New to cycling - clipless pedal dilemma

[jlh]

Hi, my boyfriend bought me a road bike. I've been using the trainer for the last few weeks trying to get adjusted as I've been a runner for the last decade. I went to get out on the bike yesterday for the first time and fell off just trying to get clipped in. Needless to say, I didn't go for a ride. I just practiced clipping in and out and figuring out which foot is going to be the one I use to clip in and out when needing to stop/ start. Any advice on how to overcome using the clipless pedals?

[jlh]

Thank you so much! That sounds perfect! I have no idea what kind of cleats I have but will check when I get home. When using platform pedals, what kind of shoe do I use? I'm eager to get out and ride :)

[jlh]

Stiff-soled shoes tend to be the most comfortable. :)

If they are not SPD cleats, you can just get some good quality platforms, and forego the cleats for now, though the pedals I linked to do not require cleats.

There are many threads here on pedals.

Thank you so much for all the information :) I am going to put on the platform pedals and get on the road!

[estronat]

Right now I'm keeping the regular pedals on my bike though I do have a set of SpeedPlay Light Action clipless pedals and cleats that I am waiting to have mounted. I need to get a pair of shoes as well. My strategy is to get really comfy with the bike itself, since it's new and I'm new to it and to cycling, after not being on a bike for 25 years. Then, once I'm comfortable with the bike, the handling, etc, I will have my LBS install the pedals and I will spend an afternoon on a trainer in their shop practicing clipping in and out, in and out. Developing muscle memory is the key, I'm told. The shop told me the SpeedPlay Light pedals were among the very easiest ones for noob riders. We shall find out, eventually, maybe in a month or so.

[Kimberli]

I just wanted to add (because I experienced this myself) not to just get used to clipping out with one foot. Make sure you can do both. Depending on how you are turning into a curve or in my case manuveruing through gates, you might need to unclip your left foot instead of your right foot. It completely freaked me out the first time I had to think about doing it with the other foot. :)

[kermit]

Practice one legged pedaling. It sounds odd but if you have one pedal clipped in, and can't get the other right away pedaling a few times with the one will give you momentum to keep from falling over. You will love the clips.

[polly4711]

Dont be afraid of clips! It took me a while to get the hang of it. For me, it was a world of difference when I changed from traditional road bike clips to spd. You can also adjust the tension I the clip to change how hard or easy is is to clil in and out. Make sure you have your cleats I the correct llace o the botto of your shoe because it can cause problems I knee ir foot numbness.
Ride like the wind!

[Awsmile]

jlh, you've probably already solved your problem, but just for fun, go to http://www.bikejames.com/strength/the-flat-pedal-revolution-manifesto-how-to-improve-your-riding-with-flat-pedals/. He calls it the Flat Pedal Manifesto. It's a very interesting article on why you might not have to apologize to anyone if you decide to stay with flat pedals. I have two artificial hips and an artificial knee, so really can't take a chance on falling, even if it's only for the short time to get used to clipless. I keep up with my speed demon husband on 50+mile rides just fine with my flat Teva bike shoes. Good luck!

[nuliajuk]

A good alternative to clipless pedals, especially for urban riders, is the kind of platform pedal that has little metal studs screwed in to stick into the soles of shoes. It requires a shoe with at least 1/4" of soft rubbery material, but that covers a wide range of choices, including many dressy shoes. You don't get quite as much grip as a cleat and clipless pedal system, but enough for most practical purposes.

[Catrin]

A good alternative to clipless pedals, especially for urban riders, is the kind of platform pedal that has little metal studs screwed in to stick into the soles of shoes. It requires a shoe with at least 1/4" of soft rubbery material, but that covers a wide range of choices, including many dressy shoes. You don't get quite as much grip as a cleat and clipless pedal system, but enough for most practical purposes.

From my experience, I would say that while BMX pedals (which is what you describe) are certainly different from clipless systems, I preferred them and felt more confident climbing hills with them. I didn't find a need for a specific depth of soft rubbery material, I found they grabbed onto most surfaces that wasn't hard plastic. For me, it was more important that the shoes be stiff enough to not cause hot spots, or collapse around the pedals, AND that the sole was relatively uniform (flat) so the cleats wouldn't fall into contours of the sole (for lack of a better term). Personally for warm weather riding I preferred my Keens cycling sandals - I found them much too soft for use with cleats (I tried), but found them pretty much perfect for my BMX pedals. Thankfully there are lots of options out there since we all have different needs.

[MollyJ]

Clips. Well, they are just lessons in humility. I rode in very low traffic areas and it was literally a couple of years before I rode in a group. It always seems like one foot is easier to unclip than the other and always there is the foot we'd rather land on (at a stop sign etc). I just unclipped absurdly early at first. Falling mostly bruises the ego.

[Lelani Carver]

Troubleshooting Your New Clipless Pedals

1. Pedals properly installed by your friendly LBS
2. Cleats correctly installed on shoes (road or MTB) by same
3. Install bike on road or path, rubber side down, rider side up

Step 3: Well, there's your problem!

(I fell right over when I clipped in at the park. Nothing injured other than my dignity)