Ms. Coordinated Here. Falling with Clipless Pedals

[MamboGirl]

After riding my new bike for a few weeks and getting used to riding again, I decided to get clipless pedals. I got the Speedplay light action, and the bike shop installed the cleats too, and had me practice on the trainer, clipping in and out over and over. So yesterday I went for my first real ride with the new shoes and clipless pedals. Getting clipped is the easy part. I found that trying to unclip and stop took some concentration, since you can't really unclip both feet before stopping.
Anyway, long story short, I did OK with the ride and could feel the difference on the hills. Coming home, I come to a stoplight, and unclipped the right foot (left foot still clipped). Then I don't know why I forgot the left foot was clipped. But I guess I wasn't concentrating because I tried putting the left foot down on the ground, and by the time I realized it was clipped in. it was too late. I fell sideways to the left on the pavement, in the middle of the lane right at the stoplight at a busy intersection. I unclipped the left foot to get up. I looked back at two cars that were behind me (one in the right turn lane), and the woman in one car was alarmed (I waved at her that it's OK), the guy in another car was cracking up laughing. (Nice guy, huh? I didn't flip him off but felt like it). I probably shouldn't have even looked up, but I was embarrassed by that stupid fall, and it's hard not to look at people when they are around.

Well, just wanted to share with you women, and see if you have any advice. Of course on this road bike, I can't touch the ground while in the saddle, so I have to get off the saddle and move forward when coming to a stop. Coordinating this motion with unclipping one foot is tricky for me since I am apparently Ms. Coordinated. :o

[Possegal]

No advice, but wanted to echo how often I've done the same. :) And ALWAYS with an audience. Occasionally someone asks how I am, but usually, someone laughs.

And often this happens here in G'town too, so thanks for taking some of the weight off me in entertaining the local drivers. :)

[ny biker]

I did that on Constitution Ave once, across from the Mall.

I always put my right foot down first, so I clip out with my right foot as I'm approaching the intersection. That way I'm ready to put my foot down when I stop.

[Kano]

What NY biker said -- rather than trying to do two things at once, I unclip as I'm approaching the intersection, THEN get off the saddle and lower the loose foot to the ground!

My preferred foot is the left -- can't seem to make myself unclip the right one, so I guess I'm not an "ambi-unclipper" -- but maybe, if one must fall toward the still-clipped side occasionally, I should be grateful for this trait?

Now, DH, on the other hand, has developed the technique of unclipping both at once, just in case he forgets which one to put down! (it looks really strange from behind, since both heels swing to the right, but it works for him)

Karen in Boise

[jobob]

I'll bet nearly everyone here who uses clipless pedals has done that AT LEAST once. Uh, hello! :o

Good advice above. You'll get the hang of it!

[Possegal]

For me, my big issue is forgetting to be careful to not shift my body weight when I only have one foot unclipped on the ground. A slight shift in the body and down I go. Luckily, with those ones, the only thing that really gets hurt is my ego. :) Bruises for it as well as me, but the ego hurts the most.

[Yelsel]

Ugh, I fell once in front of an entire bus full of people. And I was just congratulating myself on not falling for about a year... then fell over twice in one day. And not on emergency stops either. Bleah.

I also unclip coming to a planned stop; I like my cleats a little farther back than the middle of the ball of my foot, so I can use the ball/toes to keep pedaling. I unclip my left pedal, and lean over while still on the saddle, with the right foot up at 1-2 o'clock ready to go. Saddle height is related to leg length... you should be able to do this(?)

I've learned that if I'm doing something that requires thought (like reading a map) that I'd better unclip both feet and hop off the saddle, otherwise at some point I'll shift weight too much and tip over on the right, very amusing for bikers that were also reading the map. I also wasn't good with sudden stops, but now I can get my foot out and down before stopping, even if it seems pretty close.

I am saving up to get Speedplay pedals for my roadbike, but in the meantime I have Shimano pedals, and I got the cleats that will come out at a variety of angles. I have Crank Brother mallet pedals on my 'cross and mountain fair / bad weather commuters -- good with and without clipless shoes -- and initially had the cleats set up with minimum float, which meant that I had to rotate less to get them out of the clips.

Just out of curiosity -- how many people drive sticks? I am wondering if people put their left foot down more often if they are used to putting the clutch in with their left foot for stopping. (The real test would be asking the right-foot clutch "island" people in the UK, Japan, and down under.)

[TrekWSDmechanic]

'Zero-speed falls' are a right of passage that every clipless user experiences at least once. It happened to me just the other day, embarrassingly while I was teaching a friend how to track stand. :o Of course, it was down to a rock getting stuck in there (I was on the mtb), but hey ho...

Anyhoo...I'm wondering if maybe you haven't figured out which is your 'chocolate foot' yet? This is the foot that your body naturally gravitates to while you are riding. An easy way to tell is to see which foot is forward when you are going down hills and out of the saddle. It will feel more natural to have one foot forward vs. the other. This is usually the same foot that comes out of your pedal at a stop.

Perhaps your left foot is your chocolate foot. It doesn't matter if you are right or left handed, this doesn't determine which foot is dominant. I'm right handed, and my left foot is the one that's out of the pedal when I stop.

[jobob]

Anyhoo...I'm wondering if maybe you haven't figured out which is your 'chocolate foot' yet? This is the foot that your body naturally gravitates too while you are riding.

Why is it called that?

[TrekWSDmechanic]

Well it comes from the German use of the word 'schokoladenbein', which literally translates to 'chocolate leg', but in context means 'favored leg'. I think it was probably Hans Rey who is credited for taking it to the bike world.

