clipless pedal falls poll

[redrhodie]

I'm curious how many of us have fallen from clipless pedals?

[TrekTheKaty]

Twice while learning--once when tired and stupid! (Luckily the bike was new so retuning/unbending was free at the bike shop! Although, they very politely informed me "it looks like the bike has been on the ground." :) I said "new clipless pedals" and she smiled as she handed me my bike!)

[MrsB]

Im so glad that I bought used for my first road bike. My bike has so many scratches from me falling over from clipless pedals. My last fall was a few weeks ago when I hadnt ridden in a couple weeks. I got on my bike, rode to the end of my road and went to stop for traffic and bam I went over. It hurt so bad! I bet ive fallen at least 4 times since I started riding in August.

[Possegal]

I fell a few times last summer when I first got them. This summer only once when some guy was turning in front of me and at the last second I didn't think he was going to yield to me going straight. So I slammed the brakes on and fell. Had I not been tired from the previous 35 miles, I may have just turned with him and waited until he passed then backtracked to the rode I was on. But I didn't think that fast. More damaging to the ego as his passenger laughed at me. ERRRRRR, I just swore under my breath and got back up and headed home. :)

[Biciclista]

It took me more than a year to finally try them. I fell in the school yard and it hurt so i signed up for a private lesson and never fell again. I practice unclipping even now, more than a year later, to make sure I won't forget because I don't want to fall.

[OakLeaf]

There's a danger with saying "it happens to everyone," because then people don't try as hard as they should to avoid it. But I think it happens to almost everyone, and almost all of the time it's only our pride that gets hurt.

My stupidest F.U. (failure to unclip) remains the time when a riding buddy had a minor crash in the front of the group. Everyone managed to avoid him, but in the confusion as we all stopped to make sure he was OK, I thought I had unclipped, and didn't find out that I actually hadn't until I went to put my foot down. :p

[Grog]

None of the above. I almost fell when I first used them, but the only two times I really fell were after riding for two years. Once when I was leading a club ride (I actually had my other foot on the ground, I'll never know how come I fell to the other side!!) and once when I was riding on gravel and couldn't unclip as I performed a very slow-motion tumble, trying somehow to protect the new white Jett saddle that I hated and needed to return to the store intact!

[Possegal]

I felt better after my only fall that caused an injury, when a co-worker described a very similar fall at a red light while she was in graduate school. As I began comparing the falls she said, oh no, you missed the point, I didn't have clipless pedals, I just forgot to put my feet down. I still crack up at the thought of that. :)

[smilingcat]

There isn't a choice where I was so used to it, forgot that I was still clipped in and fell over while track standing.

I was waiting for the light to turn green, was chatting with a friend and I forgot I was doing the track stand. oopppsie-daisy I went over in a slow-mo.

I was embarassed and laughing. My friend just shook his head laughing. My bike didn't get a scratch and I didn't get a scratch. But just too funny. I even did the bunny hop thing to try to regain my balance but to no avail. woohhh... hop hop... over I went... then laughing pretty good on the pavement. :o

Actually, clipless has saved me on few occasions. Toe-clips and cage were not so friendly. There you are really locked in. Got a reach down and release the strap, roll your foot to unlock, then pull back. I prefer clip-less so much easier and safer.

Smilingcat

[tc1]

No falls from the frogs yet. When I first got the bike, I made sure my routes always went through a section of bike trail that had 5 stop signs in less than a mile, so I could practice. And I always practice and use either foot.

I know I will fall, though. My right ankle is kinda wonky. At the end of a really long ride, sometimes I can't turn my heel the minimal amount needed to unclip.

When I get to that point, I will ride in boots. That's what I wear for my mountain bike rides.

[Blueberry]

I have fallen in clipless pedals - but it wasn't that I forgot to unclip - it's that the cleat got stuck (cheap Look clones that wore significantly in just a few rides). Knock on wood, I haven't had a problem otherwise...

I didn't vote since none of the options really fit...

