Fear, fear, fear, plain old fear to clip and unclip. Advice please!

[Maye]

This may sound weird, but I've been riding all my life on bikes with plain pedals. I can pop my feet off both pedals easily at any time I want to. Now that I can afford a better bike and I want to take my cycling passion up a notch I bought a new Treak Lexa road bike with clip less pedals but I feel trapped in these things. I am locked into the bike which is not necessary bad (I know); me and the bike, just one being ;-) But its not easy to clip out. In fact, I usually clip out of the right, come to a stop and then clip out of the left. Most times I can remember to do so, but my muscle memory is so strong that the left foot "thinks" to be able to step right onto the ground and it does try to do so and the bike starts leaning over, I lose my balance, and fall. This happened first in the "maiden voyage" at a big intersection and thank goodness I was at the border of the intersection with no cars behind plus two very good experienced riders with me that alerted the drivers of the falling cyclist (oh boy). I was so ashamed and this happened at the end of a 12 mile bike ride that went really well.

This keeps happening and I am developing a phobia of riding, which is so weird for me. I've always been a very confident rider.

Help! What can I do? What about those Look Keo easy pedals? I currently have the Shimano PD-R540 SPD-SL. Should I enroll a basic road biking class? I need something, because I just don't know if I can keep going in this downward spiral into a fear of riding. I really enjoy riding and the enormous benefits associated to it and I don't want fear to interfere with this process. I won't give up but I need some advice in order to overcame this fear that makes me feel like I'm starting to learn how to ride a bike for the first time (silly I know!).

BTW, I got fitted a week ago and the fitter re-arranged the clip position and and loosened one that was way too tight. Money well spent, for sure!

[tealtreak]

Are you sure they are set as loose as possible? It is like ski bindings- don't set tight until ready- there is a + and - sign on the pedal and you just turn with an allen wrench- also- the cleats on your shoe must be tight or they will turn with the pedal and not release as quickly.

Hang in there! It gets easier! I practiced clipping and unclipping, both sides two different times for a full 15 minutes (after having wrecked in gravel in front of a parking lot full of teenage boys!) hahahaha

[spokewench]

Make sure they are on the loosest setting; take it to the shop and have them check if you are not sure.

Then, take the bike to a grassy area. Practice clipping in and out on both sides (not just one) cause if you only do one something will happen and you will fall the other way.

Or, put your bike on a trainer first, and practice clipping in and out and in and out until you are used to it.

Now, your old ways may still be dominant, and you may still fall over at least one more time; but generally it does not kill you; you get a few bruises and some reinforcement that you don't want to do that again and you will be fine. It is like anything; it takes a little practice.

[OakLeaf]

A few tip-overs are a pretty common part of the learning curve ... they sure were for me. Usually the worst bruise is to the ego. Hope that's all you've had.

+1 on making sure the pedals are set pretty loose while you're learning. Did your fitter loosen them all the way?

I didn't quite understand what you said about tipping over to the left even after your right foot is on the ground, though. Are you trying to stay in the saddle while you're stopped? Most bikes aren't built to let you do that. Get in the habit of coming forward off the saddle as you bring your foot to the ground, and hoisting yourself back up as a part of powering up to take off.

Basically, clipped or not, you usually want to keep a foot on a pedal when you're at a stop sign or stop light, to let you take off as quickly as possible when you want or need to. There's no reason to put both feet down every time you stop, and safety/maneuverability is a reason not to.

You'll hear different opinions on whether you should make a habit of always unclipping the same side. My feeling on it is that getting used to one side will let you build muscle memory more quickly. Once you're very confident getting in and out of the pedals, then you can practice on the other side - it's good to be able to unclip either side in case you need to for whatever reason.

[ny biker]

+1 on practicing on a grassy area.

I had SPD pedals for years. I always clip out with my right foot first. Due to an old ankle injury, it was most comfortable to clip out by turning my ankle inward with my foot at the top of the pedal stroke.

After getting a new bike, my knee started to hurt so I switched to Speedplay pedals. With the Speedplays, I had to relearn to clip out, because it had to be done by turning my ankle outward with my foot at the bottom of the pedal stroke. I had to overcome a habit that had become so ingrained that I did it without thinking about it.

So for my first few rides with the new pedals, I repeated the phrase "down and out" to myself periodically through the ride, and especially whenever I was in a situation where I might need to stop and clip out. Down and out, down and out, down and out. Before I knew it, the new way of clipping out had become second nature to me.

So, try coming up with a phrase to remind you what you have to do. Something like "right foot down" or "foot down on the ground" or anything to remind you that you need to have your right foot on the ground before you try to unclip left.

Re: the fear, bear in mind that everyone who uses clipless pedals has fallen because of them. It's a rite of passage. ;) Welcome to the club!!

[Maye]

I didn't quite understand what you said about tipping over to the left even after your right foot is on the ground, though. Are you trying to stay in the saddle while you're stopped? Most bikes aren't built to let you do that. Get in the habit of coming forward off the saddle as you bring your foot to the ground, and hoisting yourself back up as a part of powering up to take off.



Thanks for reading my thread. Mostly ego hurt plus my knee, elbow and a long scratch over the knee that I had no idea how that happened :-). And I will surely loosen the pedals to be sure that they aren't too tight.

You are right. I fell to the right side, was on the saddle and my left foot was unclipped. So I lost balance while my right food was still clipped. Jeez, why I can't remember these details? Now I have to add acrobat to my resume since I have no idea why I did that. The other day I fell to the left side so now I'm getting the events confused.

[Maye]

NY Biker! Love your mantra: "down and out". I will surely add that to my list in addition to "don't freak out". And thanks for the welcome to the club!!

[Crankin]

I am confused. You're trying to stay on the saddle while stopped, with one foot down? You would have to be an acrobat to accomplish that feat!

