How NOT to fall in clipless

Whilst riding along today, it occurred to me that maybe nobody has posted exactly HOW to clip in and out. So, here's how I do it:

Clipping In: One foot on the ground, other foot clips into pedal when the pedal is in the down (6:00) position. Bring clipped foot up to top (12:00) position & push off with clipped foot. Do 1/2 revolution (clipped foot is back at 6:00 position) and clip other foot in (at 12:00 position.)

Clipping Out: Unclip one foot at 6:00 or 12:00 position (I use 12:00 position.) If not stepping down immediately, take foot completely out & away from cleat by placing heel of shoe on cleat so that you don't accidently clip in again :eek: When ready to step down, make sure clipped in foot is at 6:00 (down) position and raise off of the saddle. Place unclipped foot on ground (you are stopped) & rotate clipped foot back up to the top (12:00 position) so that you can push off again.

If this is redundant, please excuse excuse me :D

[QUOTE=Dogmama]Whilst riding along today, it occurred to me that maybe nobody has posted exactly HOW to clip in and out. So, here's how I do it:

Dogmama - This is a good thread. I was lucky to have my husband to explain this to me but if you dont know another rider it can just be trial and error (and those nasty spills). When you havent ridden a bike for a long time or never before this info is a jem. :)

Since I'm just getting started, I think it is best to stick with plain pedals for now....but I will definitely refer to this thread when I feel confident enough to take the clipless challenge, thanks :D

~doorah~

Quote:

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Originally Posted by doorah

Since I'm just getting started, I think it is best to stick with plain pedals for now....but I will definitely refer to this thread when I feel confident enough to take the clipless challenge, thanks :D

~doorah~

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They also make a double sided pedal - 1 side is clipless, the other is platform. It's a great pedal as a learning tool for clipless, for MTBing (IMHO), and commuting

Quote:

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Originally Posted by doorah

Since I'm just getting started, I think it is best to stick with plain pedals for now....but I will definitely refer to this thread when I feel confident enough to take the clipless challenge, thanks :D

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Don't let us scare you off! I really do think it's easier to get used to clipless pedals when you don't have months or years of contradictory habits under your belt. Anyway, if you look carefully at the stories, the majority of those clipless falls people talk about are of the "I was sitting still and I tipped over; now watch me roll my eyes at myself" flavor.

I can't imagine not being clipped in. After years of riding with platform pedals, I got clipless in June. I got my perfunctory fall 2 days later, then a reminder fall into an aloe vera plant when my tire slipped off the curb on a tight turn. I have not fallen since, and put on 1500 miles. I definitely advise giving it a go.

I might note in clipping out, that one is supposed to twist the heel out away from the wheel. Otherwise you might get your heel between your spokes while they are spinning!

Watch out for the cheaper clips and cleats. I have a set that came with the new bike that I haven't gotten my friend's tools to switch over to my originals. These squeak, and only release smoothly in the 6oclock position.

pssst... best advice here re clipping in/out

as you go to place your foot on the ground , turn the front wheel away from you... haven't fallen or been close to falling when I dismount (as long as my foot is fully unclipped :cool: )