To do Clipless or Not to do Clipless ! ?????

[FreshNewbie]

:rolleyes:
Hi Everybody! So I am sort of between two fires now. I am really new at riding, but I do know that i am learing to love this sport. I been out on the road only 2 times now, and I am using regular platform pedals on my road bike. However, after reading this forum I learned that many of you started biking using clipless pedals right away. I will be honest, I am scared to think about using them now, but I know once I am better I will be more comfortable with the idea of being attached to the bike. My boyfriend tells me that it will be a good idea to try pedals with straps first and then switch to clipless. GIRLS i need your advice, what should I do???? :confused:

[Pedal Wench]

This is going to sound ridiculous, but it worked well for me.

Bear with me (or is it 'bare'? I never know!) it's gonna sound funny.

For a month before I tried clipless, I used imaginary clipless pedals. Yup. Imaginary ones. Every stop and start, I pretended I was clipped in and made myself twist my ankle out, and make sure I got a good solid imaginary clip in from a stop. At first, while I was still getting comfortable on the bike, I would forget. No new pedals for me that week. Until I did my entire ride without a mishap, I didn't think I was ready. When that little 'flick' of my ankle became second nature, that's when I knew it was time.

[FreshNewbie]

You know that actually doesn't sound rediculous( my spelling is not so good either). I will give it a try, since i am not losing anything.... why not... Thanx for the advice

[newbiechick]

I'm glad you're here, 'cause it sounds like you and I are in exactly the same situation. I've also been out riding exactly twice (with my fiance, who is wonderfully supportive, encouraging, etc.!). Also wondering how to handle the pedal thing. When I was getting fitted for a bike, one of the bikes I tried had pedals with toe straps and I thought I was going to kill myself; I think that was partly because I have very wide feet, and was wearing very wide running shoes, which seems to want to stick in the strap ... then I couldn't get the pedal turned over and my toe back in to go again. Anyway ... I've decided when it's time to change from the platform pedals I'm going to skip the toe straps and go directly to clipless.

When I found TE just a week or so ago I read thru lots of threads that looked like they'd be helpful to me. On one of them, someone said she used a trainer (which essentially turns your bike into a stationary bike) and practiced until she got used to clipping in and out. Sounded like a great idea to me. Think I'll plan to use my fiance's trainer to do just that. Any chance your boyfriend or another friend might have one you could borrow so you could practice first?

Please let us (me) know how it goes when you take the plunge. I look forward to hearing about all your progress.

[FreshNewbie]

Hey NewbieChick,
It does sound like we have similar problem :o My boyfriend is also being very supportive and he is a good teacher. Unfortunatelly, none of who I know has the trainer, but I do know that some people put their bikes in between kitchen or room walls so they have something to hold on to from both sides and that's how they learn to clip and unclip. I did try my boyfriend's shoes and his pedals on his bike since we are the same height and shoe size, so I kinda got a feel of what it is like. And just like you i tried the strap pedals in the store and they were so tight on my shoe that I wondered whether going straight to clipless might work better for me. So, its sort of a tough call for me since the whole set of clipless and shoes is pretty expensive. Anyway, let me know if you are going to get them or not

[bouncybouncy]

First of all....straps = bad news! Like ski boots...clipless will allow your feet to release if NEED be! Straps won't.

I was able to get used to clipless on a mountian bike...but before I hit the trail my fiancee made me ride around, and around, and around, stopping, clipping out, clipping in, clipping out, over & over & over & over...

...am I getting my point across? Anyway, I think it was here on this forum I read that someone went to a park (lots of grassy areas) and practiced until she was comfy in her clipless. Once you "get" them you will love them!

Oh yeah...you can adjust (at least mine do) the tightness of the clip. You can tighten them as you get more comfortable.

GoodLuck!!!!

[julbee]

Hi newbiechick, Freshnewbie and Audio-A! :)

I am thinking about "clipless," too! :eek: I am doing some research on different types, the degrees of float, etc.

Audio-A, that idea ia quite intelligent! I like it! Clipless pedals will demand being even more "present" while riding. This is excellent! :cool:

The "practicing on a trainer" is also a great idea!

Thanks for sharing the ideas!

Does anyone have reference to specific info. on the dgrees of float needed to "protect knees?" Does anyone know if there has been research done on this? Any references at all?