Hope I can be clear, but try to think of the sequence as unclip one foot as you approach a stop. Then, in one motion, lean your bike slightly in the direction of your unclipped foot, brake, and get off of the saddle. This should eventually happen quickly and smoothly. When you are stopped, you should be clipped in on one foot, with the unclipped foot supporting you on the ground. Probably, only your toe will be on the ground, and you will be straddling the top tube, out of the saddle. The clipped in foot needs to be ready to push off, so you can push yourself up, onto the saddle. It may take a bit or two to get your unclipped foot back into the pedal, but that happens with practice.
I know some new riders feel they need to unclip both feet before a stop, but this is not necessary. I agree with Oak. Practice with one foot, develop the muscle memory, and then start on the other foot.

[Maye]

I am confused. You're trying to stay on the saddle while stopped, with one foot down? You would have to be an acrobat to accomplish that feat!

Hope I can be clear, but try to think of the sequence as unclip one foot as you approach a stop. Then, in one motion, lean your bike slightly in the direction of your unclipped foot, brake, and get off of the saddle. This should eventually happen quickly and smoothly. When you are stopped, you should be clipped in on one foot, with the unclipped foot supporting you on the ground. Probably, only your toe will be on the ground, and you will be straddling the top tube, out of the saddle. The clipped in foot needs to be ready to push off, so you can push yourself up, onto the saddle. It may take a bit or two to get your unclipped foot back into the pedal, but that happens with practice.
I know some new riders feel they need to unclip both feet before a stop, but this is not necessary. I agree with Oak. Practice with one foot, develop the muscle memory, and then start on the other foot.

Thanks for taking the time to explain how to do the unclipping in detail :-) To be honest with you (embarrassed here), everything happened so fast that I can't remember the details like do I was in the saddle?, maybe over the top tube? I can't remember :o I should try to join Cirque Du Soleil next ;) But I do remember falling to the right side since I have all the bruises in this side and almost cried like a little girl. The funny thing is that last Sunday I rode with two very experienced riders and I felt so confident about my clip/unclipping technique that I was probably careless or too confident today. I fell while riding with them but it was a minor fall, not like today which I even scratched really bad the bar tape, over my knee, the side of my leg and my elbow. Maybe I'm over thinking this. Since I'm so stubborn, I'll practice again tomorrow until I have this nailed down. One thing I'll do, I will check the pedals to see if they are too tight. And breathe...

[solobiker]

Practice practice practice. Do you have a bike trainer you can use which will hold your bike for you while you practice?

All this talk reminded me of this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X975EVV3Egg

[Maye]

Practice practice practice. Do you have a bike trainer you can use which will hold your bike for you while you practice?

All this talk reminded me of this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X975EVV3Egg

Ha ha!! This video is so funny!! It's always great to see the funny side of things. Yep, I have a trainer and tomorrow will practice in it.

[Cyclismette0703]

I'm a brand new rider, and just did my first ride clipping in. I had tried a set of my bf's Look Keo pedals on a trainer, but I had a really hard time clipping in and out. He then surprised me with a set of Speedplay Light Action pedals and they were soooooo much easier! The springs have less tension, so it's easier to clip in and out. I only fell over once (because I lost momentum trying to put my water bottle away, and rode off the bike path), but I was able to unclip my right foot on the way down. The bf tried them on his Cervelo, and is going to go pick up a pair of Speedplay Zeros now (adjustable float). He's an experienced cyclist, and has used Shimano SPDs and Looks, and said that the Speedplays were the easiest.

Good luck!

[Penny4]

I just moved to clipless also, and haven't fallen. YET.
So, i have a stupid question for when I do have that inaugural fall. How do you unclip when you are laying in the middle of the street?? I'm serious! It seems like it would be very hard to unclip the foot that is on the pavement side, while you are laying down with a bike on top of you??

[Maye]

I just moved to clipless also, and haven't fallen. YET.
So, i have a stupid question for when I do have that inaugural fall. How do you unclip when you are laying in the middle of the street?? I'm serious! It seems like it would be very hard to unclip the foot that is on the pavement side, while you are laying down with a bike on top of you??

While on the street I clipped it out moving the heel to the side then I was able able to stand up and pick the bike from the floor. Not pretty!

[murielalex]

i've been using clipless pedals for two weeks, and though I had only one, painless, but embarrassing, very public fall on day two, I'm still afraid when in sections of town where there is the potential to have to stop frequently and/or suddenly. I have the two-sided SPD pedals, and have been keeping one foot unclipped only because I'm afraid. I'm fine on long stretches, but get really insecure in these areas, which only makes things worse. I'm hoping to get more comfortable, but so far, no dice. I'm just going to keep on trying.

[Possegal]

I think I know what you did, or at least I've had times where (especially when I'm tired and at the end of a ride, and early in my clipped in learning curve) I would be unclipped with one foot on the ground, off the saddle, but then move as if I think my other foot can just easily move to the ground and forget that I need to twist it. By the time I realize, my body weight is taking me over to the side that is still clipped in. Also, the first few weeks, what I kept doing was unclipping the right, off the saddle but still pretty upright over the top tube, then I'd look over my shoulder, which would throw off my body weight and down I'd go. It got quite comical actually. Now I've learned if I'm only unclipped on one side, I really move my body weight to that side, even so much as sort of leaning the bike towards that side.

Knock wood, I haven't fallen in a couple years. :)

[Maye]

I think I know what you did, or at least I've had times where (especially when I'm tired and at the end of a ride, and early in my clipped in learning curve) I would be unclipped with one foot on the ground, off the saddle, but then move as if I think my other foot can just easily move to the ground and forget that I need to twist it. By the time I realize, my body weight is taking me over to the side that is still clipped in. Also, the first few weeks, what I kept doing was unclipping the right, off the saddle but still pretty upright over the top tube, then I'd look over my shoulder, which would throw off my body weight and down I'd go. It got quite comical actually. Now I've learned if I'm only unclipped on one side, I really move my body weight to that side, even so much as sort of leaning the bike towards that side.

Knock wood, I haven't fallen in a couple years. :)

Possegal, THANKS!! That's exactly what happened!! English is not my first language and sometimes I struggle explaining things specially since I'm a newbie in the road cycling world and all the lingo associated to it. Today I learned what a top tube is which I used to call the "long part" of the frame :o

[Possegal]

You're welcome. It just sounded so familiar when I first read your post that I actually chuckled and thought it sounded just like my early days learning. Plus, you are right that it happens so quickly that you aren't really too sure how you wound up on the ground. :) No matter what your first language is!

