Were you ever afraid of clipless?

[BC2COCyclist]

I've had a long-standing fear of riding clipless, I was convinced I would be unable to unclip in a sudden stop scenario etc. However, I will soon have a road bike so I will be learning how to clip in and unclip. Also, my platform (current) pedals on my current bicycles have pegs, so I think I'm quasi-ready to make the change...

My DH bought me Speed Play (?) road pedals yesterday and in a day or so, I'll be getting some shoes./cleats. He's going to put me on the trainer at first and get me used to clipping in and unclipping.

After that, I suppose I will use the pedals in the "real" world.

Did anyone else feel apprehensive about switching from platform to clipless?

[Catrin]

First of all, plenty of people do not clip in on road bikes, there is NO shame on using BMX or other good platform pedals on your road bike. If you want to wait until you are more comfortable with the road bike, especially if it has a different riding position and shifters than you are accustomed to there is certainly nothing wrong with that.

Practicing on the trainer will certainly help you get used to the action required without the fear of falling over and that is a GOOD thing :D Do this as often as you can...then when you've practiced so much on the trainer that you are sick of it, then take it to a nice empty parking lot somewhere and do it some more.

I think that most of us had some level of the same fear when moving to clipless, I certainly did and indeed I still wonder if I can unclip/act quickly enough in an emergency situation. I THINK I can, but unless something happens (hopefully not) I won't actually know.

[Veronica]

No, I was never fearful. I went clipless in '88 with SPDS on my mountain bike and eventually on a tandem and road bikes. I switched to egg beaters in 2005 and those are just as easy.

The motion of clipping in and clipping out has always seemed very intuitive to me and I am always a bit surprised by how many women seem to struggle with it.

Yes, I've had a few clipless falls - scars on my knee from one particularly stupid one that happened while I was standing still, but still had one foot clipped in. The others were from from dirty or loose cleats. I've had some spectacular mountain bike crashes and always came unclipped.

Veronica

[BC2COCyclist]

:)

Thing is...I eat it on platform-pedal bikes, too, so I don't know what I'm so scared of, LOL. I often tip over when getting on or off one of my bikes cause I'm extremely clumsy.

That said, my hardcore roadie DH does slow-speed tip overs, too, generally with an audience so I'm in good company there. Last time, a patch of sand got him.

I think, after using the pedals on the trainer a LOT! I should move to parking lots etc (like you suggested) on one of my crappy bicycles, long before I get the road bike as if I put a ding on my 21 year old kuwahara MTB (that I got for FREE LOL) I'm not going to do much crying about it. If I put a ding on a brand new $2000.00 road bike, I might need counselling, you know?

I once got my front wheel caught in traintracks that were ummm indented on a bike path when I was commuting home from my (crappy) ex-job. Slow-mo, I knew I was screwed, tipped over, scraped some spots, banged my elbow and squashed my foot underneath my (steel) hybrid. I'm the queen of dumb wipeouts etc.

[surgtech1956]

Yes, I was afraid of clipless pedals, toyed with the idea of buying some for a couple of months. Best thing I ever did. I have Shimano RD540s. I have mine adjusted so they release easily/quickly. I think they are much easier to use then 'toe clips'.

[BC2COCyclist]

More evidence that I'm a clumsy idiot: I just fell off my computer chair and jammed my arm when I 'landed.' Also, I injured my big toe nail but not severely. My 7 month old, who was playing nearby thought it was hilarious.

[zoom-zoom]

More evidence that I'm a clumsy idiot: I just fell off my computer chair and jammed my arm when I 'landed.' Also, I injured my big toe nail but not severely. My 7 month old, who was playing nearby thought it was hilarious.

Kids... :p

I have only been fearful when I had pedals that wouldn't release, not even on the loosest setting. I ended up having 2 falls within about 2 weeks of each other, even though I had only had something like 2 falls in the previous 6k miles of riding with mtn. SPD pedals. I think they were defective, since I now have a different brand/system and I was able to crank them about to about 1/3 of the way to fully tight and they are still WAY looser than those other pedals.

[Velocivixen]

Regardless of clip less or platform, I have observed that many riders, children and adults, do not know how to start from a stop. If you don't know how to start smoothly from a stop it doesn't matter what kind of pedals you have. There is also a correct way to stop so that you are smooth and are less likely to fall. During last Sunday's Portland Parkways it was surprising to see how many people don't start smoothly and wobble all over.
I am not saying that this describes you, however you mentioned not being great even on platform pedals so it got me thinking about the stops/starts.