CA

[redrhodie]

Oh, I guess I should have put another line: I fell after having clipless pedals for a long time.

I don't know how to edit the poll, sorry!

[Miranda]

Surprisingly enough, I really didn't fall when I very first started to use them. I feel when something changed from my pedal exit that I didn't expect. On the road, a cleat that released differently than what I had. Trail, couldn't get a foot down fast enough on an obstacle I knew I couldn't clear (dhrrr... crash at the RR x-ing gate vs. on the train tracks:rolleyes:).

I think that was one of the best pieces of advice I ever got at a lbs... plan ahead for the stop, and get a foot out a ways ahead, not right when you are on top of it.

[arielmoon]

I had one stall and fall since I started riding. It wasnt at the beginning either. I was so focused on figuring out what was creaking on my bike I leaned to the side where I had not unclipped yet.

[TrekTheKaty]

Actually, clipless has saved me on few occasions. Toe-clips and cage were not so friendly. There you are really locked in. Got a reach down and release the strap, roll your foot to unlock, then pull back. I prefer clip-less so much easier and safer.

Smilingcat

I agree! It's saved me more than I've fallen. More than once I've had to slam on my brakes, and if I hadn't been clipped in--my feet would have come off the pedals. When I'm clipped in, I can start pedaling again without falling over.

[CyclChyk]

I find this post incredibly funny because I have STOPPED using clipless for the many times I have fallen in them. Sure they are a great benefit to biking but I prefer to stay in one piece, and for me, that means no more clipless.

[OakLeaf]

I agree with Smilingcat. Sure there's a learning curve with any pedal system, but being able to get out of your pedals without taking your hands off the bars is a HUGE safety improvement.

[malkin]

I fall and I have clipless pedals, but clearly the falls are user error, and not really the pedals' fault. Except once, when I swear that there was some sort of gravitational shift, which clearly wasn't my fault.

[Flur]

I've only fallen once since I got my pedals. It happened because I panicked. A car cut across my path and I had to stop suddenly. I unclipped on the left and leaned to the right (the side I usually unclip on). By the time I realized what I'd done it was too late. The thing about this is that I would have done the same thing with toe clips. I've fallen with toe clips so I know how fast I can get my foot out when the other foot is already out and there's no way I would have been faster with toe clips.

So I have to say I've never fallen because of my pedals. They actually have probably saved me a few times b/c they're easier to get into and out of.

[fatbottomedgurl]

I haven't posted in forever- been off the bike because of a car accident- but I have been lurking here occasionally. Just started riding again! I use clipless while mountain biking and wouldn't ride with out them. Occasionally I have fallen on the trail for not unclipping quite in time. And I have had one in-the-parking-lot-forgot-I-was clipped-in fall. My most spectacular crash was an over-the-bars due to hitting an unexpected drop-off while I was behind the saddle and I hit the front brake too hard. My whole bike and I did a somersault, before I landed on my back. I'm not sure when I actually unclipped, but that was certainly not the pedals' fault! I love clipless. Better climbing, better control, and no laying your shin open to the bone when a foot slips (my husband did that this summer).

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I don't use clipless systems. I like it that way.

[Tater]

I wiped out at the first stop sign I encountered my first time out with clipless. That was a few years ago and I thought I had them down pat until a month ago when I coasted into the drive way, eased up next to my hubby and promptly tipped over in slow motion because I forgot to unclip. Duh! I blame that one on him! Like Fatbottomedgurl, I too, love clipless and won't ride any other way.

[Lifesgreat]

I fell on my Christmas morning ride on Fatty Lumpkin. I had to re-enact laying in the road in front of my house for the family. They couldn't believe it.