Thanks! :)

[FreshNewbie]

BouncyBouncy! I think you are right, I tried straps and i did try clipless as I mentioned. I think I will def. go straight to clipless .... Thank you for your advice

[singletrackmind]

I started out with the strappy dealies and later went to clipless.
That necessitated learning two different manuvers to remove my foot from the pedal. I think it would have been easier to just learn clipless right off-sure I would have crashed trying to get my foot off the pedal but I found I did anyway, trying to pull it back like it was toeclips instead of twisting. I crashed while learing to deal with toeclips too, so I would have saved myself one set of crashes. :p

[bikerchick68]

hiya... the biggest benefit of clipless is that they allow you to use ALL your muscle power to move the bike... with platforms you push down with your quads but have no way to pull up... with clipless, since you're locked in, you push down and then as the pedal comes around you also PULL UP, putting those hamstrings to work as well! Most of your power should come from your core and your glutes... but you definitely will increase speed being able to utilize everything you got...

OK, so that being said, I learned in my garage with my ex-husband holding the bike in place (my personal trainer sorta!) and I would clip in, clip out, clip in, clip out... first couple of rides I stayed back and unclipped WAY in advance of any stop so I was ready... once unclipped it's no different stopping than when you're in platforms...

as you get comfortable too, it is important to learn to unclip BOTH sides and alternate at every stop... this allows you to have first your right foot down and STRETCHED out (gives the IT Band a way to stretch for a minute) and then at the next stop your left foot down so you can give that side a minute to stretch...

After practicing a few times I was fine with them... the only time I have fallen was unrelated... front tire in trolley track= body on pavement :rolleyes:

good luck and let us know how it goes if you decide to try 'em! :)

[newbiechick]

singletrackmind,

Thanks for the very helpful input ... I read your post and thought, "Duh!!" Why learn one technique when you know you're going to change to another? And who the heck needs another set of crashes?!

Really appreciate going through this learning process with other women--even if only in cyberspace.

[slinkedog]

I had a lot of fear using clipless pedals at first. My main problem was that I would clip out my right foot and my weight would be leaning left and I would fall over even though I did have a foot clipped out. My husband taught me to turn my front wheel AWAY from the clipped out foot (i.e. clip out right, turn wheel to the left) so that the weight of the bike will naturally fall to the side of the clipped out foot. Also, using the trainer really helped me figure out clipping in/out and getting used to switching gears.

[CorsairMac]

They make a platform/clipless pedal combo that you might be interested in. When I first went clipless I did like someone else here said, I rode for awhile on my platforms is if I was riding clipless, when I put the clipless on, I rode around my neighbourhood without stopping, just pedalling around and clippling and unclipping. I have the combo ones on my MTB and I love that idea as a newbie MTB'er.....regular clipless on everything else. I had straps 1 time lonnnnnnnnnng time ago and I would Never had straps again. I could Never get my feet out and the whole "trying to get my feet back in on take off" was just dangerous.

[carback]

I haven't read all the posts so my apologies if what I"m about to say has already been said.

Stay away from straps (aka rat trap pedals) at all costs. I got my foot stuck in one many years ago and ended up shredding my meniscus.

Practice Practice Practice with the clipless. I sat on my bike, in my basement, with one arm on the wall for support and just practiced clipping and unclipping. It does eventually become second nature.

Make sure you buy pedals that have an adjustment. As you become more comfortable with them, and you will, you can tighten them if you need / want to. And if you do get 'stuck' or forget you're clipped in, if they're set at a loose enough tension, you should pop out of them anyhow (much like a downhill ski binding) thus saving your knees & meniscus.

Keep in mind that forgetting you're clipped in and falling is a rite of passage. It happens to everyone. Usually when you're at a stop sign and tons of people in cars can see you.

good luck.

[KSH]

:rolleyes:
My boyfriend tells me that it will be a good idea to try pedals with straps first and then switch to clipless. GIRLS i need your advice, what should I do???? :confused:

Eh... personally, I think that is bad advice. No offense to himk... but those stupid straps are HARDER to release from than clipless pedals. Due to those straps... my tennis shoe got caught... and I went over and hit the ground. That was on my TEST RIDE for the bike. Right then and there, I said, "Get my some clipless pedals".

Now, you may want to get comfy on just using the pedal.... without having your foot strapped down at all.

It all comes down to what you feel comfortable and up to doing.

I rode on my bike from day 1 on clipless pedals (recently upgraded to the SpeedPlays), and I have LOVED IT! AND... I have only fallen over once (when I was stopped) due to leaning over and not being unclipped on that side! I didn't hurt myself.

