Cycling Shoes & Clipless Pedals

[hibiscus09]

I'm fairly new -- bought my first road bike about 2 months ago -- and today, I bought Specialized cycling shoes & Look 357 clipless pedals. I'm just sharing this because my first time trying to unclip was hilarious. I decided to try them out riding up my driveway and into the grass in my backyard. Well, the first time my bike was almost at a standstill before I got my left clip out. :eek: I don't know why I was trying the left side -- I'm very left side uncoordinated. I think that was just the side I was used to coming out of first with straps. Anyway, the next 8 times I tried, I popped my right foot out first. I can do that quite easily. I hope I don't feel scared to death doing my ride out on the road tomorrow! :D

I'm training to do a MS-150 ride in September. Did my first 30 mile ride this weekend. I'm following a training schedule & the long ride is going to go up by 8 miles each week.

Anyway, I'm sure I was great entertainment for my neighbor that lives behind me. He does Iron Man competitions. LOL

[Grasshopper]

Oh man I feel your pain!! I thought I was okay with mine, but tonight I got too close to the curb to let some guy pass me - he was just riding behind me and wouldn't go around....I made the mistake of giving up the road and riding on the edge of the curb. I'm very very new at this so I wabbled and I knew I was about to fall but I couldn't stop it!

I fell right onto the grass!! THEN I got my feet out of the pedels. There was a guy walking his toddler and a dog right in front of me. All I heard was the kid say "uh oh!" at the top of his lungs! The poor man was doing his best not to laugh at me!!!

Tell me this gets easier!

[hibiscus09]

LOL, I'm trying mine out on the real road tomorrow. Hope if that happens to me, I end up in the grass. :D

[Veronica]

It shouldn't be so hard to clip out. If this were normal the company would have been out of business long ago. :p Take the shoes and pedals to you LBS and get them checked out.


Veronica

[hibiscus09]

Mine's easy to clip out on the right side. I really am left side deficient. I can't do anything on my left side. :D I guess it's no problem if I can get out on the right. I can get the left side out once I have my right foot on the ground. :)

[hibiscus09]

By the way, I just read something about cleat covers. Do you guys use those?

[aussievic]

I always clip out on the right foot - no idea why, just always have.

You can definitely get the pedal clip bit (very technical here) loosened. I did this because I kept on not clipping out and fell on my left elbow 3 times! My god it hurt :mad: .

Keep perservering though cause they do make such a difference especially on hills and longer rides.

Cheers
Vic

[hibiscus09]

Thanks, Vic. I can clip out of the right side easy. I fell this morning even after clipping out of the right side because I leaned left and couldn't get the left foot out. LOL

[Grasshopper]

hibiscus09,

The very first day I had my bike I ripped up the seat and scratched the front shifter because I couldn't get my feet out! Got nice road rash on my knee and wierd bruises on my bum but I was most hurt that my bike was all scraped up!!! I haven't even looked to see what I did to it last night! I ride circles around the street in front of my house pulling my feet in and out of the pedals!! I know they think I'm crazy!!

[hibiscus09]

LOL, Grasshopper. You sound like you're braver than I am! I'm doing these learning tests either in the cul de sac in front of my house or in my backyard. 3 falls so far!! LOL

[aussievic]

This sounds so familiar - I did lots of circuits around the (quiet) streets of my house.

I'm okay when it's quiet its just when you get in the situation where I'm in traffic and thinking of other things or when I don't clip out because I want to make a fast gettaway and I think the lights are going to change. Arrrggghhhh!

Victoria

[hibiscus09]

I've fallen 2 more times. :D I feel like I'm playing roller derby or something. My hubby just loosened the left pedal & I've popped it out 3 out of 4 times successfully. Going to go beat myself up some more.

[Grasshopper]

Did you see the post that Irulan made on another thread that sometimes the pedals can use a drop of oil. I know NOTHING about pedals - just thought I'd tell you I saw it.