Glad I could help. You may want to either unclip both sides when you are stopped, or do like I do now and really move your body weight to the side that you are unclipped on. And then it does eventually become second nature. It just takes a little time.

[Catrin]

Keep practicing and make certain those pedals are adjusted as loose as possible. SPD's aren't my favorite, but a lot of people do like them. Since you've been riding platforms for so long it is just going to take time to re-train your muscle memory about how to stop. Just try to anticipate when you will need to stop and be intentional about your movements.

Penny4, with SPD pedals at least, you automatically unclip when you fall, it just happens. I fell LOTS when I was learning how to use SPDs the first time and both feet always just unclipped on their own. This may not be true for all pedals, I did have this (not) happen once with my Speedplay Frogs, but that may have been an anomaly.

[Maye]

Keep practicing and make certain those pedals are adjusted as loose as possible. SPD's aren't my favorite, but a lot of people do like them. Since you've been riding platforms for so long it is just going to take time to re-train your muscle memory about how to stop. Just try to anticipate when you will need to stop and be intentional about your movements.

Penny4, with SPD pedals at least, you automatically unclip when you fall, it just happens. I fell LOTS when I was learning how to use SPDs the first time and both feet always just unclipped on their own. This may not be true for all pedals, I did have this (not) happen once with my Speedplay Frogs, but that may have been an anomaly.

Hi Catrin,
Thanks for the advice. I have read a couple of your threads when you where trying to find the perfect pedals for your road bike. How many you tried and for how long after you find the Speedplay Frogs? I have read so many things about the Speedplay Frog and Lights that I'm tempted to give them a try. Thanks in advance!

[Crankin]

Remember, Speedplay Frogs are mountain bike pedals, with recessed cleats.
Speedplay Light Action are road pedals, with cleats that are not recessed. You need cleat covers for walking in the shoes, which some people don't like.
I've been using Speedplay X pedals (road pedals) for around 7 years. I love them and frankly, I don't walk around that much when riding my bike with these pedals; walking into a lunch stop, or using a restroom. I have Frogs on my other bike, which is a road bike, but is used more for slower/touring rides/vacation/shopping and errands, going out to eat, etc. They actually were harder for me to get used to (not clipping in or out), in that I found myself unclipping "accidentally," which caused some issues. From what I've heard, the newer Frogs do have this tendency, if you aren't clipped in all of the way, and sometimes it's a bit hard to hear the "click" with these pedals. They are broken in now, and I've trained myself to really be aware of my foot position, so this doesn't happen. I previously used spds on my hybrid and mountain bikes, and they really caused me to have knee pain. This is why I got the Frogs, because they are free floating.

[Catrin]

Hi Catrin,
Thanks for the advice. I have read a couple of your threads when you where trying to find the perfect pedals for your road bike. How many you tried and for how long after you find the Speedplay Frogs? I have read so many things about the Speedplay Frog and Lights that I'm tempted to give them a try. Thanks in advance!

I love my Speedplay Frogs, but as Crankin pointed out, they are indeed mountain bike pedals. The recessed cleats make it much easier to walk around, and eventually I will use them on my mountain bike...or not. The bottom line is there isn't anything wrong with using mountain bike pedals on the road and you will find differing opinions. My knees LOVE the free floating Frogs, which is why I have them.

I've only tried SPD pedals outside of the Frogs. There are a couple of others that I might like to try someday (Time in particular), but it is an investment to change pedals and I see no reason to fix what isn't broken :) Speedplay is going to release another version of a mountain bike pedal (with adjustable float) later this year, but they have no plans to stop production on Frogs. Whewww!

I've never had a problem unclipping by accident with my Frogs, and never a problem clipping in. I do "pull up" on my second foot once I am going to make certain it is clipped in all the way but haven't had a problem with it to date.

I don't know anything about road pedals so I can't advise on those :)

[Bethany1]

I think the hardest part for me was clipping in. The dang things would flip over and over as I'd try to get my shoes in making for dangerous weaves and panic would set in.

I've tried several kinds. One with platforms on side, mountain bike (have them on both sides) and road ones. The road ones were the worst to get in/out of.

I gave up and use the cheapie pedals as I was tired of crashing.

Part of me would like to give it another try, but I don't want to kill myself trying to get the cleats to fit into the pedals while it flips around.

[ny biker]

I think the hardest part for me was clipping in. The dang things would flip over and over as I'd try to get my shoes in making for dangerous weaves and panic would set in.

I've tried several kinds. One with platforms on side, mountain bike (have them on both sides) and road ones. The road ones were the worst to get in/out of.

I gave up and use the cheapie pedals as I was tired of crashing.

Part of me would like to give it another try, but I don't want to kill myself trying to get the cleats to fit into the pedals while it flips around.

Before you start moving, have one foot clipped in. For me it's the left foot, because I always clip out first and step on the ground with my right foot. Have the bike in an easy gear.

Have the clipped-in foot near the top of the pedal stroke, around 2:00. Starting high gives you more momentum from the first stroke.

As you push the pedal with the clipped-in foot, slide your butt onto the saddle. This is important -- you are much more stable while you are seated.

While continuing the pedal stroke with the clipped-in foot, clip in your other foot. If you miss the first try, that's okay, because you're seated and you got a decent amount of momentum from that first clipped-in stroke. If necessary, you can pedal around again with that clipped-in foot (which is easier to do since you're in an easy gear) so you can try again with the other foot.

Once you're riding, as you approach an intersection or anyplace where it looks like you'll have to clip out, shift to an easier gear so you'll be ready when you start up again.

As mentioned before, practicing on an indoor trainer and on a grassy field helps a lot. There's no traffic to worry about and falling on the grass is much better than falling on pavement.

[Jo-n-NY]

I just switched from Speedplay Frogs to Light Action after 7 years. I got the Frogs for one reason, they were highly liked here on the forum especially to someone new to clippless. There is no spring so you just turn your foot and out you come. I never accidently clipped out. Clipping in was effortless. And yes I had mtn bike shoes as others have mentioned.