[Momonbikemob]

I fell a few times at first, but after I had been riding a bit, I fell because I had bad pedals. They wouldn't let my foot loose and I went over... not too badly banged up, but boy was I mad!:mad: My DH was great and got me knew ones since I didn't have a clue what was good and what wasn't.:o

[sfa]

I don't ride with clipless pedals--I'm still using the ancient technology of toe clips. Just when I think that maybe I should switch, I read things like this and wonder why on earth anyone would want to try them! FWIW, I've never fallen as a result of the toe clips, and I also don't have to use my hands to get myself out of them--I have them set up so they are plenty tight but can get in and out just by slipping my foot in the cage. I only adjust them when I'm wearing a different pair of shoes.

Sarah

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I don't ride with clipless pedals--I'm still using the ancient technology of toe clips. Just when I think that maybe I should switch, I read things like this and wonder why on earth anyone would want to try them! FWIW, I've never fallen as a result of the toe clips, and I also don't have to use my hands to get myself out of them--I have them set up so they are plenty tight but can get in and out just by slipping my foot in the cage. I only adjust them when I'm wearing a different pair of shoes.

Sarah

My husband has toe clips and adjusts them exactly the same way- they are quite snug on his shoe, yet he doesn't need to reach down or use his hand to slip his foot in and out. It's cool.

[Aggie_Ama]

On the road bike a few times but I also fell with toe cages. I find them much more dangerous myself. I still cannot unclip right side much to my husband's frustration.

On my trail bike I have had a couple falls for failure to unclip. I now just leave the left unclipped. I don't like the pedal system but am not ready to try another. Maybe I should just get a platform for the left side? How Fred could that be? And would I really care? Nope.

[limewave]

DH had the foresight to have me practice in the yard before he sent me out on the road.

I have fallen several times on my mountain bike. Mostly what happens is I'm going so slow on a climb, I go to unclip with my right foot . . . then fall to the left.

[chicago]

I have fallen off my bike once since I started riding in March 2007. The time I fell was not in the beginning... but when I when into the grass and couldn't get out and couldn't get unclipped!:eek: I just felt into the grass, so it was not a big deal.

but I would never think of anything but clipless pedals... I love the feelling of being clipped in:D It makes me feel strong:p:D

I don't see an option for "I've only fallen once and it wasn't in the beginning"

[alpinerabbit]

I'm a hybrid, so I can't really vote.


I have never fallen on a road bike with clipless pedals. Not when I first tried one 15 years ago, not when I started cycling for real. I had a near-hit last spring but that was out of stupidity, after what, 6000 km of cycling.

I have fallen twice so far on my new MTB. Go figure. Once from "technical difficulties" i.e. panic on the trail, once from new cleats and pedals too tight, in alliance with stupidity.

[TahoeDirtGirl]

I haven't fallen on my commuter bike, I clipped on it (prior to the ankle problem).

I tried it on the mtn bike. It just didn't work. Maybe as I get alot stronger I will be able to mash through rock gardens, but I'm not at the power I would like to be, I think that has a lot to do with it plus my wonky feet and knee.

[limewave]

I also can't imagine riding with platforms or even cages over clipless. I tried cages once on my mountain bike and it was a disaster. I love my clipless pedals, makes such a huge difference when I'm trying to climb steep hills on the trails.

[SadieKate]

I'm a hybrid, so I can't really vote.


I have never fallen on a road bike with clipless pedals. . . .


The poll didn't specify the type of bikes involved.

I fell a couple of times when I first started seriously road riding but once was a stupid U-turn move on my part that I'd probably do today without thinking and the other was because someone pushed me into a pothole as we were starting up at a stoplight.

I don't recall ever falling on my mtb due to the pedals. Lots of other reasons for falls, but not the pedals.

I hated cages and definitely fell because of those. And riding on platforms is equally scary as I have a hard time keeping my feet on the pedals at times, and there are times when a hard one-legged pull up on the pedal has saved my tookas.

[Tater]

I hated cages and definitely fell because of those. And riding on platforms is equally scary as I have a hard time keeping my feet on the pedals at times, and there are times when a hard one-legged pull up on the pedal has saved my tookas.

Ditto with me! I found cages to be more dangerous, but that was just my experience with them. Riding platforms I am more liable to play 'outrigger' and end up hurting myself rather than just staying with the bike.

