Clipless question...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by zoom-zoom

Ditto this. I have Shimano SPD pedals and have them as loose as I can, which still seems to hold my cleats in just fine, as I haven't had any issues with cleats disengaging. So far, so good. I had a few clipless pedal falls years ago with a cheaper pair of SPDs that were harder to adjust, but this time around have been doing OK. *knock on wood* I think it helps a lot that I spent the entire Winter pedaling on the trainer and being able to become accustomed to clipping in and out without risk of a fall.

---

Cool, I will remember this. I did not have any problems unclipping, I think that my clipless "gymnastics" were more related to muscle memory issues. I am new to riding and must think about everything related to stopping. It isn't an issue with platform pedals, but at this time I think the clipless pedals simply added another level of complexity.

At this point I am going to wait until at least July to try it again, and of course to ride as much as possible before then :D I am back to having fun and refuse to worry over-much about what pedals I am using right now! I would think that by July stopping should be automatic...but I will decide in July if it is time to try again.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Catrin

Cool, I will remember this. I did not have any problems unclipping, I think that my clipless "gymnastics" were more related to muscle memory issues. I am new to riding and must think about everything related to stopping. It isn't an issue with platform pedals, but at this time I think the clipless pedals simply added another level of complexity.

---

I get this...I still have a few moments where I definitely don't feel like unclipping is second-nature (and have had a few moments where I am certain that an extra second of hesitation would have had me on the ground--still clipped-in :p). At this point I am really picking routes where I know where all the stops are and won't have to stop too often. I'm starting to feel a bit braver, but still want to be as cautious as possible until I feel that I've mastered the clipless pedals thing. I think you are smart to work into them slowly...whatever makes you feel confident and safe on your bike is important. :)

For 2 months I was falling over - and over - and over. I put a post here and got some excellent advice. The thing that made it work for me (thanks sooooo much for the advice tctrek) was making sure both brakes were fully engaged before unclipping my second foot (I unclip the left first). For some reason after I stopped I was letting up on the brakes and starting to roll a little which resulted in a sort-of panic move and a crash. I didn't even realize I was doing this until I started paying attention to my braking while clipping out. I guess I was so focused on my feet I totally forgot about what my hands were doing. I haven't fallen since (knock on wood) but I still have to think through the entire process every time I come to a stop.

The bottom line is although it hurts to fall over - you have lots of company and you will eventually get it.

I do appreciate all of the advice - and when I try again later this summer I will certainly keep all of it in mind. Right now I am focusing on my basic skills and making them second nature :)