Ha- I had my clipless fall

I had my clipless pedals (Why you clip in and out of these, yet they are called clipless I'll never figure out) on my bike when I had it on the indoor trainer for the winter. But when spring came, I was recovering from my hysterectomy and getting used to my new road bike on the road,so I decided to put my original pedals, with those buckles, back on. It isn't wise to try to get used to too many things at once.

Now that I'm used to my new bike, Specialized Allez, and loving it I might add, I have been thinking about putting those clipless back on for the actual real-life ride on the road.

Now, I don't know. I have read a lot of stories about people falling with those shoes. How do I decide:confused: I still have a fear of falling since I went flying over my handlebars last year, and I didn't even break anything. I'm such a whimp:D

When this topic comes up I always think, why do we use these things? How many of us really need to be using clipless pedals? Especially anyone new to riding.

I'd like to put in a vote for platform pedals. Don't fall. Don't be glued to your pedals. Don't expect that you have to fall. I don't think it's an acceptable idea at all.

Ha! I just had my first clipless fall this morning. I managed to get used to clipless pedals in my former life without a fall- so I thought I would be fine... but...
I was riding out of my parking garage this morning, one-handed to scan my card to open the gate. Well, the gate didn't open. Evidentally I needed the weight of a car. So I thought I would try and squeeze between the concrete wall and the end of the gate. I realized I wouldn't fit when I was about 2 inches from the gate and then fell right over. I then proceeded to push my bike under the gate to get out for my ride.
Tomorrow I'll just take my bike up the elevator and push it out the front door.

(Edit: This all happened over a length of about 15 feet- so I didn't have much time to react. I slowed down for the gate to open. I just didn't expect to have to stop.)

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Originally Posted by CATWOMAN

(Why you clip in and out of these, yet they are called clipless I'll never figure out)

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Lol, I've always thought the exact same thing.

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Originally Posted by dachshund

I'd like to put in a vote for platform pedals. Don't fall. Don't be glued to your pedals. Don't expect that you have to fall. I don't think it's an acceptable idea at all.

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I second that! I have platform pedals on my mixte and love them! And I feel very connected to the bike, can even stand on 'em. :D

I have platform BMX pedals on 3 of my bikes (Speedplay Frogs on the 4th bike).

BMX platforms (or the critters like the Spider pedals Rivendell sells) are super grippy and you can adjust the grip pattern with the extra pins if you want. I've felt much better with them than with any of the "standard" bear-trap pedals I've used. Especially riding in the rain we occaisionally get here in Seattle.

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Originally Posted by CATWOMAN

I had my clipless pedals (Why you clip in and out of these, yet they are called clipless I'll never figure out)

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I think it's because the "clip" part of "clipless" refers to the original toe clips, and without toe clips then you are "clipless". The thinking is that if you don't have toe clips on your pedals, then you need something to keep your feet attached..... therefore cleats that clip into pedals. The "less" part of "clipless" refers to the absence of toe clips. Have I confused you even more?

I'm on the verge of going clipless this week. :eek:

occaisionally? :)

I think what I like about "clipless" pedals is the being able to pull up part. When I remember to. It's getting rid of my "saddlebags" because of the muscles it works.