I just switched to the Speedplay Light Actions because I wanted a roadshoe for my new bike. As of now although ready to switch over, I have them on the bike I use on the trainer to get use to them only because I am not good with change. But they really are not difficult to clip out of. I just have to give a little umf when I turn where like as I mentioned with the frogs there was no resistance.

[Jo-n-NY]

BTW...my husband says to no matter whether you are a lefty or righty, always clip out on the right away from traffic in case of falling over for one reason or another. That is just his suggestion that he tells his customers.

[Possegal]

BTW...my husband says to no matter whether you are a lefty or righty, always clip out on the right away from traffic in case of falling over for one reason or another. That is just his suggestion that he tells his customers.


Which doesn't necessarily work for someone like me. My original frequent falling was always falling over to the left, with my right leg unclipped. :) Luckily never in a heavily trafficked area or I'd have been falling right into traffic. Not an issue now, but it was comical how often I was doing that in the beginning. I'm really a hazard to myself. :)

[Seajay]

It sounds like you need to be able to predict which direction the bike is going to lean when you stop. You can do this with countersteering. You already know it as part of riding. You just want to make it active not passive.
The physics of a bike makes it so if you "steer" the bar to the RIGHT...the bike will always LEAN TO THE LEFT. (or vice versa)
So if you want to unclip from the left pedal, in the last few inches of stopping and you have your left foot down....steer the front wheel to the right. This will assure you drop onto your left foot.

[Maye]

Ladies thanks a ton for all the great advices!! Yesterday I bought the Speedplay Light pedals and I'm practicing clipping in and out using the trainer. These pedals are definitively easier to clip out for sure!! Still learning the trick on how to clip in without "thinking" about it. But so far I like them very much.

[Jo-n-NY]

That is great Maye. Being comfortable and confident with your pedals will help. The trainer is a great way to practice. They say clip in and out about 20times to get the hang of it.

[Maye]

OMG look what I found for my new speed plays! the best of two worlds:
2012 Speedplay platformers!! LOL.
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/product-components/2012-speedplay-platformer-6330.31.1.html

[Maye]

Update: today I went for my first ride with the new Speedplay Light pedals and I came to the conclusion that the problem is not the pedals, is the piece behind the saddle :o I caught myself again doing the same mistake: completely stopped, me standing over the top tube, right leg unclipped, on the floor and then again I moved the left leg like it was unclipped making me loose balance and control of the bike by shifting the bike to the left with my body weight. BUT, I moved the bike handlebars immediately to the right side which prevented the fall. At least that's good but after the incident I was nervous and lost my confidence completely. Needless to say (but I will say it) that after a few minutes, I walked back to my car with my "tail" between my legs like a doggie running away. Tomorrow I'll try it again :)

[murielalex]

You'll get it! Lord knows if I can, you can.

BTW, I'm getting a set of those Speedplay platforms so I can ride my bike to the gym, just two miles from home, and wear my regular sneakers. Thanks for the link.

[Maye]

You'll get it! Lord knows if I can, you can.

BTW, I'm getting a set of those Speedplay platforms so I can ride my bike to the gym, just two miles from home, and wear my regular sneakers. Thanks for the link.

Thanks for the vote of confidence :)

I'm getting the platforms via mail, hopefully tomorrow. They look cool and practical.

[Jo-n-NY]

Me too. I am usually a spaz when it comes to things like this. Cycling is my only athletic ability I ever had. If I can master it, believe me so can you.

[Grits]

I haven't posted this because I didn't want to be discouraging, but let me just throw out there (in case anyone else hasn't) the idea that you don't HAVE to ride with clipless pedals. If you really feel like you need to, then sure, have at it, but if it continues to cause you FEAR and STRESS, then do you really need to add that complication to your life? There have been threads in the past with links to studies that show that clipless pedals do not necessarily offer the speed/power benefits that everyone thinks they do. Just decide if it is really worth it to you to continue pursuing it and proceed accordingly. Good luck with whichever!

[Maye]

I haven't posted this because I didn't want to be discouraging, but let me just throw out there (in case anyone else hasn't) the idea that you don't HAVE to ride with clipless pedals. If you really feel like you need to, then sure, have at it, but if it continues to cause you FEAR and STRESS, then do you really need to add that complication to your life? There have been threads in the past with links to studies that show that clipless pedals do not necessarily offer the speed/power benefits that everyone thinks they do. Just decide if it is really worth it to you to continue pursuing it and proceed accordingly. Good luck with whichever!

Hi Grits!
I just want to give them one more chance and practice a little bit more. If I can see that they are causing me more stress than what is worth, I'll buy a good set of BMX pedals and back to platforms. I really love cycling. I'm just a little bit stubborn :)

[ny biker]

Update: today I went for my first ride with the new Speedplay Light pedals and I came to the conclusion that the problem is not the pedals, is the piece behind the saddle :o I caught myself again doing the same mistake: completely stopped, me standing over the top tube, right leg unclipped, on the floor and then again I moved the left leg like it was unclipped making me loose balance and control of the bike by shifting the bike to the left with my body weight. BUT, I moved the bike handlebars immediately to the right side which prevented the fall. At least that's good but after the incident I was nervous and lost my confidence completely. Needless to say (but I will say it) that after a few minutes, I walked back to my car with my "tail" between my legs like a doggie running away. Tomorrow I'll try it again :)

There is muscle memory involved. The more you do it right, the more it will be an instinct to do it right. So, you really had a good experience -- you did it right and you didn't fall.

[Catrin]

It does take time to train/retrain our muscle memory. The main reason I clip in on the road is that my knees are far happier with me than when I do not...

[indigoiis]

Try this in a big, quiet, flat paved area:

Put a flat (regular) pedal on the left side for this practice.


1. As you roll forward, push the right pedal forward until it is all the way down.

2. Stand up with the weight on your right foot.

3. Brake to slow

4. Take your left foot off the flat pedal and place it on the ground.

5. While stopped, move your right foot to the up position (back pedal)

6. Push your right foot down to get going again

7. Put your weight on the right pedal, standing

8. Put your left foot back on the left pedal.

Repeat.

Do this until you are comfortable with this action, and then replace the flat pedal with a clipped, and practice again, this time unclipping the left.