[roo4]

Yes. Still am, at times. Especially on climbs that are too much for me--really hard to clip out going up hill.

[indysteel]

I wouldn't say afraid, really. When I first started using them (SPDS briefly and then Look Keos), I recognized that there was a learning curve and that I had to exercise a bit of patience with them and with myself. The SPDS were pretty easy, but I didn't really like them. The Keos took some practice in a parking lot. When I first had my LBS install them, I practiced them in the shop while on a trainer. It seemed pretty easy to get in and out of. My first ride with them was slightly traumatic in that that the tension was set too high and I could barely clip out. There were a few tense moments, but luckily I was in a park and I did get my foot out eventually. I learned that how easy a pedal feels on the trainer may be different on the road.

After a few practice runs, I really haven't struggled with them since. Every once in a while I'll have a ride where my timing on clipping in is off, but clipping out has always been pretty intuitive. I've had one (knock on wood) fall and that was because I had unclipped the foot I normally don't unclip for a stop because of a bad hot foot and it just threw my muscle memory off.

[jessmarimba]

I like them on uphills.

I'm afraid of going over the bars clipped in on a downhill again. But they're on my mountain bike because they were the only spare pedals I had when I brought it home.

I do have them on the absolute loosest setting right now, and I have no intention of changing that.

[Biciclista]

i resisted them for years. When I was ready, I paid someone $90 for a lesson..
still use them but occasionally i ride without them and it is very freeing.

[westtexas]

Nope. When I started riding as an adult, I never had platform pedals (I do now on my commuter and I hate them) and started out with SPDs. Can't imagine it being any other way. I've fallen over one time, but I was at a complete standstill at the bottom of a hill. I just ran out of steam and couldn't get my leg to do anything at all. My pride was wounded way more than my body.

[Crankin]

I really wasn't scared, either. I was scared of other things, but not clipless. I rode for about a year on flat pedals on an old mountain bike and when I got my first road bike, I got spds. DS took me out at 6 AM on a Sunday and I practiced. I rode around for 3 weeks with just one foot clipped in, but after that, it was totally intuitive. Two years later I switched to Speedplay X2s and I never had an issue.

[carlotta]

I bought my first road bike from a friend and it had one sided SPDs on it. The non-SPD side is lethally slippery metal, so I got over clipping in really fast, since the alternative was flying off the pedals (or buying new pedals, but I'm cheap :). Those pedals are still on my other road bike. I have had a couple uncomfortable moments in deep sand (leftover from flooding), snow, ice, and on a particularly big hill with a big load of groceries on the commuter but always gotten out.

I WAS scared to ride clipless on the fixie, but that has nicer platform/SPD combo pedals so I compromised and rode clipped in on one side for awhile until I was more comfortable and now it's easy and I vastly prefer being clipped in on that bike now.

[SheFly]

I wasn't afraid either. Been using SPDs and then Shimano road pedals for ever. They were so much easier than the toe straps and Power Grips that I learned with (for me - not for everyone).

I'd just like to comment that once you have the motion down on the trainer, the next best thing to do is to go to a GRASSY PARK/LAWN and practice, not a parking lot. That way, if you do have a fall, the landing will be softer. Don't worry - your road bike can handle riding on the grass :).

Good luck!

SheFly

[BC2COCyclist]

Thank you so much, everyone. I'll be back to talk more about the fear of clipless etc - our cat had to be euthanised tonight and my head is too muddled with grief to think clearly. :(((( He was 16 with heart failure and probable cancer and was extremely sick.

[jelee1311]

I was very aprehensive about going clipless,it was kind of a panicky claustriphobia. I rode with one foot clipped in for awhile. I got over it by riding a lot with them. When I crashed because my cleat stuck I learned from it. The next time I was starting from a stop and turtled over I just laughed and thought well now that's done I can get on with riding and not be afaid anymore. Now I wouldn't ride not being clipped in its improved my riding dramatically.I'm very sorry for your loss

[BC2COCyclist]

Thank you. <3

We bought shoes and socks today (hooray!) at Bicycle Village, 20% off, too.

DH bought the pedals on Saturday. Next step - put the pedals on my hybrid and put it on the trainer and practice, practice and practice some more. :)

[RubyTuesday]

I had no fear of clipless pedals at all until I bought my first pair and fell the first day. I wouldn't say I am afraid of them now, but I do respect the clipless pedal. :p

I traded in my 105's and my road shoes for a pair of SPD's with mountain bike shoes. Love the SPD's, not in love with the mountain bike shoes. I need to figure that out now.