Now, I will tell you, that even a few months later... I STILL have to REMIND myself, "UNCLIP... YOU ARE SLOWING DOWN". I also unclip if I see any situation coming up where I might need a foot down quick.

Best of luck in whatever you decide! And if you do with clipless... always unclip before applying your brakes... and be CONFIDENT in yourself!

PS- I also found the SpeedPlays MUCH easier to get out of than the other cleated type of pedals that I had. It's also nice to be able to move your foot some on the pedal, vs. being locked into one spot!

[SimpleCycle]

I'd go right to clipless. I put clipless on my road bike after a month. I'm glad I didn't mess around with toeclips and straps. I fell a few times learning, but that probably would have happened whenever I made the switch.

I'm a little more conservative in clipping out at stoplights and such than the more experienced riders I ride with, and have to remind myself to lean toward the clipped out foot.

[Nycool]

New here but just wanted to say I was TERRIFIED of the clip pedals. Well went out on my first ride on my new trek and I have to say it makes SUCH a difference. Just have someone there to help you figure out how to get you feet out of them and remember how to unclip quickly ;)

[FreshNewbie]

:) Hi All!
I think i came up with a final decision - clipless , NO Straps. I yet didnt' see one person on this forum who actuall agreed on strap pedals. As for clipless KSH you said you got speedplays, do you think as a newbie it makes sence to get them right away or i should start with something different??? There is a lot of space train in the park where I ride and it's gressy from both sides, so i have a big chance to fall on a gress if i manage to manuever it well :-) Also, the Canadian goose likes use this grass as a poop field ...... but anyway where we were.... :D On behalf of all of us newbies huge THANX

Enjoy your summer wednesday

[Pedal Wench]

Another vote for Speedplays.

Double sided entry makes is much easier to engage.

You can unclip but keep your foot on the pedal, ready to stop, when you are going slow, in traffic, or even pedalling uphill. I use this a lot - unclipped, but still able to pedal is a big plus.

My knees have never been happier!

(I use the Zeros with adjustable float - but more important - adjustable release angle. I have it set so that I can release very quickly)

[FreshNewbie]

Hey Audio-A, do you know whats the difference between their frogs and other models and which one would be the best one?

[singletrackmind]

I've got shimano pedals (and I remain neutral as to which pedal to get, these are all I have experience with) and I backed off the tension screw on the pedal to make it a little easier to unclip. Same motion, just a lot more forgiving as far as getting my darned foot out. You do have to remember if you do have them too loose there is a chance your foot could pop out when you pedal which can cause ouchies. Once I got used to getting my foot out I brought the tension back up. That and grassy areas kept me from getting too banged up. I should have tried fields of goose poop-I bet I would have learned faster!! :D

[ACG]

I had straps, tried for one day, yuk! Went right to clipless.

After a few falls, I rode with one foot clipped in and the other in a tennis shoe, clipped out at every stop but still had the insurance of the other foot. Looks funny but after a few weeks, I was fine. I went on short rides, easy streets, areas I was familiar with and switched back and forth between left and right foots, monday was my right foot day, tuesday my left foot.

Clipless is the best, now I just gotta learn how to spin.

[effulgent]

I rode clipless for the first time this weekend. And man, is it great once you get going. When I was riding with my platforms before I got the clips, I would vizualize twisting my foot and clipping out at stops. I did this for the whole time I was riding with platform pedals (about a month or so). So when I did get clipless, the motion of getting out of the clips was almost second nature. I didn't have one fall on my first ride or even a scary wobble.

Getting in the clips was another story. I'm still having to look down to engage my foot about 1/2 the time. I am hoping that the clipping in becomes second nature soon. It was rather nerve wracking with one clipped in foot and one clipped out foot trying to make it across intersections. Most of the time I gave up and made it through the intersection, then looked down to be able to clip in.

I'm not worried about falling because I can't clip out, but I am worried about eating it in the middle of the intersection because I can't get clipped in and I freak out.

[spazzdog]

If you have a trainer, practice pedaling with one foot clipped in. That way you can pedal through the intersection without worrying about that other foot. I do it all the time, though my pedal of choice is Speedplay. There's not "hunting" for the pedal or the right side... you can pop in on either side.

[KSH]

:) Hi All!
As for clipless KSH you said you got speedplays, do you think as a newbie it makes sence to get them right away or i should start with something different???