It is far better (in my opinion) to clip out to the left in traffic. At a stoplight, if you are clipping out on the right, you are leaning to the right, often very close to the curb, where drivers don't really "see" you. I make sure, when I am approaching a light, to get as much in the lane as possible and clip out to the left so that the drivers know I am there.

[Maye]

Indigoiis:
Thanks for the advice. This sounds like a good strategy that I will test. Maybe I should learn to clip/unclip one side first(right side, since that's my dominant leg, I know, I know, it might be dangerous) and keep using the flat pedal (left) until I master the right side and then add the left side until I dominate both. Good plan?? I'm liking the idea of being one side clipper, though. I'm planning to do this with with MTB shoes (recessed cleats) and clipless pedal (right side only) on the road bike. I want to take the stress of slipping and falling to the pavement because I'm using my road shoes with cleats. The less things that I have to worry about the better. I know I will laugh about these posts in the future :D Once I "graduate", I will move to road shoes and pedals. For know back to basics and one feet at a time.

[Penny4]

Indigoiis, that is a good, simple way to think of it. I've been following this thread closely because i am just learning to clip in too.
Question...when taking off from a stop, you pedal forward with the clipped in foot, raise yourself, stand...are you trying to clip in the left foot before you sit down?
In my mind, that is how i see it working, but in reality, I keep missing the pedal. Then I sit down and just keep fumbling for the pedal. I know it is fine to pedal a bit not clipped, and I am doing that at busy intersections until I get more confident. But I guess I am not really sure of the true motion that I should be shooting for....

[ny biker]

Indigoiis, that is a good, simple way to think of it. I've been following this thread closely because i am just learning to clip in too.
Question...when taking off from a stop, you pedal forward with the clipped in foot, raise yourself, stand...are you trying to clip in the left foot before you sit down?
In my mind, that is how i see it working, but in reality, I keep missing the pedal. Then I sit down and just keep fumbling for the pedal. I know it is fine to pedal a bit not clipped, and I am doing that at busy intersections until I get more confident. But I guess I am not really sure of the true motion that I should be shooting for....

Sit down on the saddle immediately after pushing off with the clipped-in foot, so you're seated while you clip in the other foot. You will be more stable while seated.

[Maye]

Indigoiis, that is a good, simple way to think of it. I've been following this thread closely because i am just learning to clip in too.
Question...when taking off from a stop, you pedal forward with the clipped in foot, raise yourself, stand...are you trying to clip in the left foot before you sit down?
In my mind, that is how i see it working, but in reality, I keep missing the pedal. Then I sit down and just keep fumbling for the pedal. I know it is fine to pedal a bit not clipped, and I am doing that at busy intersections until I get more confident. But I guess I am not really sure of the true motion that I should be shooting for....

Welcome to my struggles in the clip-less world!! I'm VERY stubborn so I'll learn this no matter what :-).

[CyclChyk]

I agree with GRITS post about not riding clip-less. I have been away from riding for the past 5 years or so and only recently returned, but I have serious balance issues (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=10356)(<~click on this thread link and you will see :o) and riding clip-less turned out to leave me with a hematoma and lots of scars....

I ended up with the Shimano pedals that you can clip in on one side, and ride platform on the other. I ending up always riding platform and to this day, do not ride clip-less. I for one do not regret this, nor do I find I am a weaker rider, as I thought I would be. :cool:

Good luck to you - no matter how you end up riding, at least you ride!:D

[indigoiis]

Maye,

Forget about clipping out with the other foot completely. The other foot will always be clipped in until you are off the bike. So whether you do right or left is up to you (I recommend left, then you can use your dominant foot - the right - to be your standing-on-pedal balance and kick off leg). While you practice this, do NOT think of clipping or unclipping at all. Think of the motion

Slow,

Stand (on right)

Step out (on left.)

Practice with a flat pedal until you get the hang of slowing, standing, stepping.

Slow, Stand, Step out.

Repeat.

Once you graduate from flat pedal to clipless, you can clip back in after you sit back down on your saddle. That motion will be

Push off / Pedal, standing on downstroke.

Sit, resting unclipped foot on pedal.

Pedal one or three revolutions with the one foot still unclipped, to get you going...

Clip in.

p.s. I learned this method here. I'm not sure who taught it to me... Oak?

[missjean]

no matter how you end up riding, at least you ride!:d

+1 :-)

[Maye]

Ladies,
Today I practiced what Indigoiis suggested (THANKS!!) but both pedals with platforms after a while of practicing I decided to go for a short ride of 6 miles. Wow, OMG, I felt FREE!! The joy of riding a road bike for just pure fun and fitness was BACK!! That doesn't mean that I will give clip-less pedals up, oh no, but now I'm taking this easy and one step(pedal) at a time :-) I have to admit that the fluidness of using clip-less pedals wasn't there but for now is ok to do this in many different ways.

[indigoiis]

Yay! Small victories, big happiness.:p

[Maye]

Update:
I have been doing well with the double sided platforms pedals, of course :rolleyes: But one thing for sure I have been doing is always keeping the left foot as it was clipped when stopping the bike and even doing the motion of unclipping them and also moving the handle bar to the right, in order to build muscle memory. And also doing this (recommended by Indigoiis above):


Stand (on right)

Step out (on left.)

Practice with a flat pedal until you get the hang of slowing, standing, stepping.

Slow, Stand, Step out.

Repeat.


Why? With this, I feel like I'm getting to know my road bike (Ramona) better until we are comfortable with each other :-)

[TigerMom]

I just want to thank everyone at Team Estrogen, especially the great advice of "Indigoiis" and "Crankin". I am a Newbie too. I have not ridden any bikes in 20+++ years and have now fallen in love with road biking. I am so clumsy, that I hurt myself in the trainer twice during my bike fitting.

Obviously, I have fallen 5 times in my clipless pedals, including next to a patch of grass (where I managed somehow to fall AWAY from the lawn and on to the concrete instead).

I have been practicing clipping and unclipping both sides of my feet, while leaning my bike towards the unclipped side, at least 50 times on both the clipless pedals and on platform pedals to try and build muscle memory.