Good luck!! Don't give up!!! I'm heading out today to ride up and down the one hill in my neighborhood! If the circles in front of my house didn't get them - this might do the trick :)

[hibiscus09]

LOL, have fun on your hill. :D Yes, I saw Irulan's post. I'm also wondering if I can ride on these clipless pedals in my tennis shoes since I'm not brave enough to out around cars in the clipless yet. I would like to still get in my training rides. :D

[BikeLady]

It just shouldn't be that hard to unclip! Take the pedals to your shop and have them checked out. I'm betting a lot of your problems stem from not being able to unclip fast enough on the side you are used to putting your foot down on. If you've always put your left foot down, it's going to be hard to unlearn that!

I've been riding clipess for 4 years now, and have yet to fall because of the pedals (knocking wood like crazy! ;) ). I ride with the right pedal really loose, because I have a bad left knee and I never, ever, ever want to land on that side! In an emergency, my right foot will pop right out.

My advice is, do NOT attempt to ride in traffic until you master the clipless pedals.

[waterlilli]

I think that it depends on what type of pedals you have if you can ride with regular shoes. I rode a whole triathlon leg with my running shoes with the clipless pedals turned. It was a borrowed bike and I ride platforms- and always will!

[Kathi]

Don't feel bad about falling with clipless, even experienced riders fall. I've been riding with clipless for 8 yrs. and last year I stopped at a sag stop, totally forgot to unclip and fell. Fortunately, no one knew me and I fell in the grass so I wasn't hurt.

I always unclip from the left, and I anticipate the need to unclip. If I'm not sure about a situation I just unclip my left foot.

And yes, I use cleat covers. A few years ago on a club ride we were routed through a section of a paved trail that was being worked on. It would have been ok for road bikes but it rained early in the morning. That section was all mud. We couldn't ride and had to walk thru mud (about 3 miles). I use speedplays I couldn't get the mud out of my cleats and had a terrible time finishing the ride because I couldn't click in. If you have to walk for any distance or happen to go inside a building they really help to keep you from slipping and sliding. They also help to protect the cleats. I keep them in my bike bag and pop them on when I need them.

If you have a predictable route that you know with stop signs and no traffic practice there. When you're rolling up to the stop sign just click out. You'll learn to anticipate when to click out and it will soon become second nature.

Speedplay recommends a dry lubricant, something like White Lightening. I use Pedro's Ice Wax. You want something that repels water, does not attract dirt and is non-greasy. Don't use WB 40.

Have fun!

[hibiscus09]

Thanks, Kathi! :)

[Terry]

A couple of things...
I believe Irulan "meant" (and I didn't see the post) for you to use
a Teflon based produced--NOT OIL...we've talked about the fact that oil is a no-no for most road/mountain bikes. Spin bikes, yeah, 3-in-one is used...

"Teflon-Plus" is common and cost about $3.00 in most cycle shops, and, just a drop on the pedal where you clip in. Then work it around.

Another think I've taught myself on clipping in/out is to practice on a parking lot clipping BOTH feet out simultaneously (yes!)
...just practice.

Relying on one foot all the time may be iffy in the long run; out of habit, I usually clip-out consistantly with one foot over the other on an anticipated stop. (and quite honestly I can't tell you which foot). I always clip in on my right and catch the left as I crank.
Terry

[aka_kim]

Yet another reason why it's good to practice unclipping both feet... a tale from the file of stupid things I have done:

A few years ago on my short but hilly lunch time ride I started hearing a "clanking" noise while pedaling. I couldn't visibly see anything wrong and nothing felt loose so I decided to keep on riding. About 5 minutes later my left crank came off entirely, but was still happily attached to my foot. It took a few panicked moments before I could get enough leverage on the right side to unclip and stop (with a pedal and crank dangling from one foot). And alone and without tools, I had a 3-mile walk back to the car.

So easy unclipping, good. Unclipping on either side, good. Not taking better care of bike, bad.

[hibiscus09]

I just went by my LBS and asked them to take off the Look pedals. He said he didn't want me to give up & switched them out for speedplay pedals & cleats, so I'm getting ready to head out & give them a try. :D

[MightyMitre]

Let us know how you get on Hibiscus. I'm a total Speedplay convert ( even though they cost and arm & a leg) , after I didn't get on with Looks. I'd love to hear how you find them. :)

[hibiscus09]

Okay, I will. I don't know what the price difference was. He just switched them out with no charge. I was happy since I'd already been using the Looks. I'm heading out now. :)

[hibiscus09]

MightyMitre -- that was like night and day!! I liked the Speedplays much, much better. No trouble at all getting out. It was nice to ride without being afraid. LOL Yippee!