Well, honestly... I wish I had started with the SpeedPlays. Because I didn't... I spent around $200 extra on shoes and pedals that are now in my closet.

I personally have the basic SpeedPlays, I like being able to move my foot on the pedal, while still being clipped in.

If you go up to the more expensive models, above $120... I think that is when you can adjust how much play you have in the pedal.

In the end... for me... being clipped in without being able to move my foot around at all... contributed to my knee pain... because my cleat was positioned wrong.

I have also found it a lot easier to unclip in the SpeedPlays.

But in the end... it's a matter of preference... not how advanced or seasoned you are. It's all about what works for you. Unfortunately, sometimes that becomes expensive though!

[Nycool]

Getting in the clips was another story. I'm still having to look down to engage my foot about 1/2 the time. I am hoping that the clipping in becomes second nature soon. It was rather nerve wracking with one clipped in foot and one clipped out foot trying to make it across intersections. Most of the time I gave up and made it through the intersection, then looked down to be able to clip in.

I'm not worried about falling because I can't clip out, but I am worried about eating it in the middle of the intersection because I can't get clipped in and I freak out.


Big +1 from me haha my left clip is harder than the right to get clipped into.

[Jo-n-NY]

I also put my vote in for Speedplays. I have the Frogs because I use a mtn shoe and the frogs can go on road or mtn shoes.

I originally had shimano's that we had laying around in the garage so I could see if I liked the whole clippless thing. I liked them except for the tention thing and felt I really had to concentrate before coming to a stop to clip out because I had to push through the tension before it released.

The Speedplay Frogs have no tension. Just pivot my heel outward and I am unclipped, but they are not so easy that I unclip while riding. When stopped at a light and then starting again, I do as Audio-A does as my left foot stays clipped in, my right foot is out so when I begin to pedal I just lay my foot on the pedal as platform and clip in as I am pedaling at a momentum.

I almost got Look Keo's like my husband and I am so glad I didn't. He really has to push his heel out with some effort (from what I can tell riding behind him). Of course I found out I couldn't use them anyway unless I switched to a road shoe. Good thing the decision was made for me.

~JoAnn

[FreshNewbie]

KSH, I think based on what you said about speedplays its going to be the ultimate choice for me. Since I been in sports for a long time ( used to be a gymnast when i was around 7) plus running and working out, i can already feel my knees aching, so once i am ready to purchase clipless I will def check the speedplays out. By the way did you use any creams or vitamins for that knee pain you had?? Because sometimes I wonder if I should be taking or applying something. I recently read about some cream that actually heals the inflamation in your joints instead of just taking off the simptoms. If I find the name i will let you all know if you interested.

Friday is tomorrow, yeyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[newbiechick]

I don't know about creams to use for knee pain. However, I've heard good things about taking glucosamine supplements. I've been taking glucosamine for about 2 1/2 years, ever since I started running. I take it for prevention, but I've heard it is can also be taken therapeutically, with very good results. Evidently there are mixed reports on the best supplement to take--there is glucosamine & chondroitin, glucosamine sulfate, and I think another version or two that are more recent additions to the market. Most of the reading I've done seems to indicate that the glucosamine itself is the most effective thing ... so I take glucosamine sulfate since it costs about half of the version with chondroitin. I'm by no means an expert; maybe other people on this list have experience to share. Hope you find relief one way or another.

Shelley
(aka newbiechick)

[RoadRaven]

Glucosamine.... Goooood....

:p

[Technotart]

Glucosamine is one "alternative" treatment that sctaully has valid studies in the medical arena which support it's use!

Yup - good stuff

[KSH]

KSH, I think based on what you said about speedplays its going to be the ultimate choice for me. Since I been in sports for a long time ( used to be a gymnast when i was around 7) plus running and working out, i can already feel my knees aching, so once i am ready to purchase clipless I will def check the speedplays out. By the way did you use any creams or vitamins for that knee pain you had?? Because sometimes I wonder if I should be taking or applying something. I recently read about some cream that actually heals the inflamation in your joints instead of just taking off the simptoms. If I find the name i will let you all know if you interested.

Friday is tomorrow, yeyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee


Hee-hee... well, I am not a Doctor or anything... but you will love the SpeedPlays... just because they rock! Ha!

I can't really comment on the creams... I just kind of did my own knee rehab... I backed off on pedaling so fast... started spinning my pedals... dropped my miles... and rested when my knees weren't feeling too great.