It probably sounds like I'm making this up, but I'm not. :)

[DDH]

I think we have all fallen at least once. I didn't have an audience when I fell, but I'm here to tell you it's still very embarrassing cause you think everyone in the neighborhood saw you.
Mine was pulling up to the mail box trying to be cool on my bike and thinking I would just pull up beside it and use the mailbox to brace myself and then peddle away and never unclip. UH!!!! I missed the mailbox! LOL Word of advice, you can't unclip when you are in a panic. LOL
I just plum fell over. Jumped up from the ground and looked around to see if anyone was outside to see me, and then the feelings of "you big dummy" came over me.

[jobob]

I didn't have an audience when I fell,

Sorry, it doesn't count unless you have an audience. :cool:

:D

[Crankin]

Somehow, I never fell when I first using clipless pedals. But, about a year later, I did fall in the middle of a busy intersection at a light (Rt. 117/62 in Stow). It's one of those little uphill stops that I now hate at all costs. I have never gone through this intersection again, unless I am turning right and don't have to stop! Eight years later...
I always unclip with my left foot. I just lean a bit and unclip a little bit ahead of where I think I will need to. It never occurred to me to try and unclip with both feet. It's funny, I know I started unclipping on the right, but I switched when I read something, can't remember what. Now, I absolutely cannot unclip on the right, which I know is bad. I am definitely left footed; in fact I can barely walk my bike from the right side. It just doesn't feel right. On the other hand, I can unclip on the right when I am mountain biking, but I think that is fear of killing myself, so I am prepared for any emergency.

[ny biker]

When I was considering getting clipless pedals, I spoke to my trainer about it, and he said I shouldn't get them because you have to be able to laugh at yourself when you fall while stopped at an intersection, and he didn't think I could do that. I've proved him wrong more than once. Hell, I photograph the resulting injuries and post them on the internet...

[MamboGirl]

Anyhoo...I'm wondering if maybe you haven't figured out which is your 'chocolate foot' yet? This is the foot that your body naturally gravitates to while you are riding. An easy way to tell is to see which foot is forward when you are going down hills and out of the saddle. It will feel more natural to have one foot forward vs. the other. This is usually the same foot that comes out of your pedal at a stop.

Perhaps your left foot is your chocolate foot. It doesn't matter if you are right or left handed, this doesn't determine which foot is dominant. I'm right handed, and my left foot is the one that's out of the pedal when I stop.

I think you are right - my left foot is my "chocolate" foot. I think that with the normal pedals, I would stand on my right pedal to move out of the seat just prior to stopping. Hard to remember because I never thought about it. I'm left handed, and I like to stand on the left side of my bike.

[Possegal]

I drive a stick and still unclip on the right first, for what it is worth. :) Though I've worked to do that, as that leg is my surgical knee and at first I was nervous twisting that foot out. Now, it is more natural to do that.

I love the "you can't unclip when you are in a panic", true true. I think I panic less now, and that helps a lot.

My friends and family said it was important to yell TIMBER as you fall, or the music from Laugh in when the guy would ride a tricycle and fall over. I like to just say TA DA, when I get back up.

Yep, a sense of humor goes a long way! :)

[MamboGirl]

Ugh, I fell once in front of an entire bus full of people. And I was just congratulating myself on not falling for about a year... then fell over twice in one day. And not on emergency stops either. Bleah.

I also unclip coming to a planned stop; I like my cleats a little farther back than the middle of the ball of my foot, so I can use the ball/toes to keep pedaling. I unclip my left pedal, and lean over while still on the saddle, with the right foot up at 1-2 o'clock ready to go. Saddle height is related to leg length... you should be able to do this(?)

I've learned that if I'm doing something that requires thought (like reading a map) that I'd better unclip both feet and hop off the saddle, otherwise at some point I'll shift weight too much and tip over on the right, very amusing for bikers that were also reading the map. I also wasn't good with sudden stops, but now I can get my foot out and down before stopping, even if it seems pretty close.

I am saving up to get Speedplay pedals for my roadbike, but in the meantime I have Shimano pedals, and I got the cleats that will come out at a variety of angles. I have Crank Brother mallet pedals on my 'cross and mountain fair / bad weather commuters -- good with and without clipless shoes -- and initially had the cleats set up with minimum float, which meant that I had to rotate less to get them out of the clips.

Just out of curiosity -- how many people drive sticks? I am wondering if people put their left foot down more often if they are used to putting the clutch in with their left foot for stopping. (The real test would be asking the right-foot clutch "island" people in the UK, Japan, and down under.)


LOL - your post cracked me up. Thank you so much for sharing (I thank everyone for sharing!) It does make me feel better so many have shared my experience.
Yeah, I can't lean the bike and touch the ground while still on the saddle. The guy at the bike shop did the fitting, raised the seat up and moved it back a bit, so my legs and knees are all at the correct angles while spinning. My son (who is a bike enthusiast) told me that on a road bike I shouldn't be able to touch the ground while on the saddle. If the saddle is too low, he and the bike shop guy explained, I would eventually damage my knees. But, when sitting still at a light, I stand on my left foot, forward of the saddle, and keep my right foot on the pedal at around the 1:00 position, ready to go. I'm doing this with the clipless too. I just got to learn which side to clip out of to come to a complete stop and step down without getting confused and falling over.

[emily_in_nc]

I barely averted a clipless fall on today's ride. The screws in my right cleat (Eggbeaters) had become loose, and I didn't realize it. When I went to unclip my right foot at a stop sign, I rotated my heel out and out and out until my toes were pointed RIGHT at my frame, and I still couldn't unclip. By this time I'd slowed to nearly zero mph and had gone off into the grass on the right side of the road (thank heavens there was grass as I knew I was going down very, very soon). It all happened in slow motion, and I kept thinking "Damn, I'm gonna fall, and double damn, the guy in the car coming the other way is going to see me!"

