help with going clipless

[LoveDefy1]

I am new to road biking, about 20 miles 5x a week. I am improving but have not gone clipless. Have a great fear of being trapped and falling over (just had a hip replacement, so clipping in is mentally difficult. Can anyone suggest easy in and out. I have tried my husband's shimano 105's and to clip out (turning foot out) does not work, I am trapped and can only release going in....therefore hitting my carbon frame....not good. HELP I keeping thinking I am retarded.....

[KnottedYet]

How recently was your hip replacement?

Are you still on dislocation precautions?

(turning your toes in/heels out to get out of the clipless is internal rotation of the hip)

Many of us ride just fine without clipless pedals. And even without toe clips. I have a fondness for BMX platform pedals, BleeckerStGirl likes PowerStraps, lots of folks like the large platform MKS pedals offered by Rivendell.

Can you talk to your surgeon and ask how much internal rotation of the hip he expects you to get? That could help decide what kind of pedal system you buy once you are past that 6-12 months of dislocation precautions. (if you aren't already)

[LoveDefy1]

No restictions....I probably should not have mentioned the hip ( had a very nasty accident) now fully recovered. The twisting motion is not limited to any range issue, just that I literally could not turn the heel of my foot out far enough to disengage the 105's and I have good ankle strength and rotation since I am an equestrian.

[Grog]

I have found 105s to be notoriously inconsistent with regards to unclipping, and felt immensely better when I changed. I would suggest getting a better pedal (ex: Ultegra) or a mountain-bike style pedal (mountain SPD). I'm sure certain people have had good experiences with 105s, but when I tried them there were some quality control issues, I'm afraid...

[KnottedYet]

Speedplay Frogs are pretty cool. No moving parts, and passive release. (love me that passive release!!!!!)

http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.frog

These are the only clipless pedals I have, and only on my one zippy bike. (the rest of my bikes have BMX pedals)

[mrhughes]

Going clipless is always a bit daunting for a new rider. The impression is one of confinement, when the reality is that you're barely, but effectively, attached to your pedals. A simple flick of the heel, like Dorothy did to go home to Kansas, will get you out. As far as the fear of falling over - it can, and most likely will happen - ONCE. Of all the accidents you can have on a bike, falling over at a complete stop is the least damaging, except to your pride, of course, because it never fails that you'll do it in front of everyone!

As a road biker, my priority in pedals is to have the largest footbed possible. I will be attached for hours at a time, and pedals with smaller connection points (Shimano SPDs, for instance) start to "drill holes" in the bottom of my feet. I tried several designs before settling on Look KEOs. The KEO design has a smaller, thinner cleat that doesn't stick out the sides of my shoes the way traditional Looks do. It gives me a large enough footbed to ride comfortably.

SpeedPlays are also a popular choice in my area. My only complaint with them was the cleat collected a lot of debris when walking around, and then wouldn't clip in until they were cleaned.

Whatever design you prefer, please expect to change your cleats at least once a year. They are meant to be disposable. And as they wear, it gets more difficult to clip in and out. I don't use cleat covers (because I don't want to use up valuable pocket space to carry them) so my cleats wear out about twice a year. But I ride about 3,500 miles a year, so you may have different results.

[jusdooit]

I too am about to go clipless. My first thought is the tension on the clip may be too tight for you. My LBS guy convinced me to go to a Look style pedal rather than Speedplay because of the development of hot spots for him on long rides.
Good Luck!

[tpb]

Speedplay Frogs are pretty cool. No moving parts, and passive release. (love me that passive release!!!!!)

What is passive release?

I've also been having issues with clipping in and out. I commute by bike. Although I was able to use clipless pedals last summer, I am having problems this summer. I find that my left foot gets stuck. Since I usually release right-foot first, it hasn't caused me to fall. It has, however, ruined my confidence with the clipless pedals - especially since a couple of short stretches of my commute are on very busy streets. So, do you clip-in in traffic?

Also, what do you think might be causing my left-foot unclip problems? I haven't tightened the tension or made any other changes between last summer and now. Also, the cleats seem to be dirt-free. If it makes a difference, I think I have SPD pedals of some sort - definitely mountain bike pedals.

Thanks!
TB

[Biciclista]

you can make SPD's looser if you need to. If you don't know how, take it to your local bike shop.

I agree, no reason to go clipless if you are not comfortable about the idea.
I have SPD's and they are at their loosest setting. i can pull my feet in any direction and get them to come out.

[brodymom]

I am also a beginning rider and was very frightened of the clips for the first 2 months. Practice, practice and practice - is my advice. Tell yourself to clip out on one side and when you see that you need to stop, unclip long before you get to the light/stop sign, etc. Some people suggested to me to get your bike in a stable position - having someone hold it or somehow balancing yourself in a door frame and just practicing.