[tzvia]

When I first heard about clipless- I was intrigued. And hopeful.

At the time, back in the 80s, I was using Campy Victory pedals with toeclips and straps. Loved the pedals, very well made, but hated the cages and straps. There had to be a better way, and I was certain I held them in my hand. The original LOOK pedals. I spent quite a bit of time on the trainer with them, learning how to click in and out. Rode with them for maybe a year or so, then got the newer models with the carbon release mechanism. Then Keywins, early Dura-Ace pedals, then Speedplay in the last 90s. Been on Speedplay since.

So it is a matter of where you are coming from. Do you like flat pedals? I don't. I've banged my shins on them with my clumsiness. Toeclips and straps? Been there, done that. Flipping pedals, searching for the cages, messing with straps. For me, clipless is the answer. Fear? No, being stuck in a toeclip and being unable to reach down to release the strap- that's fear.

[BC2COCyclist]

I like platforms fine, but I started using pedals with pegs in an attempt to not have my shoes slide off, you know? I believe it is more efficient to "roll" with clipless than platform, so that's my main motivation (well plus I can learn to bunny hop AND track stand!)

I cannot believe anyone ever rode with toe cages/those strap things. Now THAT is some scary stuff, right there!

[kcmpls]

I was very afraid of getting them and just made the jump two weeks ago to SPDs. Everything was fine and I was doing a great job of getting in and out of them. Until Saturday. Going up a big hill, I shifted wrong (shifted up instead of down). The bike came to a complete stop, and I went to put my foot down, and it didn't move. I said to my friend, "I'm going to fall," and then I did. It hurt. I got up. I walked up the hill and was on my way. If that is the worst of it, I'll be okay.

[Catrin]

I like platforms fine, but I started using pedals with pegs in an attempt to not have my shoes slide off, you know? I believe it is more efficient to "roll" with clipless than platform, so that's my main motivation (well plus I can learn to bunny hop AND track stand!)

I cannot believe anyone ever rode with toe cages/those strap things. Now THAT is some scary stuff, right there!

One can bunny hop and track stand without clipless pedals, I've seen people do it :) Not saying it probably isn't easier with them but it isn't a requirement.

[indysteel]

One can bunny hop and track stand without clipless pedals, I've seen people do it :) Not saying it probably isn't easier with them but it isn't a requirement.


Yep. Plus, for some reason, I assumed the OP was riding a road bike. Track standing and bunny hopping aren't necessarily skills I feel compelled to have on my road bike regardless of what pedals I'm using. Mountain biking, yes (although I haven't mastered either one), but not road.

[kimikaw]

My kiddo can now bunny hop (and level hop) his 29er. With platforms. Amazes me.

Esp. as how he just learned to MTB at the Midwest clinic in June...and gets frustrated with himself because it is "taking so long to learn"

[BC2COCyclist]

Yep. Plus, for some reason, I assumed the OP was riding a road bike. Track standing and bunny hopping aren't necessarily skills I feel compelled to have on my road bike regardless of what pedals I'm using. Mountain biking, yes (although I haven't mastered either one), but not road.

I have a hybrid and a 21 year old MTB...both have flat handlebars.

I thought bunny hopping was useful for avoiding certain road hazards...?

[indysteel]

I have a hybrid and a 21 year old MTB...both have flat handlebars.

I thought bunny hopping was useful for avoiding certain road hazards...?

Yes, but I can't say that I've ever employed the technique on my road bike. I just keep a close eye on the road. I'd venture a guess that most road riders don't know how to bunny hop or track stand.

[SheFly]

Yes, but I can't say that I've ever employed the technique on my road bike. I just keep a close eye on the road. I'd venture a guess that most road riders don't know how to bunny hop or track stand.

I can do both, but ride both MTB and road. That said, track standing on my road bike is a terrific skill - I don't have to unclip at red lights or stop signs (but I will, if necessary).

Bunny hopping on the road to avoid an obstacle is a BAD idea, generally. It can be done, but the potential danger is greater on the road than at slow speeds on the trails. And in a paceline/pack, there is NEVER an instance where you should be doing this as you would be putting others in danger (they might not see what you are hopping, and hit whatever you were avoiding).

These are both good skills, but be careful with their practice. And clipless pedals will simplify, but both can be achieved with platforms as well.

SheFly

[GLC1968]

I was never afraid of clipless either.