Somehow, someway, at literally the last second, I was able to send a signal from my brain to my almost completely irrelevent left foot (I NEVER unclip on the left), unclip it, and lean my bike that way. One second later, and I would have been in the grass. I still can't believe I didn't fall! :eek:

I took my foot out of my Keen sandal on the right and figured out why I couldn't unclip: one of the two screws had fallen completely out, and the other was loose, allowing the cleat to rotate 360 degrees around on the pedal but not unclip. My DH tried a couple of tools but could not get the shoe off, and I just knew I couldn't ride having to clip out on the left all day. Fortunately, I was finally able to muscle the shoe off the pedal somehow, and we ended up putting the 2nd screw from the left cleat onto the right cleat so that I could clip out without freaking out.

I rode 43 more miles with only one screw in my left cleat and nary a problem! Disaster averted.... :p

[MamboGirl]

I'll bet nearly everyone here who uses clipless pedals has done that AT LEAST once. Uh, hello! :o

Good advice above. You'll get the hang of it!

OK - Practice, practice, practice.... I'll get my nerve up to get out there again tomorrow. Funny, it sounds quite simple, but it is easy to get uncoordinated since it takes a split second to lose balance. Thanks for the encouragement!

[MamboGirl]

I barely averted a clipless fall on today's ride. The screws in my right cleat (Eggbeaters) had become loose, and I didn't realize it. When I went to unclip my right foot at a stop sign, I rotated my heel out and out and out until my toes were pointed RIGHT at my frame, and I still couldn't unclip. By this time I'd slowed to nearly zero mph and had gone off into the grass on the right side of the road (thank heavens there was grass as I knew I was going down very, very soon). It all happened in slow motion, and I kept thinking "Damn, I'm gonna fall, and double damn, the guy in the car coming the other way is going to see me!"

Somehow, someway, at literally the last second, I was able to send a signal from my brain to my almost completely irrelevent left foot (I NEVER unclip on the left), unclip it, and lean my bike that way. One second later, and I would have been in the grass. I still can't believe I didn't fall! :eek:

I took my foot out of my Keen sandal on the right and figured out why I couldn't unclip: one of the two screws had fallen completely out, and the other was loose, allowing the cleat to rotate 360 degrees around on the pedal but not unclip. My DH tried a couple of tools but could not get the shoe off, and I just knew I couldn't ride having to clip out on the left all day. Fortunately, I was finally able to muscle the shoe off the pedal somehow, and we ended up putting the 2nd screw from the left cleat onto the right cleat so that I could clip out without freaking out.

I rode 43 more miles with only one screw in my left cleat and nary a problem! Disaster averted.... :p

Wow Emily that is quite a story! Since you are experienced, you were able to recover quickly. I gather from this you carry some sort of tool set with you? What do you carry? I've read that it is good to get one of those multi-tool all in one things... I just have the little pack under the saddle with my patch kit and extra tube, and enough room for my cell phone, so I would need to get something small.

[MamboGirl]

Did you all get my play on words? Ms. Coordinated... miscoordinated... get it?
:D

[emily_in_nc]

Wow Emily that is quite a story! Since you are experienced, you were able to recover quickly. I gather from this you carry some sort of tool set with you? What do you carry? I've read that it is good to get one of those multi-tool all in one things... I just have the little pack under the saddle with my patch kit and extra tube, and enough room for my cell phone, so I would need to get something small.

Yes, you should DEFINITELY carry a multi-tool, even if it means changing to a slightly larger, more functional seat bag. My DH carries all that stuff when we ride together, but if I were riding alone, I'd be carrying it (and tire irons, tube, etc). We couldn't have gotten the screws swapped around in my cleats without the proper sized hex wrench, and there are many other uses on rides too -- like if you seatpost slips and you need to tighten it back up. I've lent mine to a racer decked out in full team kit but no seat bag before. Felt kinda smug. :D

[jobob]

I took my foot out of my Keen sandal on the right and figured out why I couldn't unclip: one of the two screws had fallen completely out, and the other was loose, allowing the cleat to rotate 360 degrees around on the pedal but not unclip.

Too funny, I had the exact same thing happen to me once, with Keen sandals and eggbeater pedals, no less!

... I don't mean to imply that is an inherent problem with Keen cycling sandals or eggbeater cleats, it's just a coincidence. :cool:

I had simply forgotten to Loctite the cleat screws once I decided I had them set correctly on the soles of my Keens, and eventually the screws came loose.

Luckily I discovered it in a stress-free location near my home (like, not at an intersection :eek:), and I was able to ride back home OK and unclip with my "vanilla" foot.

My husband and I had a heck of a time getting that shoe removed from the pedal though, oy!

So no harm done, but lesson learned! I now remember to use a bit of (blue) Loctite threadlock on the screws once I have the cleats set to where I want them, and to check the tightness of the screws occasionally.

[KnottedYet]

Anyhoo...I'm wondering if maybe you haven't figured out which is your 'chocolate foot' yet? This is the foot that your body naturally gravitates to while you are riding. An easy way to tell is to see which foot is forward when you are going down hills and out of the saddle. It will feel more natural to have one foot forward vs. the other. This is usually the same foot that comes out of your pedal at a stop.


Nope, I'm just the opposite. Left foot likes to be forward, and right foot likes to clip out first (and always has, even back in the dark ages before you were born and all we had were cages). Never heard it called "chocolate foot" in all my years of riding. Nice name.

Left foot and left hand like to be in charge of the bike. I'm left-handed, too. Right hand will get the water bottle and right foot will reach for the ground.