So, thanks to Team Estrogen, I can easily unclip during controlled stops.:)

Now, my only worry is about sudden, unexpected stops for obstacles in the road or a stray dog running at me....I'm probably going to hurt myself badly on the clipless pedals. Sigh.


________________________________________________________________
2012 Specialized Amiral Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[L-Bell]

I just wanted to post a quick thank you, as I'm new (to the site and to road cycling) and have been having MAJOR clip/road bike anxiety this week. Just bought my 1st road bike, 1st clip-in shoes, and went for my 1st 20 mi ride over the weekend with friends. I had one fall, luckily onto grass (did the old "un-clip the left foot, immediately forget the right foot is still clipped in, lean to right anyway..." thing), and got a bit bruised but was otherwise fine, except for the sheer terror that came every subsequent time we stopped.

I got back on the next day for a 17 mi training ride for an upcoming charity event, this time with strangers who weren't the warm/supportive type I'd been with the previous day... it was cold, in the 40s, kind of dark, windy, started raining... The road was very rough in parts, and I found myself feeling absolutely terrified of falling, hitting a pot hole, forgetting to clip out properly and falling again... after both rides I felt so frazzled from stress, and so tense from my death-grip on the bike, that I had to sit in the car and try to decompress for a while before I felt safe to drive home.

Reading this and other threads has been such a relief, I've actually teared up a little. I'm a bit stubborn, and can be afraid of trying a new sport, so I guess to try to overcome that I decided there was no reason I shouldn't be able to hop on a new bike, learn the clips in one ride, and be just fine! :) I've been spinning all winter and feel great endurance-wise, but the emotional stress has really gotten to me. I wish I'd found the forums sooner. Reading about road bike anxiety, clipping issues, etc. has let me see I'm not alone and I need to relax and be easier on myself.

I'll keep practicing clipping in/out, but if it's a continuing source of anxiety, I'll accept that it won't be the end of the world to use regular pedals for a while. I'll focus on riding with people I know where I feel safer before I do my 2nd (mandatory) training ride with more strangers. PHEW. Deeeeep breaths. I can't wait to read more and see how the journey goes. Thanks again for all of the wonderful posts - I know I can't be the only new girl out there Googling "FEAR OF ROAD BIKE / FEAR OF CLIPPING IN / CYCLING ANXIETY" and ending up finding help at this site!

[Maye]

L-Bell,
Welcome to Team Estrogen Forums!! I'm Maye, the original poster who created this thread. I totally understand your dilemma since I was so afraid of the platform to clip-less conversion that I almost gave up road biking completely. I hated the feeling of my heart pounding and fear of riding the bike, it was frustrating. In this forum I found a great support system/group that told me that I don't have to use the clip-less pedals until I'm ready and gave the me the advice and techniques that were right for me and that I was looking for. Which I'm very THANKFUL!! In my opinion, road biking is very overwhelming (for me) at the beginning. A lot of things to learn. For example: bike handling, traffic laws, security and safety, how to change a flat, how to shift plus clip-less pedals, phew!! For me that was WAY too much. So after a lot of money spent on pedals (3 pair of Shimano's, one pair of SpeedPlay lights and one of the CrankBrothers one that I returned...sigh...have to sell some, I know) I decided to take it easy and that's when I found these pedals (see picture below). These are the Shimano's PD M-324 clip less/clip pedals. They are mountain bike pedals, I know :-) In my opinion these are the best pedals for somebody learning to clip/unclip. I used the platform side for around 100 miles to get to know the bike and to learn other important things about road bikes. For the last 20 miles I have been using the clip-less side (yay!) and I feel that this are perfect for me and my level of experience at this moment. I unclip when I know that I'm going to encounter people, cars, intersections, strollers, stop signs or other situations that I know I will feel nervous. I'm using mountain bike shoes with recessed cleats which makes easy to use the platform side as well. So no slippery cleats in the shoes when over the platforms or walking :), which used to add another level of uneasiness to this whole ordeal. I'm probably an 80% confident with these pedals and I will keep practicing and riding until I feel that I can make the change to a more sophisticated clip-less system. But at my own pace and ONLY when I'm ready. In the meantime, I will keep riding :D

[L-Bell]

Just a belated thanks for the info, Maye - those look like a great convertible option. I did some practice on my own, in my neighborhood and on a nice newly paved parking lot, and am feeling MUCH better about the clips.

[Catrin]

Just a belated thanks for the info, Maye - those look like a great convertible option. I did some practice on my own, in my neighborhood and on a nice newly paved parking lot, and am feeling MUCH better about the clips.

Glad you are feeling better about the clips Bell! It has to become part of your muscle memory and that does take practice.

Regarding the convertible SPD pedals. My experience could be unusual, but I rode these for a few months last year and have quite mixed feelings about that. The clip side were fine, and were indeed the only SPD pedals I've not had problems getting in/out of.

The platform side however...I strongly disliked. They are metal, of course, and I found that my feet just wouldn't stay on the bear claw design - and that was with regular shoes. If I tried to go back and forth between sides on the same ride with my bike shoes with clips it was even worse as there was nothing there for the harder soles of my bike shoes to get a good purchase on. I moved from these pedals back to a good quality BMX pedal and my feet stay on those.

Eventually I put Speedplay Frogs on the bike I use for road riding and they are perfect for me. My knees love them (far better than SPD), and have never had a problem getting in/out of them outside of one time that I did something very stupid - but that was rider error :o

I still ride BMX pedals for mountain biking.

[prinessbeca]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for this thread. I too am learning clipless, and I've fallen (tipped over) more than a few times in the past couple weeks. I'm going to see if I can figure out how to loosen the spring thingies tomorrow morning, and go out there and practice practice practice my unclipping with the advise here. <3

[Maye]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for this thread. I too am learning clipless, and I've fallen (tipped over) more than a few times in the past couple weeks. I'm going to see if I can figure out how to loosen the spring thingies tomorrow morning, and go out there and practice practice practice my unclipping with the advise here. <3

Hi Becca and welcome to TE!
I'm getting better by the mile!! And yes, here you are going to find GREAT and valuable information. The forum members here, ROCK!