When I took up mountain biking in college, I had trouble with keeping my feet on the pedals. My bike shop gave me cages (this was pre-clipless) and I fell in love with them! It was SO much better than plain platforms for me.

Years (and years and years) later when I bought my first road bike, I immediately wanted clipless. I took to them immediately and once I got the hang of them on my road bike, I switched to them on my mtn bike too (much to the relief of my husband who was embarassed by my mtn bike cages!).

I have fallen due to the clipless pedals twice. Once while standing still on the side of the road. I lost my balance and couldn't unclip the only foot that was clipped in and over I went. Oops.

The second time was when I got cocky and thought I could manoeuver my way through an s-bend gate at the head of a walking trail. I thought I was coordinated enough to ride through it without unclipping and I was wrong. It resulted in a spectacular slow motion fall that had people applauding for me (once they saw me laughing at myself). The blood running down my leg for the rest of my ride home made me look super tough, too. :cool: Luckily, I was riding my super tough commuter bike and it sustained no injuries at all. ;)

[indysteel]

I can do both, but ride both MTB and road. That said, track standing on my road bike is a terrific skill - I don't have to unclip at red lights or stop signs (but I will, if necessary).

Bunny hopping on the road to avoid an obstacle is a BAD idea, generally. It can be done, but the potential danger is greater on the road than at slow speeds on the trails. And in a paceline/pack, there is NEVER an instance where you should be doing this as you would be putting others in danger (they might not see what you are hopping, and hit whatever you were avoiding).

These are both good skills, but be careful with their practice. And clipless pedals will simplify, but both can be achieved with platforms as well.

SheFly

I've seen people bunny hop on a road bike as a last resort to hitting an obstacle, but I've never seen anybody do it in a pack. As for trackstanding, I can see its utility and ride with plenty of people who do it at red lights, including my husband (although frankly, it looks like more effort than it's worth). I was just trying to explain that it's not an imperative skill to have for road biking such that you need to get clipless pedals so that you can learn to do it.

[laura*]

Fear? No, being stuck in a toeclip and being unable to reach down to release the strap- that's fear.


I cannot believe anyone ever rode with toe cages/those strap things. Now THAT is some scary stuff, right there!

I rode with toe clips for years. Not too long ago I gave clipless a try. It didn't agree with me. I started getting very afraid in certain situation - I knew I would not be able to get my foot out fast enough if something happened. Now I'm back to toe clips.

For me, the toeclip straps are a set once and forget about them for ten years sort of item. My feet come out of the toeclips just as easy as from fuzzy slippers. When I need to get a foot on the ground, I swing a leg back and down.* With this motion, it is as if the toe clip wasn't even present - as if I was riding plain platforms.

* I have long femurs which makes any bike somewhat of a pedal forward (i.e. cruiser) geometry. Thus I can get a toe on the ground while seated even on a proper height saddle.

[SheFly]

I was just trying to explain that it's not an imperative skill to have for road biking such that you need to get clipless pedals so that you can learn to do it.

And I agree, 100%!

SheFly

[NaeNae]

I learned how to use clipless about a month ago--initially was nervous because nearly everyone I talked to said to expect to fall while learning. (However, I did not.)

My boyfriend just had me sit on my bike with one hand on his pick-up and practice clipping in and out with one foot (LEFT) until I felt comfortable to ride around the yard practicing.

I think it is important to always clip out with the same foot.

I have found it much easier to clip out when that foot is at the bottom of the pedal stroke, as opposed to the top. I still always clip out maybe 20 yards before a stop sign, just in case there's a problem (meaning, I have enough time to try again, though I've never had a problem clipping out).

Hopefully you have someone to help you to make sure they are adjusted just right (not too loose, not too tight). Don't be afraid--it will be worth it! Good luck!

[BC2COCyclist]

I used my new Speedplay 0s for the first time tonight - on the trainer! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY :D :D :D

[Owlie]

Yes. It took me a year to get up the courage to use them. I skipped the toe cages/straps, because the movement required to get out of them isn't intuitive, and if you crash, clipless pedals should in theory release you, whereas there's a distinct possibility of breaking something due to getting stuck in cages.

Now, of course, I rather like them, and don't like riding without them, at least on a road bike.

I'm glad you're getting the hang of them. :)

[BC2COCyclist]

I'm also going to RIDE on the trainer as well as clip in/clip out as DH warned me my legs will get tired quicker with clipless - your legs don't get a break like they do with platform pedals.

ie: I'm going to *use* the pedals and build strength, eh?

