my toe will reach the ground and leave me in any kind of re-start position.

+1 on MP's suggestion to clip out with the left foot primarily (at least for us North Amuricans). Some roads slope significantly to the right for drainage and it sure help to have your unclipped foot on the high side - especially if the road is oily or wet.

[dachshund]

In an emergency, you will react before your conscious brain has time to sort things out. So your best defense is to practice, practice, practice until unclipping without falling is completely second nature. Then when you have to stop short, your body will do the right thing. Other than this, try to anticipate hazards well in advance whenever possible, and if you are worried about your ability to clip out in an emergency, clip out "just in case" when you see a potential tight spot up ahead.

Hope that's helpful! Good luck! I was terrified of my pedals when I first got them.

Thanks for info. You know, what freaks me out the most is the thought of being clipped in on a steep incline. I imagine I can clip out easily enough, but I can't usually clip in right away, it takes me a few pedal strokes. Sometimes quite a few. How do you all clip in if you have to start on an incline? I've actually turned around and gone back downhill to find a flat section. :eek:

(Sorry for the slight hijack.)

[mimitabby]

+1 on MP's suggestion to clip out with the left foot primarily (at least for us North Amuricans). Some roads slope significantly to the right for drainage and it sure help to have your unclipped foot on the high side - especially if the road is oily or wet.

This is fine if you aren't going against your natural sided-ness. both raleighdon and I unclip the same (right) foot.

As a beginner, i'd say please make sure that your pedals aren't too tight; err on the side of looseness at first and then you can tighten later, when you get the hang of it.

[bike4ever]

I would strongly suggest you take your bike, pedals and shoes back to the LBS where you purchased the pedals. They should willingly install the pedals and cleats for you. Also, have them put you on a trainer and talk you through the whole process of clipping in/out. I do this with every customer that wants to learn about their pedals. Some customers just want to do it all themselves, but I still offer the service - actually I have all of my employees do this for any customer.

[hipersons]

to me, it makes more sense to unclip on the right because there's usually a curb for me to put my foot on.

[Fujichants]

I would strongly suggest you take your bike, pedals and shoes back to the LBS where you purchased the pedals. They should willingly install the pedals and cleats for you. Also, have them put you on a trainer and talk you through the whole process of clipping in/out. I do this with every customer that wants to learn about their pedals. Some customers just want to do it all themselves, but I still offer the service - actually I have all of my employees do this for any customer.

I agree. Rather than figuring it out yourself, messing up with your cleat placement and the tension of the cleats, just take it to the LBS. They should give you some great advice as well.

[emily_in_nc]

to me, it makes more sense to unclip on the right because there's usually a curb for me to put my foot on.

What are curbs? :D (I live in the rural countryside.)

I still unclip on the right, tho...just force of habit. Rode a tandem for years with DH captaining, and since he unclipped on the right, that's what I learned to do.

Emily

[emily_in_nc]

Thanks for info. You know, what freaks me out the most is the thought of being clipped in on a steep incline. I imagine I can clip out easily enough, but I can't usually clip in right away, it takes me a few pedal strokes. Sometimes quite a few. How do you all clip in if you have to start on an incline? I've actually turned around and gone back downhill to find a flat section. :eek:

You mean you're not supposed to do that?! :D I do it too. I don't like having to start on an incline, and even stopping on one and unclipping can be challenging, and I've been riding (incl. clipless) for years. So don't feel bad!

Emily

[dachshund]

You mean you're not supposed to do that?! :D I do it too. I don't like having to start on an incline, and even stopping on one and unclipping can be challenging, and I've been riding (incl. clipless) for years. So don't feel bad!

Emily

Thanks! I don't feel like such a doofus now... :)

[jehocu03]

Thanks ladies, for all your help and advice! I ended up taking about 4 hours adjusting and readjusting the cleats until I found what was comfortable. I rode in my first FULL group ride with the women's team I joined last week. Had some issues clipping in quickly, but otherwise, no falls!!!!!!!! We had many stops, as we were on the roads, so I had a lot of practice, as well as success!

The scariest thing that happened yesterday was on a busy bridge that was crossing the Mississippi. We had to stop at a light before turning right onto the road that was perpendicular to the bridge. Next, there was a pretty immediate left hand turn at a stop light. I was the caboose of the 7 of us in the group and there was a car coming from the other direction that I had to quickly ride in front of (don't worry, there was enough room) to get onto the bridge. This was all while my right foot was not clipping in, just resting on the pedal. I had to continue with my right foot unclipped while crossing this bridge, which is under construction, busy, only 2 lanes (one in each direction), and in a pretty strong crosswind. I knew that I needed to keep my right foot on the pedal and not attempt to clip in, because I could have lost my balance and fallen towards the traffic behind me. Thank god my foot stayed on the pedal and thank god my left knee (the one that is only 9 months post major knee surgery that repaired my completely torn PCL) was able to push me across the bridge without the help of my other side. Needless to say, there were many "firsts" yesterday, but I had a great time overall, said for the few scary moments. I'm also terrified of going down hills fast and I'm constantly tapping my brakes. Any advice on how to just be ok with going fast and/or fast while descending? Any tips for safety?

Thanks again!

[pyxichick]

Jen, congratulations on your successful ride with clipless pedals! Good thing you had the nice wide Time pedals so you can pedal easily without clipping in when necessary :)

Hope to see you out there soon,
Kate

p.s. post a ride report on the vb forum

[dachshund]

I'm also terrified of going down hills fast and I'm constantly tapping my brakes. Any advice on how to just be ok with going fast and/or fast while descending? Any tips for safety?
Thanks again!

I'm no expert, but I think the fear while descending is there on purpose to get you to slow down. When you have more experience descending, you'll naturally get a feel for when you can let up on the brakes. If you're familiar with the route, you'll know where you can speed up a little.

You might want to post something in the tips-n-tricks section on this, just to get people's attention. :)

[Possegal]

You mean you're not supposed to do that?! :D I do it too. I don't like having to start on an incline, and even stopping on one and unclipping can be challenging, and I've been riding (incl. clipless) for years. So don't feel bad!

Emily

I was going to add on with a request for any advice on unclipping going UP a hill. I found that during the Livestrong challenge last year, some of the hills were just too much for me. One time, I had to just move myself to the side of the road and intentionally fall. It bruised my ego more than anything. :) I'm not looking forward to this year's ride and being clipped in on a steep hill that I can't master. And while I'm still rehabing my shoulder, I"m banned from my bike. So odds are, I won't be in any better shape this year than I was last year. Any help on unclipping going up a hill, greatly appreciated.

And I have to add that I mentioned in another thread that several times when trying the 'just put the toe down' technique, I stupidly looked over my shoulder (the side still clipped in) and this shifted my bodyweight and took me down! Again, mostly my ego bruised. But ever since then, I get off the saddle and put my whole foot down. Starting fast isn't that important to me - or likely that possible for me. :)