A month or so later... my knee pain is barely noticeable anymore... I feel very fortunate.


Also... listen to TechnoTart... she is a nurse and is in school to be a nurse practitioner (??? right???).

[Technotart]

Yup - Yur right! LOL

As for lisnin to me wellllllllllll.....some days I make sense, other days I wonder just what the heck I'm talking about.....

Break a leg on your tri this weekend!

[CR400]

Ok just got on this forum today so take it easy on me. I still use the toe clips on my pedels. My friend that went with me to get my bike told me to use the clip pedels for a year and then make the switch when I was ready. I wanted to buy clipless that day but he told me it was a bad idea and so did the sales person. So this year I went out and bought a set of speedplays but have yet to put them on.

The pedels lost the dumb straps after about a week. I went to stop and forgot about them and just about broke my ankle falling. So I ride with just the toe clip. In fact even did a club crit that way, and have a TT on tap Sunday. Plan on changing out this fall and ride with them this winter on the trainer. I would find someone to hold the bike while you learn or use a nice soft spot in your yard.

[KSH]

Ok just got on this forum today so take it easy on me. I still use the toe clips on my pedels. My friend that went with me to get my bike told me to use the clip pedels for a year and then make the switch when I was ready. I wanted to buy clipless that day but he told me it was a bad idea and so did the sales person. So this year I went out and bought a set of speedplays but have yet to put them on.

The pedels lost the dumb straps after about a week. I went to stop and forgot about them and just about broke my ankle falling. So I ride with just the toe clip. In fact even did a club crit that way, and have a TT on tap Sunday. Plan on changing out this fall and ride with them this winter on the trainer. I would find someone to hold the bike while you learn or use a nice soft spot in your yard.


Hello! Welcome!

I guess I am of the mind set... that you do whatever you THINK you can do.

Use the clip pedals for a YEAR? Then switch? I would have laughed at those men... no offense. You can get comfy riding your bike in less than a year... once you are comfy riding... SWITCH!

Then again, if you know that you can handle it... then just do it.

I did clipless from day 1... and I have only fallen down clipped in... once. That was 10 month ago.

Best of luck... and know that you do whatever you set your mind to!

[Nycool]

if you are aware enough and can keep your wits about you if suddenly you need to get out of your clips then go clipless. SO MUCH EASIER than those toe cage things. I was TERRIFIED of the clips cause I heard of so many people falling over etc. I am glad I went straight to them. I think they are so much faster to get out of than the straps.

If you have a good relationship with a local shop have them install them then set the bike up on a trainer so you can get use to the feel etc.

[Technotart]

To me, it makes the most sense to just use what you know you are going to want.

It would be harder - I think - to get used to just being able to whip your foot off the pedal whenever you wanted and then to switch to clipless than to just start out on clipless right from the beginning.

I had clipless pedals put on my bike before it left the shop - I have never ridden it any other way. I have fallen twice - once while standing at a light with one foot unclipped, the wind hit a 40 mph gust and blew me over, and once while moving VERY slowly in a parking lot where I should never have been clipped in to begin with.

There are 3 kinds of cyclists - those who have fallen, those who will fall, and those who will fall again. That holds true wether you are talking clipless or not!

I'd laugh those guys out off the course and go clipless!

[julbee]

Hi to all!

Thanks for the reminder "techno!" ("...those who will fall... those who have fallen.. those who will fall again....")

I am quite frightened of falling! I didn't used to be... many years ago!
I am, however, in chronic severe pain. I have had extensive pain management treatment and am on very potent pain meds every single day.

I still ride.. now that TE has inspired me to try it again anyway!

My pain is overall and so severe, docs don't expect to ever get complete pain control. It doesn't take much to exacerbate the pain to "excruciating,"
despite several types of main meds combined! :eek:

I will fall... sometime... because I am going to continue to ride. It is actually easier and less painful for me to ride a bike than to walk!

Does anyone have any tips on methods of "breaking the fall?" :eek:

So... many have the initial fear of clipless pedals and the "fall." I wonder if it's helpful to discuss any possible techniques for minimizing the impact of the fall?

Thanks!