[fastdogs]

I've only been riding for a year and a half, mountain biking for less than that. I've never tried clipless.
My friend got me some toe clips for my birthday this year, and I put them on my hybrid.
I really liked them, and was quite proud of never having fallen in them, when I had my first fall. Just forgot I was in them when I stopped, and toppled over onto the grass laughing.
The next time I fell wasn't funny, and scared me out of using them- I've taken them off the hybrid and gone back to platforms.
I was trying out a new route and changed my mind and decided to go back the way I'd come, and started to turn around. But a car was coming, so I stopped to wait and forgot I had my feet in the clips. I was at the top of an asphalt driveway with a steep downhill slope, and fell that way.
It hurt so bad I had to just stand for a while and wait for the pain to ease off so I could ride again. I still have some spectacular bruises all over my right side, and my knee is very sore to put weight on (kneeling or crawling up on a tailgait or something).
I never tried the toe clips on the mountain bike, because I still just simply fall over sometimes- in sand or mud, or when trying to climb a steep slope- would you have time to unclip in those cases?
vickie

[Aint Doody]

In spite of falling several times in the beginning, I cannot imagine riding without the clipless pedals. I don't even think about unclipping any more. I do it subconsciously, I guess.

[Jiffer]

None of the poll replies fits me. I fell once, but not when I was learning to use them. I was just distracted when pulling into my driveway, didn't turn to the right fast enough, ended up in the grass and, when I knew I was about to go over, started getting the right foot unclipped, because that's what I'm used to unclipping when I stop .... however I was falling to the LEFT, so I over I went! :D

My dh has fallen at a red light from not unclipping in time.

[SouthernBelle]

- would you have time to unclip in those cases?
vickie

Once you learn to use them you unclip and remove your foot about as quickly as you would just remove your foot from a platform.

[Lifesgreat]

There is nothing like the feeling of knowin' your goin' down and there isn't a thing you can do about it.

[Crankin]

I never fell while learning to use clipless. The one time I did fall, was about 6 months later. I was stopping at a light, on a slight uphill. I still hate those kinds of intersections, because I feel like I can't get started. Anyway, I am not sure what I did, but all I know is that I was lying in the middle of Rt. 62 and 117 in Stow, still clipped in. My bars were all twisted and my knee was trashed. My husband was able to get the bars fixed with his tools, but it was embarrassing.
I hate riding without being clipped in. I have campus pedals on my hybrid and mountain bike. I suck at mountain biking, so unless it's really non-technical, I tend to ride with one foot not clipped in... someday I will learn.
About a month ago I was riding my hybrid to the train station. I decided to wear regular shoes, so I wouldn't have to deal with changing shoes, etc, before getting on the train to the city (my ride is like 4 miles). I was stopped in a long line of cars making a left in Concord Center. When it was my turn to go, I could not get going! With one foot on the ground and the other on top of the pedal, it just seemed, well, not right! My foot flew off the pedal. Very awkward and embarrassing. And the ride home, besides being my first night time ride was torture, because it's all up hill.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Once you learn to use them you unclip and remove your foot about as quickly as you would just remove your foot from a platform.

Hmmm...I'd think if that were true then no one would ever be falling over at intersections and stop lights after riding clipless for a while....yet plenty of people still do on occasion.

[jobob]

Oh, come on. Once in a while even an experienced rider has a brain fart. IMO that's not a reason to simply write off clipless pedals.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Oh, come on. Once in a while even an experienced rider has a brain fart. IMO that's not a reason to simply write off clipless pedals.

I never said it was.

However, it is one of several reasons I decided not to ride clipless.

I was questioning the statement that if you were used to clipless you could "remove your foot about as quickly as you would just remove your foot from a platform". If I were wearing simple platform pedals (which I don't) there is no way I would ever fall at a stop simply because the bike started tipping to the wrong side unexpectedly. My other foot would come off the pedal and down immediately and keep me from falling. It's happened plenty of times.