[tctrek]

I've had three zero mph falls and always with an audience of other riders. How embarrassing:o:o:o. My worst one was the first day I was riding clipless. After riding about 25 miles, crossing many side streets where we had to stop, clip out and clip back in, I was thinking I was on top of the world. 25 miles clipless without a single incident! Yay me! Then we pulled up beside a nice cool creek where there were about 10 riders stopped for a little rest and social time. We pulled up, I unclipped (I do the left side first). Leaned to the right with right foot still clipped in and skated right into the creek. Up to my knees in water up to my ankles in creek mud. It was humiliating.

Zero mph falls are what happens when you lose focus just a little. Gets ya every time.

[szsz]

I'll bet nearly everyone here who uses clipless pedals has done that AT LEAST once. Uh, hello! :o

Word. I can't believe I did this AGAIN just the other day, right in the path of an oncoming cyclists, no less :o He was a doll about it and I was fine but for the embarrassment, bruise, and nicely skinned knee. OWW!!! :)

This was on my grocery-getter bike right after yoga so all my zen went right out the window, but at least I wasn't worried about damage to my hybrid steel tanker. (Also wearing Keen sandals, but they were not an issue. Love them!) Maybe I was too zen. I don't really know why I went down.


we ended up putting the 2nd screw from the left cleat onto the right cleat so that I could clip out without freaking out.


When I recently replaced my cleats (Mr. Sz says I stop like Fred Flintstone, but that's another topic for another thread) bike shop guy gives me the extra screws and advises to put them in my bike bag. My friend lost a cleat screw on a previous ride so I immediately saw the wisdom. (Now all I need, of course, is a multitool!)

[KnottedYet]

Naw, you need these: http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.drillium :p;):p:D

"Three out of Four Knot bikes approve of BMX pedals"

[emily_in_nc]

So no harm done, but lesson learned! I now remember to use a bit of (blue) Loctite threadlock on the screws once I have the cleats set to where I want them, and to check the tightness of the screws occasionally.

That is funny that we both had the same experience! DH chastised me for not having him adjust my cleats before this happened, since he would have used Loctite too. I had no clue. Now I know! :rolleyes:

[DDH]

Sorry, it doesn't count unless you have an audience. :cool:

:D

Okay, but my hip thought it counted. ;) LOL I will conquer that I don't count, but please don't jinx me into counting. LOL:eek::D

[Cataboo]

If I try to unclip on the wrong side from normal, it can end badly... Usually I can get my other foot out in time to recover... but I did it a few months back and basically fell into a mud puddle in a ditch right next to the road (I think I'd gottne my foot out in time, but the side of the road ended abrubtly and I couldn't reach the ground)

[Kano]

Heh -- when I manage to unclip on the "wrong side" I can't get going again!

Again -- I must not be an ambi-clipper!

Karen in Boise

[pinkbikes]

Just out of curiosity -- how many people drive sticks? I am wondering if people put their left foot down more often if they are used to putting the clutch in with their left foot for stopping. (The real test would be asking the right-foot clutch "island" people in the UK, Japan, and down under.)

There could be something in this. My chocolate foot is my left and I drive a manual shift too. And btw the pedals are not reversed when the "handedness" of the drive is changed. Those of us who sit in the right hand side of the car to drive still push the clutch in with our left foot!:)

I always thought my left foot was chocolate because I am short (and lazy) and when I pull up at the lights (on the left side of the road) I unclip and roll up to the kerb and plonk my left foot on it so I don't have to get off the seat.

Or - that I am quite right foot dominant and so I like to get a good push off with my right foot on the pedal?

Maybe all of the above?:confused:

[MamboGirl]

Why is it called that?


Well it comes from the German use of the word 'schokoladenbein', which literally translates to 'chocolate leg', but in context means 'favored leg'. I think it was probably Hans Rey who is credited for taking it to the bike world.

It probably sounds like I'm making this up, but I'm not. :)

Here's a response from a German friend, who is in Germany:
Schokoladen-Bein is a private word-combination. It is nothing formal. It is the first time I ever heard it.

You say here e.g. "meine Schokoladenseite" i.e. "my chocolate side" (of my character. So it's more in an abstract way used.

[CyborgQueen]

Went on a bike ride for the first time with clipless pedals yesterday. I've been practicing on the trainer for two days. And I felt comfortable.

100 feet later to a stop, I fell. *groan* And yes, it was in front of an audience. "New pedals eh?" They say. I had a little bit of a road rash, but nothing too severe.

I think the pedals were on too tight, I might loosen it a bit.

The problem I have is getting momentum and clipping in, but one advice that I will try is to pedal anyways until coasting, then clip in. I'll practice that. :-D

[Red Rock]

I had a maiden fall when I first went clipless, it was proably within the first week or so.

This was after my DH had held the bike while I practiced cliping in and out for a half hour or so before going onto the street. The next day, I ventured to the local school parking lot. This way I could still practice riding, stopping with the whole clip unclip routine. Then when I felt more comfortable I ventured on to the road

Even now I still unclip my right side long a head before stopping. This way I know I will be able to put my foot down without any problems.

Practice, practice and more practice. Soon it will become second nature and you'll love how it makes riding so much more fun.

Red Rock

[MamboGirl]

Went on a bike ride for the first time with clipless pedals yesterday. I've been practicing on the trainer for two days. And I felt comfortable.

100 feet later to a stop, I fell. *groan* And yes, it was in front of an audience. "New pedals eh?" They say. I had a little bit of a road rash, but nothing too severe.

I think the pedals were on too tight, I might loosen it a bit.