[Technotart]

I am told that the Bike Medic program in Houston puts all of their trainees through a "How to fall" course. These guys have to ride in where ambulances can't go, they climb steps in cities on bikes, they cruise into ravines that are very steep and wooded. I am sure there are techniques to reduce the chances of pain or injury after a fall, I would think that the primary thing would be to spread the impact out over as large an area as possible. Don't throw your hand out to catch yourself, just ball yourself up as much as possible when you go over. Easier said than done. That kind of falling takes practice. Got an old mattress you can throw out in the back yard?

[CorsairMac]

Hi to all!

Thanks for the reminder "techno!" ("...those who will fall... those who have fallen.. those who will fall again....")

I am quite frightened of falling! I didn't used to be... many years ago!
I am, however, in chronic severe pain. I have had extensive pain management treatment and am on very potent pain meds every single day.

I still ride.. now that TE has inspired me to try it again anyway!

My pain is overall and so severe, docs don't expect to ever get complete pain control. It doesn't take much to exacerbate the pain to "excruciating,"
despite several types of main meds combined! :eek:

I will fall... sometime... because I am going to continue to ride. It is actually easier and less painful for me to ride a bike than to walk!

Does anyone have any tips on methods of "breaking the fall?" :eek:

So... many have the initial fear of clipless pedals and the "fall." I wonder if it's helpful to discuss any possible techniques for minimizing the impact of the fall?

Thanks!

One of the best pieces of advice I got when I started MTB'ng: we found a big sandy patch and I fell - several times. It's the intial fear of falling that scares most people - once you've done it you know A) how you'll react {as a rule} and B) what it feels like. That being said, up there with Techo, Don't throw your hand out to try and "catch" you. I tend to relax when I fall and just let the fall happen so the damage is minimized but I also have no fear of falling. I just assume it's going to happen and each day it doesn't is a "good" day! ;)

[julbee]

Hi Ladies! :)

Thanks for the ideas for practicing the inevitable "fall!"
I will take it all into consideration, for sure!
And very soon!
Please see the "news" I want to share under "Am I in heaven?"

With Gratitude,
Julie

[yzylan]

my first set of clipless shoes were shimano mountain bike shoes--MO38s. they were recommended to me as a good shoe for not-so-seasoned clipless riders and spinning class afficianados. that sounded like me, and in retrospect, it was a good suggestion. the advantage of this sort of shoe is that the cleat is recessed into the bottom of the shoe, which otherwise looks like a regular old hiking shoe (i.e.: it has a tread). this helps for two reasons: the shoe doesn't slip on the ground (when you put your foot down, or when you're off the bike) and it doesn't slip off the pedal. i used them with a set of combination pedals (SPD on a platform) and within about a month i was completely comfortable engaging and disengaging the cleats.

i didn't appreciate these "non-slip" features until i got grownup clipless road shoes a few months ago. there is nothing quite as embarassing as trying to get going from a dead stop, and having your foot swipe off the top of the pedal 6 or 7 times. suave.

i still use my "beginner" shoes for touring and commuting because they're very comfortable to walk around in, though they're a bit clunky for fitness/distance rides.

[ccnyc]

Hope this helps anyone who may be nervous about switching to a clipless pedal.

I had toe clips and straps and was very nervous about switching because I had tried my DH's Look 5.1 pedals on the trainer and I couldn't get my foot unclipped no matter how hard I tried (Yikes... I'll never be able to use clipless pedals!). After reading all the clipless pedal threads (thanks everybody) I decided to go with the Speedplay Zero's (non-recessed, road bike pedals).

I've had the Zero's about 1 month now and they are excellent. Easy to clip out and easy to clip in (once the screw tension on the cleat was set properly). I practiced for about 30 minutes on the trainer and knew I would not have problems clipping out. I have absolutely NO ANXIETY about not being able to clip out in time, even in an emergency stop. They definitely give me more pedal power overall and especially going up those $%!#$ hills. Also, if you are not yet clipped in you can still pedal with your foot just sitting on the pedal. I've had one foot slip off the pedal but since the other one was clipped in I just pedaled with that foot until I could get my act together.

I had one "Artie Johnson" fall at the beginning (I was clipped out with one foot but fell to the clipped in side, on the George Washington Bridge, in front of 3 experienced riders) and last weekend I fell because when I put my unclipped foot down as I was coming to a stop the cleat (which is metal) slid on the pavement and I went down. My first road rash! Advice: put your heel down first (my shoes have a rubber heel thingie) when you're stopping, not the ball of your foot.