Interestingly, the only time I have ever fallen was when I first got my PowerGrip straps. :D I had been used to simple platform pedals and I had not yet practiced turning my heel out to remove it from the strap yet. The straps are quite snug when your foot is in them and straight. So I went to a vacant parking lot and at my very first stop attempt, I stupidly tried to remove BOTH feet from the straps at the same time, AFTER putting on the brakes. Like DUH. :rolleyes: I went over slow motion at a standstill, just like with clipless. After that one time I realized I only needed to take out one foot (with the back of my mind ready for the second if the bike tipped wrong).
With the straps I never have to worry about not being able to remove my foot in time due to some glitch or maladjustment. Happily, I can always get them out in time when the bike tips unexpectedly in the wrong direction. I realize this is just my own experience and may not apply to others.

[SouthernBelle]

It's just a matter of of removing my foot from the pedal heel first. I don't unclip then put my foot down. I'm not saying I always do it. I often unclip my 'put down' foot a yard or so before I arrive at my stop. Other times I just slide off heel first.

[bmccasland]

When I first started using them I was conscientious of their existence, and always unclipped. It helped that I was riding on a bike path and didn't need to clip in and out several times. Then when I got moderately comfortable, doing a slow roll to meet the group under the office's front door canopy, I forgot to unclip, and fell over. Smashed my face on the concrete steps and broke my nose. Didn't go riding that day. :cool:

[SadieKate]

I was questioning the statement that if you were used to clipless you could "remove your foot about as quickly as you would just remove your foot from a platform". If I were wearing simple platform pedals (which I don't) there is no way I would ever fall at a stop simply because the bike started tipping to the wrong side unexpectedly. My other foot would come off the pedal and down immediately and keep me from falling. It's happened plenty of times.I don't care what kind of pedal you are using (or wearing :rolleyes:), if your bike is tipping to the right and you are STANDING with your weight on the right pedal, there is no possible way to can get that foot off the pedal -- and, of course, vice versa on the left. If you can, please post a video.

If your butt is planted on the saddle or if you can get your weight transferred back to the saddle, this might be possible. I personally have my bike fit so that I have to be standing on one of the pedals and my weight off the saddle to get a foot to the ground. Sometimes the balance can be corrected and sometimes not from a standing position, but it sure isn't by taking the foot off the pedal on the downhill side of the bike. Same concept as highsiding a boat. You have to transfer weight to the opposite side.

And, interestingly, I've braked and then unclipped both feet and managed to stop safely. Even accomplished it from the back of a tandem when the pilot's pedal spindle snapped and we didn't know which way the bike was going to lean, and I had to be the one to catch the weight. Even done it in the middle of a stream crossing that was deeper than I thought. You just have to practice low speed balance.

[maillotpois]

Actually, clipless has saved me on few occasions. Toe-clips and cage were not so friendly. There you are really locked in. Got a reach down and release the strap, roll your foot to unlock, then pull back. I prefer clip-less so much easier and safer.

Smilingcat

When I coached more beginner cyclists for TNT, it was just striking how much harder it was for people who were learning using cages as opposed to clips. Even worse if they used a running type shoe with a waffley or flared sole - almost impossible to get the shoe out of the pedal cage.

[Tuckervill]

I'm pretty sure I can get out of my Frogs as quickly as I can get off a platform. It is the exact same action described as required for Power Grips, though I've never used Power Grips.

I went mountain biking with my Frogs for the first time last month. I didn't even think about it before I started off, and then I had a mini panic that I hadn't prepared for riding mountain clipless. Then I figured it out and never fell or had any mishaps.

Karen

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I don't care what kind of pedal you are using (or wearing :rolleyes:), if your bike is tipping to the right and you are STANDING with your weight on the right pedal, there is no possible way to can get that foot off the pedal -- and, of course, vice versa on the left. If you can, please post a video.