The problem I have is getting momentum and clipping in, but one advice that I will try is to pedal anyways until coasting, then clip in. I'll practice that. :-D

Oh I feel for you.
when you say "the pedals were on too tight" do you mean the pedals or the cleats? I don't know the mechanics of this, being completely new to it, and the bike shop guys installed my pedals and cleats. But I read that if the cleats are too loose, it is hard to clip out. If you could possibly take your bike and cleats to the bike shop and get in them to readjust, that's what I'd do.

For the getting momentum and clipping in problem -- can you clip in one side while standing still? I straddle the top tube, clip in the right foot (with the pedal in the bottom position), and my left foot is still on the ground. Then I lift up my right foot to an angle where I can push off and get going up and on the saddle, that gives me the momentum then to clip in the left foot. So, right foot clipped in before going, then left foot clips in while coasting. (I am left-handed so perhaps you might do the opposite).

Today I got back on the bike and tried again! And I took everyone's advice. I paid attention and realized that my left foot is my "chocolate" foot, as that is the one that is forward always when coasting. So before I'm going to start braking, I have the left pedal down all the way, unclip, then I bring the right pedal down all the way so that I can stand on it while clipped in as I come to a stop and move up off the saddle and forward. I set my left foot (which is loose) on the ground. My right foot stays clipped in, so I'm ready to go. It worked! It did take concentration but I didn't fall!

[MamboGirl]

There could be something in this. My chocolate foot is my left and I drive a manual shift too. And btw the pedals are not reversed when the "handedness" of the drive is changed. Those of us who sit in the right hand side of the car to drive still push the clutch in with our left foot!:)

I always thought my left foot was chocolate because I am short (and lazy) and when I pull up at the lights (on the left side of the road) I unclip and roll up to the kerb and plonk my left foot on it so I don't have to get off the seat.

Or - that I am quite right foot dominant and so I like to get a good push off with my right foot on the pedal?

Maybe all of the above?:confused:

I drive a manual shift, too. And my left foot is apparently dominant. Maybe there's something to this. :) I am left-handed, so that's why I thought my left foot would be dominant.

[jobob]

I think the pedals were on too tight, I might loosen it a bit.


Might be good to mention what type of pedals/cleats you use. Some systems are adjustable, some are not.

Eggbeaters, for instance, are a totally different design from, say, SPD-style pedals. Eggbeater pedals are not adjustable, but their design makes them generally easier to clip in & out of, imho (err, when the cleats aren't loose, that is :D)

[GreatPaws]

I haven't fallen (yet!!) but here's what's helped me.
I grew up in Wisconsin, so I skiied. Alot.
To stop, as a beginner, you're taught to "snowplow"- kick both heels out so your feet make a wedge or a "v".
When I was in the shop trying to #$%^$#!! get into these pedals (time somethings with spd cleats) on my brand new Giant bike (xs size, which I find ironic) the LBS guys and I couldn't figure out why I wasn't "clicking into " the shoe. Then one said treat it like a ski boot and- wahla!- i'm in! So it was instinct that if I wanted to stop to turn my heels out and then my shoes pop out.

I think I've just lucked out.

BTW, I"m getting my Trek 7.1 fx next week. Can't decide on clipless pedals for that one! Any suggestions after reading all this would be great..

[ccbloom]

Okay, DH put on my pedals two days ago, and he knew it was going to be trouble. I practiced with one foot clipped in around my neighborhood for a few minutes. Then I got going with two clipped in. Unclipped my right, as that's my "chocolate foot". Couldn't get my left unclipped, leaned left and fell. Had to use one of DD's princess bandaids. :D

After that, he took the pedals off and put the stock ones off, basically forbidding me to use the clipless pedals on any rides for fear that I might get killed or hurt because I can't stop fast and get off the bike if I need to. I sort of agree. How the heck do I change all of this? I can't really practice without the pedals on, and I don't think I'm strong enough to change them out myself (I think they have lock-tite on them). He insists that they're only for "professional" riders.

I have shimano m520 (think those are the numbers). I think they're adjustable, so maybe they were just too tightly clipped?

ETA: I've thought about returning them to the LBS, but I scratched up one of the pedals when I fell. They'd take back the shoes because they were clearance which means someone had already taken them for a spin.

[Kano]

BTW, I"m getting my Trek 7.1 fx next week. Can't decide on clipless pedals for that one! Any suggestions after reading all this would be great..

I'm no expert, but my suggestion? Pedals like the ones you have on your current bike -- at least that work the same. It's easier! You don't HAVE to get more shoes, you don't have to think about which bike you're on and how the clips work when you want off....

Karen in Boise

[Kano]

After that, he took the pedals off and put the stock ones off, basically forbidding me to use the clipless pedals on any rides for fear that I might get killed or hurt because I can't stop fast and get off the bike if I need to. I sort of agree. How the heck do I change all of this? I can't really practice without the pedals on, and I don't think I'm strong enough to change them out myself (I think they have lock-tite on them). He insists that they're only for "professional" riders.

I have shimano m520 (think those are the numbers). I think they're adjustable, so maybe they were just too tightly clipped?


Oh dear, one of those worry-wart husbands! First, he's wrong. They're not just for "professional" riders -- they're for anyone who wants to pedal efficiently!

Yes, unless someone already adjusted them as loose as they go, you should be able to loosen them up a bit, AND mine have gotten easier as I've used them.

Now, to helpl allay his fears of your bodily harm, try my method: unclip your chocolate foot, put it solidly on the ground, and only when you are otherwise stable, unclip the still clipped foot. If you're not actually moving away from the vehicle when you stop, you really don't need to unclip it, only to clip back in as soon as you're moving again!