[Grasshopper]

Good luck with them!! I absolutely LOVE mine!!! I hope they help!!

[hibiscus09]

Thanks grasshopper! :)

[MightyMitre]

Excellent!!! That's exactly how I felt. No more fear of what happens when you have to stop!

Glad you like them. How did you find getting into them as the pedals are a lot smaller? I put a strip of tape on the toe of each shoe at about level with the pedal axel to start with as I found it a bit tricky to clip in the first few times. However, absolutly no problems exiting , no more panic about stopping & much more confident riding!:) :) :)

[hibiscus09]

Actually, I was tickled the first few times I tried to clip in the left foot. It was like my problems had gone from not being able to clip out to not be able to clip in -- however, after several tries, I think I have the hang of it. It is a little trickier, but I'd rather have that problem than not be able to get out. :D

[MightyMitre]

That's so cool - that's exactly the same as I thought when i got mine!
Happy riding:p

[hibiscus09]

LOL -- one of the neighbors asked if I was just learning to ride a bike. She must have seen me fall with those Look pedals. :D

Happy riding to you too!

[Grasshopper]

Congratulations!! There's no stopping you now!!

[Kathi]

Yeah! I'm glad you got speedplays. What a deal that the shop switched them for you.

Happy riding!

[bikerchic]

Oh this thread was hilarious reading! It brought back so many memories.

My first day of riding with a bike club was also the day I got my new Serotta and using speedplays instead of my old spd's. Well after riding for several miles we stopped for a break at Starbucks and when we were all leaving I was the last to get going not realizing everyone had circled around waiting for me.......all eyes upon me the newbie :( and don't ask how I did it I still don't know but this pillar jumped out at me and I couldn't unclip fast enough to save myself and wham!

Everyone was nice enough, trying to hide their chuckles to outright laughter, I was more concerned with my new bike getting scratched up.........ahh it broke the ice and everyone started telling me about their most embarassing moments.

Then I somehow managed to fall in the middle of an intersection on one of the busiest highways in town and couldn't get unclipped and yes the light turned red and I was blocking on coming traffic..........gawd I was so embarassed!:(

When I first went to clipless it was advised that I practice clipping in and out in the house on carpet until I was comfortable. That's what I did and for the longest time I never fell because of not being able to clip out........it has to catch up with ya someday, LOL

Anyway hibiscus I hope you like the speedplays I love mine!

Thanks for the memories too!

Kate

[hibiscus09]

LOL Kate -- those were funny stories also. :D I went 38 miles today in my speedplays & no falls! Yippee!!

[williamtash]

Hello I have clipless looks and because I have a form of MD after I ride for awhile a can not get my leg to work to get out of them fast enought I got gages that go onto them and I still can use my riding shoes with them . Does anyone have an idea how to make then easier to get out of. :confused:

[hibiscus09]

The guy at the LBS was filing away some of the cleat so it would be like I worn cleat for me -- however, I only thought it made one side easier to get out. Maybe more filing would have done it?

[williamtash]

That a good idea could you tell me how the filing was done and what areas :confused:

[hibiscus09]

I have no idea -- you'd probably need to go by the cycling shop. :) Maybe they'd take your Looks on trade in & let you get Speedplays. I feel like the ease of unclipping the Speedplays is night and day compared to the Looks.

[williamtash]

Really that what I keep hearing I might have to do that I know a friend that went to those after using looks for awhile. thanks

[bikerchic]

hibiscus;


I went 38 miles today in my speedplays & no falls! Yippee!!

Yeah! Good for you!

One thing I found after riding clipless is on the few occasions I had borroughed someones bike with toe straps they felt dangerous, clipless is so much easier to unclip from.

Happy riding!