I do it all the time, it is quite possible. Like you, I use sort of one sweeping motion which combines taking my 'good' foot out of my strap, moving forward off my saddle and standing on my still-strapped foot while applying the brakes and preparing to plant my landing foot over the ground...all in one motion. Occasionally the bike tips to the unexpected side, and when the bike starts tipping wrong, my landing foot is on the ground already and I whip my other foot out of the pedal strap and get it onto the ground at the last second. I do have to be quick about it though, and it is always a mini-panic moment. :eek: I've done this plenty of times, all successfully. But no, I can't 'post a video'.
These days I find that the sooner I get out of the saddle and moving my body forward when approaching the stop, the less likely there is a problem when the bike wants to tip oddly.


If your butt is planted on the saddle or if you can get your weight transferred back to the saddle, this might be possible. I personally have my bike fit so that I have to be standing on one of the pedals and my weight off the saddle to get a foot to the ground. Sometimes the balance can be corrected and sometimes not from a standing position, but it sure isn't by taking the foot off the pedal on the downhill side of the bike. Same concept as highsiding a boat. You have to transfer weight to the opposite side.

Sorry, but my personal experience is otherwise. I can whip my foot out of the strap as the bike is tipping over on that side and get it on the ground just in time to break my fall. And like you, I cannot be in the saddle with my feet on the ground. Maybe I'm just lucky. Or fast. :D


And, interestingly, I've braked and then unclipped both feet and managed to stop safely. Even accomplished it from the back of a tandem when the pilot's pedal spindle snapped and we didn't know which way the bike was going to lean, and I had to be the one to catch the weight. Even done it in the middle of a stream crossing that was deeper than I thought.

That's impressive and must take a lot of biking skill. :) Was it like swimming on a horse across a deep stream, where you sort of float over the horse's back while it swam?- I've done that. :p


I'm pretty sure I can get out of my Frogs as quickly as I can get off a platform. It is the exact same action described as required for Power Grips, though I've never used Power Grips...
Karen

I hear many riders say that Frogs are easier to get in and out of than some other types of clipless. Frogs and mtn shoes are certainly what I would choose to experiment with if I ever did want to go clipless.
There is a range of adjustment with any clipless system wherein you can make it easier or harder to clip in and out. I'm sure lots of people who are having problems just don't have them adjusted optimally. Indeed, it should be a smooth motion to get in and out of them. Sometimes I think the problem happens not so much because someone is not fast enough, but because their system is adjusted poorly so as to make it tricky to get in and out, or there is something else wrong making it hard to get out at the crucial moment.

[Flur]

There is a range of adjustment with any clipless system wherein you can make it easier or harder to clip in and out.

This is actually not the case for Frogs, or for any of the Crank Bros pedals. Frogs actually have no moving parts - this is part of what makes them so easy to get out of. You don't really need to "unclip", you just turn your heel out and you're done. Crank Bros are really easy to get out of too, unless shoe tread is getting in the way, but nothing beats Frogs for making a quick and easy exit.

[SadieKate]

Sorry, Lisa, if I was unclear but if your weight is on your foot on the pedal, you cannot take it off the pedal and put it on the ground. Period. Your weight is on that foot. To move that foot, you must transfer your weight back to the other foot or the saddle . . . . or have wings which still means taking the weight off that foot.

Please try this. Stand, put all your weight on your right foot and lean to the right. Now lean some more. Lean, lean, lean. Now stop yourself from falling without crossing your left foot over your right.

Now repeat on a bike.

[SadieKate]

That's impressive and must take a lot of biking skill. :) Was it like swimming on a horse across a deep stream, where you sort of float over the horse's back while it swam?- I've done that. :pNo, it's not impressive. It's just having some basic balance skills. If you can coast on a bike with your feet on the pedals, you can do it. And you don't need a horse to save you.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Sorry, Lisa, if I was unclear but if your weight is on your foot on the pedal, you cannot take it off the pedal and put it on the ground. Period. Your weight is on that foot. To move that foot, you must transfer your weight back to the other foot or the saddle . . . . or have wings which still means taking the weight off that foot.