Karen in Boise

[Yelsel]

I think my feet are confused. My right foot is definitely dominant; I use it to haul myself up while hiking, and unfortunately this means it is about 20% stronger than the left. I have the right foot forward when coasting usually, as well, though I switch it up for entertainment value. But I walk, carry and mount on the left side of the bike, and also unclip and put my left foot down. I am pretty sure the leading / mounting from the left is due to horseback riding though.

I should have known the clutch pedal was on the same side of the driver in all cars... I've driven in England.

[ccbloom]

try my method: unclip your chocolate foot, put it solidly on the ground, and only when you are otherwise stable, unclip the still clipped foot.

LOL! That's what I was trying to do when I fell, sort of. I had already unclipped my right foot and went to lean to put it on the ground...except I leaned left and that one was still clipped :eek: Maybe this weekend I'll convince him to let me try again since I don't think I can return them.

[MamboGirl]

I agree with Karen in Boise - clipless pedals are not just for "professional" riders. I don't blame the worry wart husband not wanting to see his loved one falling and getting hurt though!

My son is a bicycle enthusiast, does long rides like Hotter than Hell and RAGBRAI. And builds bikes. He is a big fan of eggbeaters clipless pedals. And he says that he has mountain bike clipless for his road bike. Road bike cleats aren't made for walking on, because they are made for those racers who are supported by a car on their races. Next year, after I get good use from these clipless pedals (Speedplay Light Action), I am going to get some for mountain bikes.

I went riding today again (31 miles - my longest ride!) and didn't fall once. I concentrated on unclipping the left foot as I approached my stops, then lowering the right pedal down to the 6:00 position so that I could stand up on that pedal to get off the saddle and move forward. Then I put my left foot on the ground. Still not totally second nature. But getting better!

[azfiddle]

I'm new here- first post! I've had the road bike for two weeks, and switched to the clipless pedals this afternoon. After reading the posts here, and talking to my husband, I knew there was an adjustment process. I successfully maneuvered the lock in- swivel out procedure riding around the neighborhood. But.... I didn't escape unscathed. I was at a stop, my foot was safely out of the pedal but I had neglected to get my foot down firmly onto the pavement (those soles are slippery!) and down I went - right on my bottom. Fortunately the only audience was my husband, who also caught the bike....

Sharon

[MamboGirl]

But.... I didn't escape unscathed. I was at a stop, my foot was safely out of the pedal but I had neglected to get my foot down firmly onto the pavement (those soles are slippery!) and down I went - right on my bottom. Fortunately the only audience was my husband, who also caught the bike....

Sharon

I would say you escaped unscathed! Your husband caught the bike! I fell on the pavement. Got a couple of nice bruises and a skinned knee.

[azfiddle]

I know it could have been way worse and reading all these other stories was very helpful!

I hit the ground pretty hard, was definitely feeling it last night, and I'm sure there is a good bruise, but it's way better today. I didn't have any problems on my real ride today, now that I know about how to put my weight on my heels of the shoes and not on the plate or the slippery part of the sole!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Like Knot, I prefer riding platform pedals, not clipless systems.
Despite what everyone is always insisting on, I maintain that one can indeed ride perfectly well and 'efficiently' without clipless systems. -Unless maybe you are competing/racing.

[Tropical Scream]

<snip>Then I don't know why I forgot the left foot was clipped. But I guess I wasn't concentrating because I tried putting the left foot down on the ground, and by the time I realized it was clipped in. it was too late. <snip>

New member here. I wanted to thank you for your post. I went down -twice- on my last ride and decided my motto was, "I am -so- going down." Here's a link to the picture that inspired the quote:

http://tropicalscreamer.blogspot.com/2009/07/monday-humor.html

I'm just getting back into riding. One of my old Look clipless pedals was too hard to unclip even on the "easiest" setting, so I got new Shimanos. They were so easy to unclip that I sort of forgot that I was clipped in. (I never fell with the hard-to-unclip first pair. The difficulty of clipping out made me pay attention.)

My first stop, I clipped out right and leaned left. (I was trying to switch over to unclipping the right foot first so I could stop bumping my calf against the chain/gears.)

My next stop, I clipped out left and leaned right.

One scraped elbow later, I've decided not to try to change which I unclip first. It also was a great lesson that I need to be mindful when I ride. It was definitely a lack on concentration on my part.

I'm off to read all the posts in the Forum. I am so happy to have found this spot on the 'Net thanks to a Google search.

Best regards,
Darilyn

[nsandz]

Ugh! I was just convinced by my boyfriend and the local bike shop owner that going clipless was the best thing for me. So I did, and now I have fancy new pedals and shoes...I hate it! I am reluctant to ride my bike now. EVERYTIME I ride I fall off at some point. Not only is that embarrassing but it hurts too, I always get bruises and cuts. I have a ton of advice from multiple sources on how to avoid falling but I don't think technique is the problem. I panic real easily while riding clipless I am afraid a car will cut me off, or a child will run out in front of me, or I will just fall over in the middle of an intersection. I know these are unlikely, but I panic nonetheless. I don't like being scared of riding my bike. Whenever I panic I cannot get my foot un-clipped. I hope one day soon this will stop otherwise I am going back to my sucky regular pedals :(

[redrhodie]

Ugh! I was just convinced by my boyfriend and the local bike shop owner that going clipless was the best thing for me. So I did, and now I have fancy new pedals and shoes...I hate it! I am reluctant to ride my bike now. EVERYTIME I ride I fall off at some point. Not only is that embarrassing but it hurts too, I always get bruises and cuts. I have a ton of advice from multiple sources on how to avoid falling but I don't think technique is the problem. I panic real easily while riding clipless I am afraid a car will cut me off, or a child will run out in front of me, or I will just fall over in the middle of an intersection. I know these are unlikely, but I panic nonetheless. I don't like being scared of riding my bike. Whenever I panic I cannot get my foot un-clipped. I hope one day soon this will stop otherwise I am going back to my sucky regular pedals :(

Just go back to your old pedals now! They worked!