For Do-It-Yourselfers: The pedals and cleats were easily installed by my DH in about 20 minutes. (Our LBS took 2 hours trying to install them, but they couldn't figure it out so I went home with my toe clips and straps. What losers.) Some minor adjustments were necessary – one cleat needed to be moved a little for comfort and the screws on the cleats needed to be loosened to make clipping in easier.

I wish I had switched sooner because it really has made the cycling experience much better.

Carol

[Wendy]

What LBS didn't know how to install pedals and cleats? I need to know which one to avoid on my next trip into the city. Egad.

[ccnyc]

Wendy:
Appalling isn't it? It was Sid's on 34th street.
I've always had pretty good service there and the person I usually deal with, Alan, was not there that day. I'm sure if he was I would have had a totally different experience. They've put on new handlebars, a new crankset, etc., for me and lots of major stuff done on my husbands bike, and everything worked out well. So this was a real surprise.

Perhaps this was a defective pedal/cleat set. It was the only Speedplay Zero they had in stock. Or, the woman who was trying to install it was just a moron.

Carol

[Geonz]

I still have toe clips but only because I am CHEAP and forgetful and don't need to go any faster than I do.

Falling - years of swimming meant I automatically went into "water entry" mode - which, very very fortunately is an artful belly flop (don't want to dislodge the goggles). Head up, arms taking the 'splash'.. took a lot of gravel on the elbow (long sleeve jerseys rock ) and yea, a little on the navel ... but just road rash.

I knew I was hopeless for training my self to fall unless I did it a few hundred times (this body takes a little longer than most to acquire motor habits), but I wanted to be like a stunt guy and roll with it... ah, well... belly flops work, too.

[JerusalemBiker]

Hello all,

reading your threads was a treat as I nurse my wounds after my first fall in clipless pedals. Getting in and out works okay for me, but the problem came up when I got ambitious and decided to try getting in on an incline (not a very steep one, even!). I freaked out when my right foot would not clip in, and fell over to the left side. Result: scrapes on knee and elbow plus very achy and swollen wrist. Drat because that means I can't ride tomorrow!!! If i'm lucky I'll do my workout on a stationary bike at the gym.

How long should it take to get adjusted? i was hoping to be ready to use them in a triathlon coming up in 2 weeks. (And to be able to bike safely in preparation rides until then!) I am scared thinking of going on hills--what if I need to clip out in the middle? It seems like it will be very difficult to get started again and clip in on a medium to steep incline. Any advice? One of my friends responded: I just don't unclip when I'm on an incline! Well, obviously! but what if it's unavoidable?

Any advice in getting over the psychological and technical aspects alike will be appreciated. Since the pedals are already on, no use in the method 2 of you mentioned, of "pretending" you have clipless, before actually making the switch. Well, on the bike I ride in the city for transportation, that would work....

Thanks all,
Miriam

[gretassister]

I've ridden with clips for years; no reason to rush into clipless, just to be cool or whatever.

[eofelis]

I went from platform pedals to toe clips then on to SPD clipless.

I used toe cages with the straps loose and never had a problem. I still use toeclips occasionally on a commuter bike.

When I went clipless I made sure the tension on the pedals was very loose, I still use them this way. It's easy to unclip, but I have never had them unclip when I didn't want to. I fell once or twice when I first got them. Climbing was a bit scary at first as I could not coast to unclip, but I do fine now and can unclip while pedaling to stop on a hill. If I'm in a rough spot I can unclip one side and just put my foot on the pedal while pedaling if I feel I might need to stop.

My mtn bike is not clipless yet, but I am ready to go clipless on it soon. I have half clips on it, just a little little plastic part that slips over the toe of my shoe and keeps my foot from going off the front of the pedal. These have worked ok, but are sometimes tricky to flip over the pedal and get into while going down a rough spot.

I have a pair of the Nashbar SPD pedals, $20 on sale, on the way to try on the mtn bike and I am going to try the "chicken cleats" that come unclipped very easily.

[slinkedog]

Hey JerusalemBiker... a couple of things you might try:

When you're clipping out, turn your wheel away from the foot your unclipping. It will make the weight of your bike fall toward your clipped out foot. I've seen some people say do the opposite and that works for them, too. For me, I've always done clip out right, turn wheel left and I've never fallen doing that.

Also, when you're getting going again on a hill, try going back down a little to give yourself a chance to get clipped back in, then turn around and start climbing again.

Hope your wrist is okay and I hope your tri goes well! Please give us the report!!