Please try this. Stand, put all your weight on your right foot and lean to the right. Now lean some more. Lean, lean, lean. Now stop yourself from falling without crossing your left foot over your right.

Now repeat on a bike.

I did your little exercise, but it's different on a bike. With my butt off the saddle, bike stopping, left foot about to hit the ground already, and most of my weight on my right foot in the strap, my hand on the bars, and my bike starts tipping to the right, I can quickly put my left foot on the ground, transfer some weight to my hands and sort of 'hop' my weight off the right foot for a second while I turn it and pull it out of the strap and onto the ground. This all happens in a split second of course. I can't help it if you don't believe me, but that's what I do. "Period".


No, it's not impressive. It's just having some basic balance skills. If you can coast on a bike with your feet on the pedals, you can do it. And you don't need a horse to save you.

Sometimes I felt like I was saving the horse. :D

[SadieKate]

Ah, then you must never corner at high speeds or ride on loose uneven terrain. Try the challenge. Much fun to be had. :)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Ah, then you must never corner at high speeds or ride on loose uneven terrain. Try the challenge. Much fun to be had. :)

I regularly ride 35-40mpg on highways, but I do not corner at high speeds, because I myself feel unsafe doing that. I do however ride sometimes on rocky woodland trails and through cow fields...I can dig that! I have my own biking challenges that I strive for. :)

[Trek420]

I took to clipless like a duck to water, never fell during the learning process.

My F.U. (failure to unclip ;)) always happen:
:rolleyes: at intersections
:rolleyes: when lots of riders are watching

[Biciclista]

I regularly ride 35-40mpg on highways, but I do not corner at high speeds, because I myself feel unsafe doing that. I do however ride sometimes on rocky woodland trails and through cow fields...I can dig that! I have my own biking challenges that I strive for. :)

It's true, some of us are a lot more cautious than others and have different challenges and can do different things. Just because I can't ride without my hands doesn't mean that others can't do it comfortably... and I am still practicing clipping and unclipping my SPD's because I do NOT want to fall down and hurt myself because of the stupid connection between my $200 shoes and my $100 pedals.

[RolliePollie]

Interesting thread...

I am capable of falling over whether I'm clipped in or not. I guess it's a special talent :rolleyes:.

The other day I was unclipped and rolling up the sidewalk to my porch, which is my usual stopping spot. Not sure what happened, but I tipped over and crashed into the house. Too bad I have rough wood siding...there are a few nasty splinters remaining in my left arm.

I love my clipless pedals. Straps/clips were the scariest thing ever for me. And my feet fly off the pedals if I'm not clipped in. I have a feeling Power Grips would be great for me too, but I'm good with my Crankbrothers Quattros for now. Oh, and I tipped over 3 times when I first got them.

[redrhodie]

What I'm finding most interesting is that so few of us have not fallen at some point from riding clipless. I really thought that number would be higher. At this point, about 80% blame pedals for at least one fall. I may not have tried them if I knew the percentage was so high. I'm really glad I did, though. I like the dynamic of riding clipless. Different muscles came into play immediately on changing from toe clips. They gave me more power and efficiency. I've only ridden with toe clips once since changing, and it felt very awkward, like trying on a pair of jeans from high school. Did those fit ME?

I should have included "fell after using for a while" and "have never ridden clipless" in the poll, and probably a few other options (fell only on my mtb), you get the picture ;)

[jobob]

I've fallen only once on account of my clipless pedals (altho I suspect in that particular instance I would have fallen even if I wasn't clipped in - an extreme brain fart moment if ever there was one :p ) but you didn't have that option so I didn't respond to the poll. Don't want to skew your data. :D

The only other time I fell on account of my pedals was when I was using *ahem* Power Grips.

[Grog]

Today I installed campus pedals (mountain SPDs on one side, flat on the other) on my commuter bike. That way I can wear my rigid cycling shoes and my booties (it's getting cold).

Mandatory nod to the thread topic: I don't think I was ever at risk of falling, especially after I loosened up the pedals.