[ny biker]

Ugh! I was just convinced by my boyfriend and the local bike shop owner that going clipless was the best thing for me. So I did, and now I have fancy new pedals and shoes...I hate it! I am reluctant to ride my bike now. EVERYTIME I ride I fall off at some point. Not only is that embarrassing but it hurts too, I always get bruises and cuts. I have a ton of advice from multiple sources on how to avoid falling but I don't think technique is the problem. I panic real easily while riding clipless I am afraid a car will cut me off, or a child will run out in front of me, or I will just fall over in the middle of an intersection. I know these are unlikely, but I panic nonetheless. I don't like being scared of riding my bike. Whenever I panic I cannot get my foot un-clipped. I hope one day soon this will stop otherwise I am going back to my sucky regular pedals :(


Under what circumstances are you falling? Is it because you're coming to a stop but aren't clipping out in time? Unclipping with one foot but then leaning the other way? Trying to unclip but just can't get your foot out? Something else?

I think it can help your overall confidence a lot if you can get over the fears, so it's worth trying. But having a ton of advice from multiple sources can be overwhelming, so if you can specify when/why you're falling, we can figure out specifically how you can address it and overcome it.

Also, practicing in a safe environment can help a lot. Did the people at the shop help you practice clipping and unclipping? At my LBS they put my bike on an indoor trainer and let me practice for as long as I wanted. You can also practice indoors by being near something to hold onto, like a doorway or sturdy piece of furniture (desk or table, not a chair), or a balcony or porch railing. Or if you can find a big grassy field, you can practice there since it's a much softer place to fall if you don't get clipped out in time.

[nsandz]

The bike store was/is very nice to me, they let me practice on a trainer and the owner coached me and told me that I should unclip one foot 1st and place it firmly on the ground. I should make sure that I have the brakes on while unclipping my other foot so the bike will not move around a lot. I was told that unclipping at the top of the pedal stroke is the easiest. Also, before each ride I practice with Kevin (my boyfriend) holding the bike up and then I ride around in a parking lot or something for a little bit.

The thing is that I can do it, I just don't enjoy it. I am constantly afraid of being in a situation that I will not be able to get my foot unclipped in time. For instance, while following Kevin he will stop unexpectedly and I nearly crash into him and can't get my foot out in time. (We started signaling to each other so I know when he is stopping, but sometimes he still forgets) Anyway, I usually find myself falling when I stop quickly. I cannot go through the motions in time. When I stop quickly I am not able to get my foot unclipped at all and fall over. Also, sometimes I panic because I am afraid I will not be able to unclip and then of course I cannot unclip. Due to this I spend the whole ride constantly clipping and unclipping my foot while riding just incase. Also, I am scared of making tight corners on my bike because I know I will not be able to unclip incase I need to steady myself. Kevin says that it will eventually become a learned behavior and I wont have to think about it anymore, but I am doubtful.:(

[Yelsel]

Ugh! I was just convinced by my boyfriend and the local bike shop owner that going clipless was the best thing for me. So I did, and now I have fancy new pedals and shoes...I hate it! I am reluctant to ride my bike now. EVERYTIME I ride I fall off at some point. Not only is that embarrassing but it hurts too, I always get bruises and cuts. I have a ton of advice from multiple sources on how to avoid falling but I don't think technique is the problem. I panic real easily while riding clipless I am afraid a car will cut me off, or a child will run out in front of me, or I will just fall over in the middle of an intersection. I know these are unlikely, but I panic nonetheless. I don't like being scared of riding my bike. Whenever I panic I cannot get my foot un-clipped. I hope one day soon this will stop otherwise I am going back to my sucky regular pedals :(

Also try adjusting the springs so that you can get out really easily. Whenever you feel nervous, you should be able to unclip and move your foot up slightly... then if you need to put your foot down suddenly you can, or when you feel confident the issue has passed you can slide back and clip. Also consider a clipless system with a big platform -- I learned on Crank Brothers Mallets.

And I was in the slow group, I fell all the time at first with clipless pedals. But *I* wanted to use them, so I was motivated to keep going until I figured it out. If it is just your LBS and bf's opinion, go back to the pedals you like. If you need more power, or for longer trips, look into the half-cages that you can easily slip your feet in and out of - or again get something with a big platform so you can clip in on bike paths if you want. Get more confident in riding in traffic, and someday if *you* want to, try out clipless again.

[nsandz]

Also try adjusting the springs so that you can get out really easily. Whenever you feel nervous, you should be able to unclip and move your foot up slightly... then if you need to put your foot down suddenly you can, or when you feel confident the issue has passed you can slide back and clip. Also consider a clipless system with a big platform -- I learned on Crank Brothers Mallets.

And I was in the slow group, I fell all the time at first with clipless pedals. But *I* wanted to use them, so I was motivated to keep going until I figured it out. If it is just your LBS and bf's opinion, go back to the pedals you like. If you need more power, or for longer trips, look into the half-cages that you can easily slip your feet in and out of - or again get something with a big platform so you can clip in on bike paths if you want. Get more confident in riding in traffic, and someday if *you* want to, try out clipless again.

