Clipless pedals

I, gulp, made the leap and ordered the Shimano 540 pedals. I am looking forward to this and am nervous about it at the same time. I will be doing a LOT of practicing in my apartment clipping in/out. I got used to clipping in on the spinning bike long before I bought Stella, which has led to some interesting consequences!

I've been debating whether I should go ahead and have them installed/fitted, or waiting until spring when I can ride more regularly. I am thinking, however, that the longer I put this off, the more nervous I might be. Then again, if I wait, then I will have more miles under my belt - so I can't make up my mind.

Basically I am looking for some encouragement here so the fear of falling doesn't get in the way - though Tulip's advice some time ago to simply practice falling over doesn't sound like a bad idea :rolleyes:

From this moment on, pretend you ARE clipped in. Every time you think about stopping, click your heel out, to get it to become an automatic process.

Honestly, falling while stopped and clipped in doesn't really hurt that much. It's much more painful on the ego.

Don't be nervous, you will learn quick. It's like, you know, riding a bike.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tangentgirl

Honestly, falling while stopped and clipped in doesn't really hurt that much. It's much more painful on the ego.

Don't be nervous, you will learn quick. It's like, you know, riding a bike.

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:) Thanks for the advice, from both of you! I have so many problems with my feet slipping off of the pedals, or coming up from the pedals during the "up" portion of the pedal stroke that I figure the benefits of changing now will be well worth it.

Now the snow needs to go away so I can get out on my bike - but I am NOT complaining about our puny 8 inches or so that we currently have on the ground. Not me, I don't want any electronic snow balls from further east :D

I have fallen lots of time especially in the beggining while stopping/slowing. But in my defense I started out riding my bike with clipless. So I had to learn my bike, balance and timing along with unclipping at a red light or a stop sign. I think that you are going to be fine. Rule of thumb, if you think that you are going to stop unclip one of your shoes. It is easier to clip back in than to pick yourself up off the road. ;)

A couple months ago, I switched from a hybrid bike with regular pedals to a road bike with clipless pedals all at the same time and I too was petrified of all the changes! What I did first was go on a couple completely flat trail rides where I wouldn't have too many distractions. This gives you time to get used to the shifting and the initial instability of a road bike. You can also practice clipping in and out without much consequence.

Then, practice stopping real quick on a flat surface and pulling your foot out (remember twist out, don't pull up!). If you're able to adjust your pedals I know you can make it easier or harder to clip out, but my pedals don't do that (you'll of course want to do that on a trainer). After that it was hilly rides I was most afraid of, so my husband suggested I go up slight inclines and practice clipping out. He also explained though, that with clipless pedals you're more able to just power up a hill than with regular pedals, so don't give up, just push through.

It also helps to anticipate hills and stops, by shifting down when you see a hill coming, and clipping out prior to stops. The first couple hilly rides I did I shifted down lower than I thought I would need, just to be safe, but as time goes on you get an idea of what you can or can't handle. One thing you want to remember is that when you get a little more tired, you may clip out with one foot, but lean to the opposite side, because you're shaky or just forget. I had an "oh ****" moment where I did this but I quickly threw my weight to the right side and I was good. There will be these moments, and there's that panic, but you can usually save yourself. I haven't fallen yet. *knock on wood*

Good luck. It gets easier and more fun with time and practice. The sooner you start, the sooner you can get over your fear, and realize that it was no big deal and enjoy your ride!

-Jessica