But I don't know how much efficiency I really gained. It sure is nicer to pedal while clipped in (for me), mostly because there is no risk of slipping on a wet pedal or when undergoing a drastic gear change. I also felt that my pedal stroke was better or at least more elegant. It might have been the same with power grip-style pedals, but I've never been comfortable with those devices, which scare me more than clipless pedals.

On my road bike, which transforms power into movement a lot more efficiently, I think that clipless pedals make a huge difference. On my commuter? I'm much less sure.

End of slice of bike commuting life.

[SouthernBelle]

Grog, Like you I have clipless on the commuter and the road bike. I'm so used to clipless now that I don't feel as comfortable with a platform. I feel like my feet are goint to come off whether they are about to or not.

[fatbottomedgurl]

I wonder if roadies are more likely to forget to unclip (unless in a lot of stop and go traffic)? When I mtb I will often unclip my right foot in areas that that are more technical or sketchy. I went on one long right where I was in and out of the clips all day. It was pretty hysterical when I was driving home to find myself twisting off the brake pedal in my car. :p

[slowlane]

I fell so much - I wrote an essay about it - Masters-cycling.com - summer 2008 edition.

[cwodiva]

I've fallen twice! Once in the very beginning, six years ago, at a stop light. And once last year when the screw of my cleat fell off during a ride, I went to unclip and my shoe just slid around without unclipping. I fell and then I had to get out of my shoe, and then take the bike with still shoe attached to my pedal to the bike shop for them to get if off. Yeah, I think the guys were laughing at me after I left :p. Moral of story: Make sure you check those screws (the ones that connect the cleat thing to your shoe) periodically ladies!

[alpha_omega]

Apologies for resurrecting a slightly old thread, but I wanted to share my experience with clipless pedals and what I have learned in hopes that others might avoid the mistake I made.

I have been lucky enough to only fall once with clipless pedals, the first day I got them. The reason for my fall - lack of speed. At least if you're a road biker, you usually have plenty of forewarning about when you need to stop, so clip one foot out early while you still have a good bit of momentum, then stop yourself with one foot ready to brace you.

The temptation I had when starting out (and what I've seen most people try) is to go slow while still trying to figure out your new pedals. With momentum on a bike comes balance and time you need to unclip. If I could do it over again, i would get to a large, abandoned parking lot, clip in with one leg, start pedaling, clip in with the other, pedal some more, unclip one leg, apply the brakes, set one leg on the ground, unclip the other, and place both legs on the ground. Voila, you've just figured it out.

I also really like the idea others have mentioned about riding with one cleated shoe and one normal shoe while learning, but at some point you're going to have to strap that other shoe on, so remember, keep that speed up and you'll be fine.

Hope that helps.

[tzvia]

alpha_omega-
This is a very good thread, a good read actually, and worth reviving. I spent a lot of time in my trainer when I first went clipless as I was determined to get out of toe-clips. This was in the late '80s, when I bought the original Look pedals. It took a while but I got the hang of how it worked before hitting the road. I then tried Keywin Pedals, and had my only clipless fall as they were very hard to clip out of. Too bad, as they weighed half what those old Looks weighed, but they took a feat of strength to twist out. I then went through early Shimano Dura-Ace look style, and Time before settling on Speedplay over 10 years ago. I found Time for my MTB and never looked back.

When I need to clip out (not emergency), I do so while seated and slowing, on the right side, then stand on the left pedal just as I stop and put the right foot down. I do practice doing this with the left, but it is easier for me on the right.

Frankly, if clipping in or out remains difficult after giving it enough practice, and contributes to a fall or almost-fall, it's time to sit down and quantify what the problem is, and look for a pedal that is good in those areas. For me, I needed pedals that release with little or no strength, and clip-in that does not require looking down and hooking in one part or another to start. Dual sided helps too.

Of course, it helps to have good balance on the bike in general. I've been doing balance exercises on the WiiFit and it has helped me as I am normally a clumsy person.