Just for the record, no one forced me, it was suggested a lot and finally I decided (on my own) to give it a try. I do like having clipless for the reason that when I am using them right I am able to go faster and hills are easier for me to do with them. The other issue is that I am training to ride longer as next year we want to go cross country on our bikes, and from what I am told it will be more advantageous to have clipless for a long journey. Do you think that is true? Anyway I don't feel that I was forced, and I do see the use and feel the difference, but my confidence is not there at all. But I will try your suggestions and am happy that you made them.:o

[abejita]

So tuesday, I got my speedplay lightaction pedals installed on my bike. I rode 3 or 4 miles around the neighborhood, stopping at each block to practice unclipping and stopping.

So yesterday, hubs and I take off for the lake. We turned the corner of our street up on and my chain totally freezes up and I can't move my pedals at all. (chain suck) I manage to unclip my foot, but I put my toe down (with the metal cleat) instead of my heel (with the rubber sole) and slip and end up laying on my side in the street with my tires spinning. To make matters even better...when I slipped, I hit the topbar of my bike with my pubic bone so hard that I now have an 1 1/2 cut on my girly bits. I was so pissed because I've had this issue with my bike since day one and have brought it in at least 5 times for them to fix it. Rode my bike home, standing up, and put it on the rack on the truck and brought it back to the shop.

I am right handed and have driven a standard all my life. Unclipping my left foot seems very natural to me.

[Cataboo]

Chain suck's nasty and can be hard to get rid of... But when you get it, instead of trying to pedal forwards, pedal backwards a little bit and see if you can undo it before your chain gets completely wedged in.

[abejita]

The bike is only 4 wks old and I have been having problems since day one. Mostly with the chain on the back derailleur jumping around when I am not shifting, but I've had other minor chain suck incidents before this one too. It has a year warranty, so they are either going to have to fix it or get me a new bike.

[tctrek]

Ugh! I was just convinced by my boyfriend and the local bike shop owner that going clipless was the best thing for me. So I did, and now I have fancy new pedals and shoes...I hate it! I am reluctant to ride my bike now. EVERYTIME I ride I fall off at some point. Not only is that embarrassing but it hurts too, I always get bruises and cuts. I have a ton of advice from multiple sources on how to avoid falling but I don't think technique is the problem. I panic real easily while riding clipless I am afraid a car will cut me off, or a child will run out in front of me, or I will just fall over in the middle of an intersection. I know these are unlikely, but I panic nonetheless. I don't like being scared of riding my bike. Whenever I panic I cannot get my foot un-clipped. I hope one day soon this will stop otherwise I am going back to my sucky regular pedals :(

I felt exactly the same way for a long time. I finally got over it by riding clipless just in spinning classes. I rode with platform pedals on the road. After quite some time and feeling very comfortable clipping in/out on a spinning bike, I tried on my road bike.

One of the keys to learning to ride clipless is to have a pattern and style that you always follow exactly the same every time. Here's mine:
1. To start out, I clip in my right foot.
2. Raise up the right foot to about 2 o'clock position
3. Push down on right pedal while hoisting myself up into the saddle.
4. Clip in left foot. Note: I can rotate the crank a couple of time without my left foot clipped in if I have trouble clipping in. Try not to look at your left foot as you clip in... it can put you off balance
To stop:
1. Hopefully, have a little notice that you are going to stop :)
2. Unclip left foot as approaching stop. Braking, slowing down, I might actually hang down my left leg ready to stop.
3. Fully braking, put your left foot down. Keep control of the bike - continue to brake... at this point you are a one legged girl on a skateboard :D
4. Lean bike left. when you are stable and fully planted, you can release the brake, but don't lean right or you can take off attached to the bike.

I do it exactly this way every single time. After a few rides following this, you can practice stopping with less advance preparation -- sudden stops. It's the same movements, just faster and you must be aware and focused.

I've had three falls in 2 years and all of them were zero mph, right foot clipped in, losing focus, not braking and leaning right.. the bike took off without me and down I went. Every time there were other riders around.. embarassing.

But, I agree with one thing -- riding your bike must first be fun. So, don't let riding clipless steal your fun. Platform pedals and toe clips are fun too!!

[VeloVT]

The bike store was/is very nice to me, they let me practice on a trainer and the owner coached me and told me that I should unclip one foot 1st and place it firmly on the ground. I should make sure that I have the brakes on while unclipping my other foot so the bike will not move around a lot.

I was told that unclipping at the top of the pedal stroke is the easiest.

(

This may be part of your problem. It's much easier to unclip at the bottom of the pedal stroke, and I"ve never heard anyone recommend otherwise.

[HoosierGiant]

This may be part of your problem. It's much easier to unclip at the bottom of the pedal stroke, and I"ve never heard anyone recommend otherwise.

Ditto.

[azfiddle]

Why is it that I only have pedal-related incidents when I'm riding with other people?:confused:

I never fall when I'm by myself but have had 3 falls in the last ten days, 1 w/ my husband (long back story which I won't explain) and two yesterday on a group ride. The first one didn't hurt much but looked "bloody awful" because it was on the healing skinned knee from last week. The other one didn't leave any visible evidence but I can definitely feel where I landed on both hips!

I think when I'm riding by myself it is easier to be aware of what's around me, when I might need to stop, less distractions and more choice/control of my decisions than in a group.

Right now, a couple of ibuprofen are in order though to get over my bruises from yesterday.

Sharon

[emily_in_nc]

Why is it that I only have pedal-related incidents when I'm riding with other people?:confused:

I'd say it's the distraction factor; I've had the same experience.

If it makes you feel any better, I'm beat up today because I slipped and fell coming out of our shed yesterday (the wooden ramp was slick and I had garden clogs on). I pulled something in the top of my foot and am very sore in one side of my rib cage today. So silly! If I am going to fall, I would have rather been doing something fun like riding my bike, not putting birdseed away! :(

Heal quickly!