[Maye]

The platform side however...I strongly disliked. They are metal, of course, and I found that my feet just wouldn't stay on the bear claw design - and that was with regular shoes. If I tried to go back and forth between sides on the same ride with my bike shoes with clips it was even worse as there was nothing there for the harder soles of my bike shoes to get a good purchase on. I moved from these pedals back to a good quality BMX pedal and my feet stay on those.

Hi Catrin! Thanks for always sharing your experiences with us in this thread. I had a little bit of problems with the platform side when I used regular tennis shoes. Once I changed to the Mavic Scorpio MTB shoes, I had more grip on the platform. As you, I'm planning to change pedals once I have more experience with my road bike.

[Maye]

Just a belated thanks for the info, Maye - those look like a great convertible option. I did some practice on my own, in my neighborhood and on a nice newly paved parking lot, and am feeling MUCH better about the clips.

Glad you are feeling better now. Let us know how it goes since I'm learning from everybody's experience here :)

[Catrin]

Hi Catrin! Thanks for always sharing your experiences with us in this thread. I had a little bit of problems with the platform side when I used regular tennis shoes. Once I changed to the Mavic Scorpio MTB shoes, I had more grip on the platform. As you, I'm planning to change pedals once I have more experience with my road bike.

I just learned how to ride a bike 2 years ago for my 50th birthday and learned most things the hard way :o If my experiences can possibly help someone then I am happy to share them - even the more embarrassing incidents. I will be kind and won't share my initial failed attempt to start clipping in :)

[prinessbeca]

Well I've loosened my pedals so they're a LOT easier to get in and out of now, but it's definitely still a challenge. I'm still pretty scared to go anywhere near traffic, but I'm getting to be more confident when it's just me in an open area/parking lot trying to unclip. Still takes me a good 20 rolling feet to get BOTH feet out and actually come to a stop, so I have to plan ahead. I guess I just need to practice practice practice until I can someday do it instantly and stop right away?

Anyone else get their foot unclipped and then accidentally reclip it right away again? That's the trouble I'm having with my right foot. I get all excited that I got it unclipped, and then bam! It's attached again. Silly pedals.

[indysteel]

I'd say a lot of us--although this isn't universal--only unclip one foot, and the same foot at that, when we come to a stop. In time, it will become second nature.

[ny biker]

Yes, I unclip my right foot when I need to stop and put that foot down on the ground, while leaving the left foot clipped in. I only unclip the left foot if I'm getting off the bike completely.

To start out, I always clip in with the left foot and start to pedal with that foot, sit down on the saddle, then clip in right after I'm moving. Being seated makes you more stable while you're clipping in with the second foot.

[suzgilzen]

Hi all, I am a new road biker (just got my bike April 13 - had ridden a hybrid on trails and some quiet roads for 5 years) and just got the clips and pedals a week ago - I got the Shimano's that have the clips on one side and really like them - I don't actually see any reason to "graduate" to something else - I have the clips on one side, and that's fine.

I'd gotten the advice about developing a routine, and have done that, so I am fine at routine stops (like at an intersection) but have fallen twice, at non-routine stops. The first one was so funny actually. I am working on building mileage for a 500-mile ride I have in 2 months. So this week I was going out on Monday for a 40-mile ride. I was heading out of the driveway and heard the dog barking at me from inside the house (not being happy that I was leaving - the dog is "my" dog and very loyal to me). I remembered something, turned around, started to get off the bike - forgetting the clips, and down I went, scraping one knee.

The dog's barking ratcheted up considerably ("Oh noooooo, Mommy's doooowwwwwwwnn! Mommmmmmmyyyyyyyyy!"). Eventually my husband came out, helped me dust myself off and encouraged me to go on and do the 40 miles. Several hours later, when I returned, the dog gave my legs a thorough licking - liking the salty sweat. But when he came to my knee, he slowly, gently, and indeed tenderly licked my scrape. What a sweetie. Then I went, showered and cleaned it myself.

I'm getting better, and have only fallen twice. I'm learning that if I clip in my shoes, I should engage my brain, too.

I'm so glad to have found this forum. Thanks, all, for the encouraging and informative posts (been reading a lot about saddles as well).

[Owlie]

Well I've loosened my pedals so they're a LOT easier to get in and out of now, but it's definitely still a challenge. I'm still pretty scared to go anywhere near traffic, but I'm getting to be more confident when it's just me in an open area/parking lot trying to unclip. Still takes me a good 20 rolling feet to get BOTH feet out and actually come to a stop, so I have to plan ahead. I guess I just need to practice practice practice until I can someday do it instantly and stop right away?

Anyone else get their foot unclipped and then accidentally reclip it right away again? That's the trouble I'm having with my right foot. I get all excited that I got it unclipped, and then bam! It's attached again. Silly pedals.

You really only need to pick one foot to plant consistently, and unclip that one foot. It will become second nature. I used to have to unclip well in advance, but now I can nearly come to a stop before unclipping.
As for the accidentally clipping in:
What pedals are you using? I use SPDs with the single-release cleats (black) that came with the pedals. The way I avoid accidentally clipping back in is to rotate my foot slightly on the pedal so that the cleat and pedal can't "mesh". I can still push the pedal a bit if I need to, and I can clip back in quickly, but not if I don't want to. :)

[Catrin]

It DOES get better with practice and time. My first attempt to learn how to clip in (SPD) failed miserably and I moved to BMX pedals for a year or so. Last spring I moved to Speedplay Frogs. I liked them much better but I still had to clip out well in advance, etc. So far I've only fallen twice with these pedals and both were due to user silliness.

These days I still like to anticipate clipping out if I can - I don't like to wait for the last second but I can as my recent experiments riding in our downtown area have proved. Yesterday I realized that my foot hadn't unclipped for some reason, probably distraction on my behalf, but I was somewhere that I could turn the wheel away from the road and go a couple of more feet which gave me time to unclip and stop without falling over. Whewww!

[Maye]

It DOES get better with practice and time. My first attempt to learn how to clip in (SPD) failed miserably and I moved to BMX pedals for a year or so. Last spring I moved to Speedplay Frogs. I liked them much better but I still had to clip out well in advance, etc. So far I've only fallen twice with these pedals and both were due to user silliness.