Kate

[hibiscus09]

Thanks Kate! :)

[Grasshopper]

Hibiscus09,

well after all my being glad I have speedplays - there is something very wrong with the right one. Don't know if it's the shoe or the pedal itself but it WILL NOT clip on!! I tried for 30 minutes today and finally had to abandon my ride. :( BF is going to look at them tonight and see if he can figure them out before tomorrow's group ride.

just thought I'd share....:)

[williamtash]

bikerchic My problem is because my legs are weak to begin with

Then I do 33 to 38miles I am mostly pedeling one legged I am not sure I would be able to get them to unclip. Great for you on the ride and no falls then would be great for me I fall at list one a week because of my legs but I still ride. I would love to reattempt the clippless but I think I"m a little chicken after the first time. How much does it take to get out of the speed play one:confused: sandy

[hibiscus09]

Grasshopper -- I read that you have to lubricate them with a dry chain lube -- something called "White Lightening"? I'm sure there are other brands. Anyway, I haven't bought any yet -- but, I just read it's good to do it every time you ride! Are you doing that? The site also said to make sure they're clean & that there's no debris stuck anywhere.

[Grasshopper]

Thanks, I checked for debris but I didn't have the lube with me. Did lube them about 3 weeks ago so maybe it's time again :)

[hibiscus09]

Here's some reviews -- the only problem listed seems to be the cleats not being so hot & needing lubing a lot. :D

http://www.roadbikereview.com/PRD_28042_2503crx.aspx#reviews

[Grasshopper]

thanks! looks like I need some lube!! thanks again!

[Irulan]

Originally posted by hibiscus09
Grasshopper -- I read that you have to lubricate them with a dry chain lube -- something called "White Lightening"? I'm sure there are other brands. Anyway, I haven't bought any yet -- but, I just read it's good to do it every time you ride! Are you doing that? The site also said to make sure they're clean & that there's no debris stuck anywhere.

I find that regular lube with dry lube ( I use pro lube, don't like white lightening) is critical, especially if you ever hose your bike off, or ride in the rain or mud.

geargrrl

[hibiscus09]

Thanks -- can you get that from places like Wal-Mart or do you have to go by the bike store?

[Irulan]

bike shop... and FWIW I am using SPD clips

Irulan

[Kathi]

Grasshopper,

Hopefully you've solved your problem by now but sometimes mud gets between the spring and housing. If you look at the outside of your cleat you'll see square openings. If you push the spring with your thumb you'll see it move up into this opening. That area needs to be kept clean and if it gets full of mud you cannot click in. I run a little optical screw driver through that area, it works perfectly. I just cleaned mine and I couldn't believe the junk that was up in there. Rinsing it with water will not clean the junk. It only happens if you walk through a lot of mud which I did about a month ago.

Another thing that can happen, but probably not, is that the screws that hold the springs on are too tight. Then the spring won't move properly. My LBS did that to me and I was having a terrible time clicking in.

Also, keep them lubed but I've gone for quite a while without lubing and not had problems.

I also lube the tracks on the pedals.

The cleats are very simple, I just bought a new pair of shoes and was able to install the cleats myself! I was so proud because they seemed so strange to me at first.


Hope this helps

[hibiscus09]

Thanks Irulan and Kathi! :)

[Grasshopper]

Thanks!!

Thanks for all the advice. I took them apart, cleaned everything and oiled them. It was better but still wierd. I think I've just developed an "affliction" with that foot :) I'm setting it wierd suddenly..I did check to make sure the cleat hadn't moved.

Oh, and getting covers for them TOMORROW! Thanks again for all of your advice!!

[Trixiee]

Stupid Question # 1( - I'm sure!)

But, are those riding clipless riding road or mountain bikes?

Stupid Question # 2

Do the clipless improve your speed?

[Grasshopper]

Clipless for both road an mountain - For your first question - and I don't think it's stupid at all!! I know plenty of people that don't want to use clipless when mtbing....seems scary!! Does to me too!!!

And to your second question - god yes!!!!! You can pull up on the pedals as well as pushing down and it gives you a solid place to rest your foot. You learn to use the entire circle for your stroke instead of just up and down and that makes you faster and able to last much much longer!!! (I'm still getting the hang of it, so on hills I find myself just mashing straight down - focusing on the whole circle makes it easier!!)

I'm sure a lot of people with more experience can answer these better, but here's my 2 cents worth! :)

[Terry]

Well,
I learned to ride cleated/clipped-in on a mountain bike, and now that I do, I can tell you that going up hill over rocks (seated) is charming! (I love my seat too; Serfas Curva). I almost feel like I'm cheating in comparison to when I first started riding.