I have finally gotten the hang of it, but it took some time for me. Good luck! If you keep at it, it will be natural very quickly.:)

[Violara]

I had problems getting out when I started off with my husband's old cleats and pedals. I also had some problems clipping back in after stops, which was frustrating. I was also having foot pain from the lack of float. When I got my own, new ones, I stopped having problems. I got candy SLs for pretty cheap and like the platform for getting through the intersection before I clip in. Maybe if you get fresh cleats that would help.

[Zen]

you can make SPD's looser if you need to. If you don't know how

The pedal should be marked with a + or -
One allen screw.
There's probably info out there on the webz or the youtube.

I tried crankbros and loved speedplay for a while but have found these dual sided pedals (http://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-Bicycle-Clipless-Pedals-pair/dp/B000AO9Z20/ref=pd_sbs_sg_3#moreAboutThisProduct) to be the best choice for me.
It depends on what kind of riding you're going to be doing.

[KnottedYet]

Speedplay Frogs are pretty cool. No moving parts, and passive release. (love me that passive release!!!!!)

What is passive release?


There is no "click" in or out. No force needed. Passive, so there is nothing actually holding you in. Speedplay Frogs are like the lid of a pickle jar (inset in the shoe, so you walk in them like a regular shoe and don't need cleat covers) and the pedal is like the jar itself. You can slide into them straight on, and to get out you just "unscrew" the jar by turning your heel out. Frogs are self-cleaning, and just clipping in cleans the cleats. I've stepped in lots of interesting things on my commute and never had to actually dig crud out, just slid the cleat onto the pedal, et voila!

Some folks don't like the slippery feel of Frogs. (the pedals, not the amphibians) Staying in them requires posture control, because if you are sloppy you will instantly unclip. LoveDefy1, you have nothing to worry about because you already have good leg awareness and control from riding horses.

Even if you accidentally unclip, the large platform of the Frog works fine to pedal on until you can clip. More often than not, just putting my foot on the platform clips me in anyway.

I like demonstrating how easy Frogs are to get out of by clipping my empty shoe to the pedal. Then I tap the heel of my shoe with the tip of my finger and stand back as my shoe just falls right off the pedal. (again, not good if you need firm external control to keep you lined up, but very nice if you have good control and you'd rather accidentally unclip than accidentally stay clipped)

Edit to Add: Speedplay makes five quite different kinds of pedals. Make sure you know which model (Frogs, Zeros, X, Drillium, Light Action) someone is talking about when they discuss Speedplay pedals. Lots of times folks will just use the short-hand "Speedplays".

[Crankin]

Unless you are racing, I can't imagine not using my cleat covers because they take up too much space! I shove them in my jersey pocket vertically, and can also put my little wallet or cellphone in there, too. And that's just one pocket.
It always surprises me that people don't use cleat covers for Speedplays. While I don't walk far in my road shoes, I do stop and get lunch, use restrooms on my rides. I still replace my cleats once a year and use White Lightening to lubricate them every few rides. My left one, always gets a little finicky, since i always clip out on that side. I know I shouldn't, but it's the way it is. I ride 2,500-3,000 miles a year.
The importance of cleat covers was driven home after we finished a ride that had a lot of rain at the end. We were on a tour and walking into the hotel when my DH slipped and fell in the lobby because of his wet cleats. He had forgotten to put the covers on. After a million employees came to assist him, probably to make sure they wouldn't get sued, he was really mortified. And he had a huge bruise on his hip the next day.
I know many people that use Frogs on their road bikes. It seems to be a good solution for many. My second bike has spds and my knees always feel it when I ride that bike.

[Onix]

light action speed plays!

I just started clipping in as well (two weeks ago). After ten minutes on the trainer practicing getting in and out---I was ready to ride, and since then have not had any problems clipping in or out. The pedals are "self-righting," so the clipping platform is always ready for clipping in. All you do to clip in is press down (no funky ankle twists or thinking about how to enter toe first and what not). To get out, you just sort of pull off. It is intuitive. They are simple to get out of. Good luck!

[RolliePollie]

I have CrankBrothers Quattros and I love them. I was going to write a nice little review of them, but then I looked at the CrankBrothers website and they aren't making them anymore! OH NO!!!!! :(:(:( I guess I better try to find a set from Nashbar or someplace before they're all gone. Wah.

[bikerchic]

I didn't know you had to replace your cleats every so often. Mine are knicked up and scruffy looking but work fine. Do they stop working when they need to be replaced? :confused:

I have Speedplay X's and I do lube them when needed other than that they've been great I've done no other maintenance on them.