These days I still like to anticipate clipping out if I can - I don't like to wait for the last second but I can as my recent experiments riding in our downtown area have proved. Yesterday I realized that my foot hadn't unclipped for some reason, probably distraction on my behalf, but I was somewhere that I could turn the wheel away from the road and go a couple of more feet which gave me time to unclip and stop without falling over. Whewww!

I'm still in the learning process. Like you, I anticipate when I have to clip out by remembering: "hey you are clipped, remember to clip out the right foot".

[smittykitty]

Do what your body "naturally" wants to do.

I wasn't sure what my "natural" side would be in a panic situation, so I road unclipped serveral times and with out thinking, just put a foot down when stopping. Turns out it was always the right foot.

My husband clips left, I clip right.

Had a real close call the other day. Just topped a hill (did my best yet on the bugger:):):)) and wasn't thinking about the intersection and the car that was coming along. Just about went down, but my foot popped out at the last second, just after I screamed OH MY GOD!!!!. So, my advice is to figure out what foot will try to clip out in an emergency.

And it will happen ever so often the rest of your riding life! Usually when you least expect it!

[Catrin]

I'm still in the learning process. Like you, I anticipate when I have to clip out by remembering: "hey you are clipped, remember to clip out the right foot".

It isn't so much that, but it is simply part of my stopping process. I don't generally slow down enough if I don't unclip a little early. Don't ask me why, but there you go. I can still stop, it just isn't very graceful & I then get tire marks on my leg :o

[TigerMom]

Currently I unclip left foot first (which is my natural tendency). But I have been reading a lot of forums and don't know whether I should practice unclipping right foot first instead.

Pros about unclipping right foot first is falling away from traffic and on to the curb (in the United States, not Britain/Australia) and being able to stick my right foot on the curb to rest.

Pros about unclipping left foot first is being less likely to damage my crankset if I fall left and less likely to have a chain link/crankset "tattoo" on my leg. Also, someone had mentioned about cars more likely to push you out of the way if you have your right foot on the curb.

I think that I am still new enough at unclipping to try to train my body to unclip right foot first. What should I do??:confused:
____________________________________

2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[ny biker]

I unclip first with my right foot because I instinctively put my right foot down first when I stop.

When I fall due to being clipped in, I fall on my left. Because that's the foot that I can't put on the ground.

Anyway I personally would not try to learn to unclip first with the other foot, because I would fall way too often in the process of trying to change habits.

[Catrin]

I think most of us have a preferred foot for stopping, and for me it is my right foot. My body's preference is so strong for unclipping/stopping with my right foot on the road that I am quite sure I would fall if I tried to reverse that - and I am not about to take that risk on the road. Almost every cyclist I know also uses her/his right foot to stop so I am not in a minority. :cool: What I really need to learn is how to use my left foot as my power/starting foot at lights. Right now I both start and stop with my right foot.

On the mountain bike trail I will stop with whichever foot is on the uphill side/away from the edge if there is one but that is different but so far am stuck with starting with my right foot there as well.

[tctrek]

I wish I could unclip on the right... but seems I am left footed and too late to change it!

[goldfinch]

I wish I could unclip on the right... but seems I am left footed and too late to change it!

Me too. Even before I had clipless my left foot would go to the ground first. And I would always push off with my right.

[Crankin]

Me too.
Although, I started out unclipping right. Then, I read an article that said you should start off with your dominant foot. So, I started clipping in/unclipping left and pushing off with my right. Now, I can unclip right, but I absolutely can't imagine leaning and putting my right foot down. Probably would kill myself.
When I was mountain biking, though, I could do this, if I thought about it. I thought having the ability to unclip with both feet was a little more important when mountain biking.
I probably could practice unclipping right, but after 11 years, it's so ingrained, i don't have to think. I can wait until the last minute and I'm fine.

[Megustalaplaya]

I wasn't even concerned about putting clipless on my bike until I read this thread!

Looks like I'm in for a real treat once I get them on. lol!

[leah]

I have been riding clipless for only a month and I do not consider myself to be a super coordinated person. But I am telling you it really can get easy with determination. I do ride just about daily, so I have had more practice than folks who maybe only ride 2-3 times per week.

I now instinctually unclip my right foot every time I even think I may have to stop, and have grown accustomed to gently leaning my bike in the direction of that foot to avoid falling over on the clipped-in side. Also it has helped me to ride with more experienced riders who ride clipless and watch what they do - when they unclip, and how they coast to a stop with the unclipped foot gliding just a few inches above the ground.

I do have to say now I feel really confident riding clipless, and I thought it would be so, so much harder than it is. Not to say it is easy for everyone to get, but it was relatively easy for me. That was surprising :D

I fell the first day trying it but since then I have not fallen.

[Maye]

You are absolutely right, it gets better with determination and practice. I have not been riding much in the last 2 weeks due to starting a new job and it has been raining like crazy in Orlando, FL.
I learned to unclip with the right foot first and I think it will be very difficult for me to change it. Still, learning and and still using my double sided platforms but planning to change them soon.

[murielalex]

I fell for the second time today. The first time was day one with clipless, and I hadn't even made it out of my neighborhood when I forgot I was clipped in. Today, I was on a bike path in a park, where you have to pull over to the grass and stop when a tram rolls by. I always clip out with my right foot, which I did, and it was fine. I fell when I was trying to get back on the road after the tram passed. The grass was on an incline, going down to the swamp to the right where my right foot was firmly planted. I overcompensated, not wanting to fall that way, and fell right over to the left when I tried to push off, while the folks on the back of the tram watched and laughed. Other than a small, painless scrape on my knee, I was unharmed, and at least I entertained a few folks. :o

[BodhiTree]

One is not required to use clipless pedals to be a "real" cyclist.

Just ride.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9189678-just-ride

[Catrin]

One is not required to use clipless pedals to be a "real" cyclist.[/url]

Yes, this. There are advantages to clipping in, but there are also those who have biked for years over a gazillion miles on platform or BMX pedals. There is also no shame in waiting to make the move if one wishes. There was a time when I didn't think I would ever move to clipless pedals, but eventually did once I found pedals I liked.