[indysteel]

I'm also going to RIDE on the trainer as well as clip in/clip out as DH warned me my legs will get tired quicker with clipless - your legs don't get a break like they do with platform pedals.

ie: I'm going to *use* the pedals and build strength, eh?

That's assuming you have a good pedal stroke that utilizes both the upstroke and downstroke and everything in between. Your hamstrings might feel a bit tired for your first few rides, but my guess is that you'll adapt relatively quickly if you're otherwise in decent shape.

[Owlie]

My quads loved me for switching to clipless. My hamstrings...didn't, at least for the first few rides. They got used to it.

[BC2COCyclist]

Thanks, guys!

[indysteel]

My quads loved me for switching to clipless. My hamstrings...didn't, at least for the first few rides. They got used to it.

I've been riding with platforms on my mountain bike and, eek, my quads hate me. I can't wait to switch to clipless so that my hamstrings can share the load.

[BC2COCyclist]

I practiced clipping in and out several times today and I rode 5 (sweaty) miles on the trainer. :)))))

I notice that it is more difficult to clip out on one side than the other, which I think is odd.

I'll practice clipping in and out of the side that's easier for whatever reason, too, I think it's a good idea.

[Catrin]

I practiced clipping in and out several times today and I rode 5 (sweaty) miles on the trainer. :)))))

I notice that it is more difficult to clip out on one side than the other, which I think is odd.

I'll practice clipping in and out of the side that's easier for whatever reason, too, I think it's a good idea.

One side is always easier than the other, it has to do with which side is dominant or which is our power leg. My "power" leg actually isn't my right leg - oddly enough as I am quite right sided. I do clip in first with my right leg, but that is my preference.

[Sardine]

I practiced clipping in and out several times today and I rode 5 (sweaty) miles on the trainer. :)))))

I notice that it is more difficult to clip out on one side than the other, which I think is odd.

I'll practice clipping in and out of the side that's easier for whatever reason, too, I think it's a good idea.

Glad it's going well BC2COCyclist.

I agree with Catrin. I also find it easier to clip in and out on one side. In fact, I hardly ever clip out on the right side when riding except at the end of the ride or in an emergency. I clip and unclip on the left for stops (we drive on the left). I am also extremely right handed/sided/whatever. Believe it or not, I struggle to get on the bike from the right hand side. I have to do it from the left side, leading with my right leg.

Another thing that I realised this morning riding to work was how instinctive the clipping/unclipping action has become over time. I've just switched to narrower and shallower road bars on one bike which allows me to ride on the drops more easily. However, that puts me in a different position when I stop. I don't have to give much thought to clipping and unclipping when riding on the hoods because I'm so used to it but in this new position, I'm more conscious of 'planning ahead' just because it feels different.

[Owlie]

I have some range-of-motion issues in my left ankle, but even without it I'd still expect to prefer to clip out on the right.

[jessmarimba]

I clip in first with my non-dominant leg (left) - probably b/c it's easier to instinctively find the second pedal with my stronger leg. If I clip in with the right first the left takes forever to get right.

Clipping out...depends on where I'm stopping. I like to stay on the saddle at a light and put my right foot on the curb if it's close enough :) Otherwise the right side of the road slopes away farther so I put the left down.

[Titania]

I'm going in for another test ride and hopefully full fitting next Saturday, and I'm going to get fitted for clipless. Never having ridden them before, I'm nervous as can be.

My sales guy said they'd give me plenty of time in the trainer to get used to them...then I get to hope I don't kill myself on my test ride! :)

[BC2COCyclist]

Just go slow, so even if you crash, you won't be seriously hurt. I've tipped over with platform pedals many times (I get all tangled up trying to mount/dismount.) My pride and dignity were hurt worse than my body.

I still have not ridden the clipless outside yet but I will. :)

[sookiesue]

I was afraid of clipless, because I had Look pedals about 20 years ago and they were SUPER tight and I fell over a few times and just got generally annoyed with the whole thing. Then I didn't road ride for years (took up the mtn bike and never had the inclination to go clipless there) until this summer. I resisted clipless until my bike fitter said he thought I'd like them so much he'd buy the pedals back if I didn't want them after trying them out.
He fitted me with Speedplay frogs 2 days before my first road event, I tested them out one day and then off I went! They were so easy to use, I couldn't believe it. Granted, on the type of riding I do (mostly longer distances out in the country, not a lot of stopping required) I don't have to clip in and out much, but during my event this week we went through a few small towns with lots of stop lights and stop signs and I did just fine. The fear is gone! Hurray for Speedplay frogs!