I also did not know about the cleat covers so I looked them up on Speedplay's website, I'll have to see about getting a pair it does make sense to use them.

My first set of clipless peds were Shimano 747's couldn't ask for a better system to get me started on clipless. Very user friendly I loved them! I only quit using them when I switched to my road bike because they caused heat spots on my feet which I never noticed on my MTB. You might want to check into a set of those and as others have mentioned PRACTICE! Practice in the house on the carpet until you feel totally comfortable clipping in and out oh and check the tension on the ones your hubby gave you possibility they are set tighter for him if he's heavier than you.

Good luck and happy pedaling!

[leathela]

Going clipless is always a bit daunting for a new rider. The impression is one of confinement, when the reality is that you're barely, but effectively, attached to your pedals. A simple flick of the heel, like Dorothy did to go home to Kansas, will get you out. As far as the fear of falling over - it can, and most likely will happen - ONCE. Of all the accidents you can have on a bike, falling over at a complete stop is the least damaging, except to your pride, of course, because it never fails that you'll do it in front of everyone!

As a road biker, my priority in pedals is to have the largest footbed possible. I will be attached for hours at a time, and pedals with smaller connection points (Shimano SPDs, for instance) start to "drill holes" in the bottom of my feet. I tried several designs before settling on Look KEOs. The KEO design has a smaller, thinner cleat that doesn't stick out the sides of my shoes the way traditional Looks do. It gives me a large enough footbed to ride comfortably.

SpeedPlays are also a popular choice in my area. My only complaint with them was the cleat collected a lot of debris when walking around, and then wouldn't clip in until they were cleaned.

Whatever design you prefer, please expect to change your cleats at least once a year. They are meant to be disposable. And as they wear, it gets more difficult to clip in and out. I don't use cleat covers (because I don't want to use up valuable pocket space to carry them) so my cleats wear out about twice a year. But I ride about 3,500 miles a year, so you may have different results.

This is all really good advice! Like many others, I was initially really nervous about going clipless, because I too was afraid of confinement. Now that I have been riding clipless for quite awhile, I can't imagine it any other way. Like anything else, it takes some time to adjust. Practice clipping in and disconnecting in a safe area (no traffic), and preferably on the grass. There's a good chance that you will topple over as you become familiar with the pedals, but you will soon acclimate to them and not feel confined in the least.

On my Myka, I have pedals with a platform side and a side that allows me to clip in. I find these very useful, especially if I'm riding for any point in time through a high traffic area. I'd suggest you look into this sort of arrangement if you're not comfortable right now with converting solely to clipless. (They're Shimano M324, and I've really liked them).

http://www.rei.com/product/668198

This may or may not work for you, depending on your riding style, etc., but is something to possibly consider. Good luck!

[LoveDefy1]

Thanks so much for all the help...tried the speed play lights on the LBS trainer...liked them....road on my trainer at home for 15 minutes and out on the road alone. Did not want my husband there to see me fall (if I would). Lots of practice on the road clipping in and out. Success on the first few rides. But oh........on my third or forth I unclipped after a 20 mile ride ready to stop and drink ( I have not the courage yet to do this while clipped in and riding).....I came to a stop put my right foot down, but unfortunately released the break too soon, tipped over to the left (where still attached) and guess what.....fell over to the left. Sprained my wrist, laughed and road home. The clips don't scare me anymore, got over the fall (which I hope was the last) and am getting back out there tomorrow with a wrist brace on. At least I can learn from this.....don't let go of the brake when still clipped in with one foot. Thanks again for your support.

[mrhughes]

I'm so glad you found a pedal you like, and it's working out for you. Kudos for sticking with it through the first, jittery rides. Once you are accustomed to riding with clipless pedals, I'm betting you'll agree that having that secure foothold gives you far greater control on the bike, and allows you to harness the power of the pedal stroke, for a faster, smoother ride. Snapping in and out will become second nature, even in urban areas of dense traffic. If I'm going from stoplight to stoplight and the distance is short, I often will ride with my left foot just resting on the pedal and not clipped in. However, it's kind of hard to do that - just pedaling will make my cleat engage.

The advise I got about which foot to leave attached was to alway leave your dominant foot clipped in. For me, that's the right leg - it's the one I want to push off with when I mount the bike. Also, leaving my right foot clipped means I never get the greasy chain "tattoos" on my calf!

Good luck and I'm sure you'll enjoy your Speedplays -
Mary

[mtomm]

To get comfortable in my clipless (after a couple of falls!) I rode around on the grass. It allowed me to get good practice and if I fell it didn't hurt.