I now have "power" in my pedals and use a better range of gears than when I didn't clip-in. I also up graded this past fall to the Shimano 504's. I recently asked the pro-rider at my LBS what pedals she uses; she also uses the 504's. She said she likes them better than the Speedplay...of course, she X races. Also, hose/wipe your bike down after you ride in harsh terrain. It's an important habit to cultivate and will keep you on top of what is going on with pedals, tires, ect. Then lube as needed. Again, use a product that is not going to gum up the works. I like a teflon based product for parts/cleats and Dumonde Tech for the chain.

Could be that I'm becoming a better ride which makes for a faster, smoother, easier ride. I think if you are a roadie or spinner, you can really tell the difference between cleat systems over a platform/cage riding. Like everything else, take your time, learn from your mistakes and details, details, details!
Terry

[hibiscus09]

I'm really enjoying mine now! [I would say here -- "Haven't fallen since I switched to Speedplays!" but I don't want to jinx myself! LOL]

[hibiscus09]

I had a close call today & was able to get out of my pedals before I fell! Yippee!

I was at a 4-way stop and had clipped out of my left pedal. Well, this lady came through the stop & was turning toward me -- she was all over the road! I leaned in the opposite direction (to the right --still clipped in!) -- I guess it was just instinctive to lean away -- because she was too close for comfort. Anyway, I started teetering that way & was able to get my foot out before I bit the dust. Good test for me. (Well, if you don't count the almost getting hit part!) Anyway, I did scratch up my left leg a little on the bike but I didn't notice that until my sweetie told me later.

[ChainsOflove]

Am doing the clipless thing on a brand new Le Mond. Am TOTALLY black and blue knees down. Took the bike to LBS and they loosesned the springs.

I want to try Time pedals or eggbeaters. Anybody tried those?

Also, got these neat pedal cover gizmos called Winwood inserts. I"m not going to spend my cycling time on the ground. I want to enjoy my new bike

[hibiscus09]

Chains -- what type of clipless pedals do you have now?

[williamtash]

Hi
I have the windwood clip ins you may have problem with the flip to get you feet in it take some getting use to. Your clipless pedals are the top heavy. I just found out that one pair of shoes I have specialzed would not work well in one of my look pedals
They worked fine on the other look pedals I have on my hybrid. I put my sidi cleats on and tried them on the road bike that I was having the problem with cliping in and out. The sidi were slightly bigger on my foot and the pedals work just fine.

Do you have a stationary trainer. If you do I started to work my pedal there first then when I could do it freely then I moved to a quite parking lot no cars and did it over and over then I maoved to the road. My clips are on zero and loose aas they can go. It may be your shoes if you have a small foot to or the angle.

Did your LBS have you pedal them there and watch you to check the problem.

[ChainsOflove]

those are some good ideas. I have a clunky old airdyne exercise bike but I think the pedals can be changed, actually.
Good idea re: loosening all the way. Yes the LBS put me on a trainer to watch and adjust but altho they are real nice, they think that other types unusual of pedals are just bells and whistles.

Have been practicing on enclosed college campus roads.

I think I can deal with the Winwoods, better than crashing constantly.

I am starting to think my problem may be my shoes, which are a low level Diadora MP shoe that has a recessed rubber cleat hole. I am wondering if real road shoes might clear easier.

[ChainsOflove]

I am now using Shimano M515 which came with '03 LeMond Wayzata. BTW, veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerry sweet bike

[adkoch]

Originally posted by ChainsOflove
I want to try Time pedals or eggbeaters. Anybody tried those?


I don't have personal experience with eggbeaters, but a guy in my bike club has them and highly recommends them. He pointed out that you can clip in so much easier because it actually has four sides! However, there must be a downside or I would think I would see more folks using them!

~Angie

[ChainsOflove]

Well it turns out that the springs on the m515 pedals were still just way to tight.

I managed to conquer it, however, and then at the end of the minuteman bikeway in boston, the nicest LBS guy said: "they should have loosed them all the way, knowing it was your first time.:"

So he unwound them some more, and actually now they are too loose! but I was clipping in and out like a pro. Only had one small spill when Ipanicked when a truck came by.

