Conquering the Clipless Pedals!

I would like to thank you all for the brilliant comments and posts on here. I am a regular reader ... not much of a "poster" and I thought I would tell all you newbies you are in the right place.

Firstly ... I learnt that riding without knickers is way more comfy than with!

Secondly, having suffered falling off over and over with Shimano pedals ... I switched to speedplay light action and lo and behold I could do it. So to the person who posted to try them thank you:D . To the other person who said that take your foot out when the pedal is at the bottom .... a hugh thank you!:D And to all those of you still trying ... don't ever quit, you'll find the right pedal shoe combination eventually and boy do you speed up ... especially up hill.

Ladies ... Thanks Again!

AJ

Congratulations on your achievement!!
Devon what a lovely part of the world to live in.:)

Congrats on finding something that works for you. I'm strongly thinking of switching to Speedplays when I get the new bike based on recommendations from the ladies here. Thanks!

I found that switching to Speedplay Frogs increased my uphill speed by 2 mph. FABULOUS!

Congratulations on finding the clipless pedals that suit you!

Once I have some extra money and can afford them, I am also going to give the Speedplay pedals a try, not sure which style yet. Need to head to the LBS and see which ones they think will give me enough float due to my really bad toe out.

Add me to Wiggyboo on the "thanks" list. My first post to say Thanks Too!

Not new to riding, but fairly new roadie very new clipless user. Still have the ole faithful Trek Mtn bike.

Been thinking about the big switch to clipless for a while and after reading all the advice and experiences here decided on the speedplay light actions too. After backing off the cleat screws a bit I found clipping in much easier... clipping out was never an issue.

Of course it didn't help when the girl at LBS tells me I will probably fall first time out when I forget to unclip.... Well, I did not fall, but was pretty careful to think "brakes on, clips out". Great advice...

Welcome WiggyBoo, and VTRider
:)
If you have both been lurking, then you'll have seen all the threads on clip-in pedals... glad that you have been watching and gleening useful info

And now you have both made the first step with one post, why don't you join in a few more convos... great group of women here :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LoriO

Once I have some extra money and can afford them, I am also going to give the Speedplay pedals a try, not sure which style yet. Need to head to the LBS and see which ones they think will give me enough float due to my really bad toe out.

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I have that problem too, LoriO, due to weird kneecaps. I suggest you try Speedplay Frogs--tons of float, and easy as pie to clip into and out of. If you have a good LBS, someone there will put the Frogs on your bike and then set you and your bike up on a trainer so you can find out exactly where the cleats need to be placed on your shoes for maximum comfort. I love my Frogs!

Frogs are the best. I started with Look pedals in the late 80s, then to SPD and Times. I borrowed a pair from my friend and swore never to go back. When I convinced my wife to put them on hers, her response was "ah, that's what it's supposed to feel like."

Plus, they are totally maintainable, unlike most other pedals on the market.

Has anyone ever tried the Speedplay X/1 stainless? Are they still considered "light action"? My LBS recommended them to me yesterday.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by twiggjlm

Has anyone ever tried the Speedplay X/1 stainless? Are they still considered "light action"? My LBS recommended them to me yesterday.

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I haven't ridden X/1s but have ridden X/2s for years (I think the only difference is the material they're made of and weight). The Speedplay "Light Action" pedals were developed in response to problems many riders (including me!) had clipping into or out of Speedplay Zeros, which I had to sell b/c I had such a difficult time clipping in (tho' loved them once I was finally in). The X-series pedals never needed a "light action" version because they were always fine. Don't knwo that I've ever heard of anyone having difficulties clipping into or out of them, including me, unless they get gunked up. You do have to keep the bottoms of your cleats clean of dirt, sand, and debris, or they will become difficult to clip into!

Hope this helps...

Emily

This does help, thank you! I am actually getting ready to go to the LBS right now to check them out. You are right, the difference between the X/1 and X/2 is the material. X/1's are stainless, X/2's are titanium. I really hope these are easier to clip in and out of. I am starting to get a little frustrated. :(