I drank the SPD Kool Aid and it is good!

Hello Ladies! My DBF got me started MTBing and after being bounced around like a bucking bronco after 2 rides decided I'd better try some foot restraints. First I tried power straps and that was better than nothing, but after 1 time on the trail swearing and cussing in frustration trying to flip the pedals around while trying to start uphill, I decided it was time to be a "big girl" and click in. Today I plunked down more than the bike cost on shoes and Shimano M540 SPDs and gave it a go. To be safe my BF took me across the street to his local park so I could practice in the grass and soft dirt. I almost bit it twice, but managed to catch myself. Lesson learned - unclip and lean on the downhill side of the slope! Luckily my trusty little MTB (Judy) is so tiny and light I was able to right her and stay on 2 feet. :p After 20 min of back and forth around the park it started to feel natural, and if I dare say.. even more fun! Next step, practicing on quiet neighborhood streets. Once that's second-nature, SPDs are going on my Dolce Elite. Fun Fun Fun!

Scrappy

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Just curious, before, when you were getting "bucked around", what were you wearing on your feet? Proper biking flats and pedals with pins, or sneakers and bear traps?

You might want to practice getting off on the uphill side of the bike. This is considered safer.... if you are on a sidehill trail, chances are footing is less stable and more exposed on the downhill side. You know, just a misstep and down you go...Just a thought...

Hi Irulan, the bike came with regular old-school metal flats. I used converse low-top sneakers the first ride. (I know I know) Then I added power grips and tried my favorite biking sandals, but they got caught on the straps, so I had to go back to the converse.

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Thank you for the help Irulan. It does make more sense to unclip on the upside of the hill. I'll practice that on a nice soft grassy surface ;)