All this suffering for nothing. grrrrrrrrrrrr

Am going to get my own tool set today. This is stupid trying to depend on these bike guys. :mad:

[williamtash]

Chainoflove

Sorry I could not get back to you alot of work. Yes I think it is your shoes. I have a pair of sidi and specilize. I have to use one pair on one look pedal and the other on the more advance look pedal. Even though my two shoes are the same size. The sidi let me clip out easier on my red bike with the 539 and the other shoe works with the 79.00 look pedals. What did your LBS say about the shoes that you are using?

[ChainsOflove]

Thanks WilliamTash

The LBS just said it had nothing to do with m y shoes, yadda yadda.

Today I got a set of hex wrenches and tried on a bunch of shoes.

I am doing much better now. Went on a 20 mile ride friday and I was clikcing in and out just fine.

I may still want a nicer pedal/shoe system, however. :p

[williamtash]

Chainsoflove

Sounds like you need to fined a new bike shop. Great on the pedals. I asked by LBS about speedplay for me she said there are positives and negative to all pedals. speedplay has much more float than looks do. Yet they don't have as much foot area. They are great for bad knees she loves hers because of her knees. She also told me that it really felt different about alot of years with looks. You really need to have a good feel for you LBS and trust them alot. Maybe looking for another one that makes you feel you can work with will help.

[Bianchi Babe]

Hi Everyone:

Just read all your posts about clipless pedals and learned a lot from you all. I haven't been using straps, clipless pedals, or cycling shoes yet because I couldn't afford to get everything all at once. However, my birthday is this month so I am treating myself to a pair of cycling shoes. As soon as the LBS's can find a pair in my size that is. Which brings me to some questions.

1. Are using cycling shoes very different from regular shoes? I mean will it take a lot of getting used to?

2. When I can afford it I will eventually get the speed plays to go with my new shoes. Should I expect to fall when I first get them?

3. My husband says my feet are in the wrong position on my current pedals but that the speed plays will position them correctly when I get them. Does this mean that relearning where to put my feet is going to cause a significant reduction in my level of riding?

Hibiscus09 I am glad things are going better for you now. Keep in mind that there are plenty of drivers that simply aren't very considerate or else they just don't realize how close they are to cyclists or how much danger they are putting them in. I'm glad you didn't fall. What a great achievement!

[MightyMitre]

Hi Bianchi Babe - there's a lot of cool things about using cycling shoes and clipless pedals. For a start you'll discover you can pull up as well as push down on your pedals. I rode my old mtb the other day with just flat pedals,where I couldn't pull up, and couldn't believe just how much pulling up I would normally do without even thinking about it.

Cycling shoes have a nice stiff sole so your foot stays flat and doesn't curl, giving you a nice firm base through which to transfer all that power. They shouldn't really take any 'getting used to' but they should feel comfortable and not squash your toes.

They should also fit snuggly round your heel/ankle so they don't slip up and down. The only thing that might be a bit different is learning to teeter about in them - tap dancing style - at the all important coffee stop. ( Watch those slippery cleets on tile floors - they're lethal!):D

You mentioned you husband thinks your feet are in the wrong place at the moment. When you get your new shoes and pedals why not get your LBS to help you set them up as they can tell you if you've got it right or wrong.

Enjoy :)

[hibiscus09]

Hey Bianchi -- :)! You'll love the clipless -- get the Speedplays. I much prefer the cycling shoes -- more support and comfort.

I guess I'll update you guys here on my MS150 ride adventure. I was training hard & the longest ride I had done at 3.5 weeks ago was 54 miles.

Then it hit. The dreaded ear infection. LOL I've never had one of those & MAN -- did it hurt & did it last FOREVER.

First I was given an antibiotic, decongestants & ear drops. Then a stronger antibiotic. Next prednisone (steroids). Yesterday, my ears finally started popping like they may be clearing up & the pressure is lessening. Holy Cow!!!

Anyway, I've been training for 3 weeks now on a stationary bike & the longest I've gone is 15 miles at a time. I have been doing that 3 times a week & 2 other days doing morning interval training on my elliptical at home. Not easy when you feel like you need to go to the hospital. LOL

My ride is next weekend & hopefully I'll be 100% by then. Regardless, I'm doing it. :D Except there's a hurricane looming out in the ocean now that may be heading towards our coast -- which is where the ride ends up at. :eek:

Such fun & excitement! :D

[Bianchi Babe]

Dear Mighty Mitre:

Thanks for the advice. Usually we stop at a winery and just eat lunch outside so there isn't any tile floors just dirt.

You said to have the LBS check out to see if my feet are positioned correctly which brings me to another question.

Have you ever had a custom fit on your bike from a LBS? It just so happens that the owner or manager of two of the LBS's is a guy who showed up at the support group I started a couple of years ago. So when he saw me returning the butterfly saddle he started asking questions and I told him that the Butterfly had been worse than my original saddle and as such I hadn't been able to ride for two weeks due to extreme soreness. I told him I thought I would stick with my old saddle and go ahead and get cycling shoes. So he said that if my old saddle wasn't as bad as the butterfly for me that it could be the fact that I never had a custom fit and as such, if I made an appointment during the week, he would not only custom fit my bike but do it for free! Isn't that sweet of him? I feel so lucky. He said to wait until my shoes came in though before doing the custom fit and that would be a good time to ask about my foot position.

I also had another nice experience. I thought I heard someone call my name as we were riding but I didn't recognize the other two cyclists and since my husband didn't hear my name he thought it was wishful thinking. Well it turns out it was a guy I know who is the best cyclist I know. You can't imagine how tough the mountains he rides are. He rides all up and down California camping out here and there. Anyway he called me yesterday to see if it was me that he saw that day and I said it was and he said I was doing real well for a beginner! He said it was great that I made it up one of the steep hills, came down at a terrific speed, missed the warning sign about the large cement bump, and yet managed to stay on the bike even while air bourne. I know he was taking into account the type of hills and the fact I am a beginner but it felt really nice to hear someone who is so proficient give me a compliment. He even said he would like to find time to ride with Gene and I sometime. I can't believe it. As good as Gene is, Vin is still in much better shape and the fact that he would actually say he wants to ride with us is amazing because we are so not in his class. But isn't this exciting good news?

[Bianchi Babe]

Dear Hibiscus:

I am so sorry to hear about your ear infection. I had one once several years ago and remember it as being very painful. I sure hope yours gets better fast. Like before your MS150. But you know if you do still have your ear infection, remember your riding at a distinct disadvantage. I've read some cycling articles that say you really strain your body when you ride with any kind of illness and it can cause undue stress on your heart. So be careful and good luck. Tell us how it works out.

I am planning on getting the speedplays. But first the shoes. Maybe by Christmas I'll have enough saved up for the speed plays. One thing at a time. Although it is amazing how one little thing can make a big difference in performance.

Good luck on the MS150. I hope the conditions won't be to windy.

[hibiscus09]

Thanks Bianchi! :) I didn't notice if you had picked a particular brand of shoe or not but mine are Specialized Body Geometry. I like them lots.

[Bianchi Babe]

Dear Hibiscus09:

I haven't been looking for any thing particular in a shoe other than one that will enable me to use speed plays when I am able to get them. But the brands that the LBS's have shown me have all been Shimano, SiDi, and one other that I forget the name of. The Shimano's actually come in my size which is a plus, but on the advice of the LBS's manager/owner I ordered a pair of SiDi's. I don't have to buy them if I don't like them though. Besides, since this guy owns/manages two of the three local bike shops he is still going to get my business one shoe or the other. Actually he is really nice and his two shops are very run by mostly knowledgeable and experienced cyclists who really know what they are talking about. Since my shoes haven't come in yet and they were expected to come in earlier this week, I expect they will soon get the news that SiDi's don't carry my size either. When that call comes in I will ask them about the ones you mentioned to see if they carry them or can order them. Thanks for telling me about them.

[Bianchi Babe]

Hibiscus09:

Forgot to ask you, how is your ear infection doing? Are you feeling better? I hope so. Good luck this weekend.

[hibiscus09]

You're welcome. :) Ears are still a little stuff. :( But, it's okay -- I'll hang in there -- I'm sure it will be okay by next Friday. Unfortunately, there's a great big hurricane out in the water heading this way. :eek: I'll just have to see what that does before riding my bike towards the beach. LOL