Were you ever afraid of clipless?

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Originally Posted by SheFly

I can do both, but ride both MTB and road. That said, track standing on my road bike is a terrific skill - I don't have to unclip at red lights or stop signs (but I will, if necessary).

Bunny hopping on the road to avoid an obstacle is a BAD idea, generally. It can be done, but the potential danger is greater on the road than at slow speeds on the trails. And in a paceline/pack, there is NEVER an instance where you should be doing this as you would be putting others in danger (they might not see what you are hopping, and hit whatever you were avoiding).

These are both good skills, but be careful with their practice. And clipless pedals will simplify, but both can be achieved with platforms as well.

SheFly

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I've seen people bunny hop on a road bike as a last resort to hitting an obstacle, but I've never seen anybody do it in a pack. As for trackstanding, I can see its utility and ride with plenty of people who do it at red lights, including my husband (although frankly, it looks like more effort than it's worth). I was just trying to explain that it's not an imperative skill to have for road biking such that you need to get clipless pedals so that you can learn to do it.

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Originally Posted by tzvia

Fear? No, being stuck in a toeclip and being unable to reach down to release the strap- that's fear.

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Originally Posted by BC2COCyclist

I cannot believe anyone ever rode with toe cages/those strap things. Now THAT is some scary stuff, right there!

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I rode with toe clips for years. Not too long ago I gave clipless a try. It didn't agree with me. I started getting very afraid in certain situation - I knew I would not be able to get my foot out fast enough if something happened. Now I'm back to toe clips.

For me, the toeclip straps are a set once and forget about them for ten years sort of item. My feet come out of the toeclips just as easy as from fuzzy slippers. When I need to get a foot on the ground, I swing a leg back and down.* With this motion, it is as if the toe clip wasn't even present - as if I was riding plain platforms.

* I have long femurs which makes any bike somewhat of a pedal forward (i.e. cruiser) geometry. Thus I can get a toe on the ground while seated even on a proper height saddle.

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Originally Posted by indysteel

I was just trying to explain that it's not an imperative skill to have for road biking such that you need to get clipless pedals so that you can learn to do it.

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And I agree, 100%!

SheFly

I learned how to use clipless about a month ago--initially was nervous because nearly everyone I talked to said to expect to fall while learning. (However, I did not.)

My boyfriend just had me sit on my bike with one hand on his pick-up and practice clipping in and out with one foot (LEFT) until I felt comfortable to ride around the yard practicing.

I think it is important to always clip out with the same foot.

I have found it much easier to clip out when that foot is at the bottom of the pedal stroke, as opposed to the top. I still always clip out maybe 20 yards before a stop sign, just in case there's a problem (meaning, I have enough time to try again, though I've never had a problem clipping out).

Hopefully you have someone to help you to make sure they are adjusted just right (not too loose, not too tight). Don't be afraid--it will be worth it! Good luck!

I used my new Speedplay 0s for the first time tonight - on the trainer! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY :D :D :D

Yes. It took me a year to get up the courage to use them. I skipped the toe cages/straps, because the movement required to get out of them isn't intuitive, and if you crash, clipless pedals should in theory release you, whereas there's a distinct possibility of breaking something due to getting stuck in cages.

Now, of course, I rather like them, and don't like riding without them, at least on a road bike.

I'm glad you're getting the hang of them. :)

I'm also going to RIDE on the trainer as well as clip in/clip out as DH warned me my legs will get tired quicker with clipless - your legs don't get a break like they do with platform pedals.

ie: I'm going to *use* the pedals and build strength, eh?

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Originally Posted by BC2COCyclist

I'm also going to RIDE on the trainer as well as clip in/clip out as DH warned me my legs will get tired quicker with clipless - your legs don't get a break like they do with platform pedals.

ie: I'm going to *use* the pedals and build strength, eh?

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That's assuming you have a good pedal stroke that utilizes both the upstroke and downstroke and everything in between. Your hamstrings might feel a bit tired for your first few rides, but my guess is that you'll adapt relatively quickly if you're otherwise in decent shape.

My quads loved me for switching to clipless. My hamstrings...didn't, at least for the first few rides. They got used to it.

Thanks, guys!

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Originally Posted by Owlie

My quads loved me for switching to clipless. My hamstrings...didn't, at least for the first few rides. They got used to it.

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I've been riding with platforms on my mountain bike and, eek, my quads hate me. I can't wait to switch to clipless so that my hamstrings can share the load.

I practiced clipping in and out several times today and I rode 5 (sweaty) miles on the trainer. :)))))

I notice that it is more difficult to clip out on one side than the other, which I think is odd.

I'll practice clipping in and out of the side that's easier for whatever reason, too, I think it's a good idea.

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Originally Posted by BC2COCyclist

I practiced clipping in and out several times today and I rode 5 (sweaty) miles on the trainer. :)))))

I notice that it is more difficult to clip out on one side than the other, which I think is odd.

I'll practice clipping in and out of the side that's easier for whatever reason, too, I think it's a good idea.

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One side is always easier than the other, it has to do with which side is dominant or which is our power leg. My "power" leg actually isn't my right leg - oddly enough as I am quite right sided. I do clip in first with my right leg, but that is my preference.

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Originally Posted by BC2COCyclist

I practiced clipping in and out several times today and I rode 5 (sweaty) miles on the trainer. :)))))

I notice that it is more difficult to clip out on one side than the other, which I think is odd.

I'll practice clipping in and out of the side that's easier for whatever reason, too, I think it's a good idea.

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Glad it's going well BC2COCyclist.

I agree with Catrin. I also find it easier to clip in and out on one side. In fact, I hardly ever clip out on the right side when riding except at the end of the ride or in an emergency. I clip and unclip on the left for stops (we drive on the left). I am also extremely right handed/sided/whatever. Believe it or not, I struggle to get on the bike from the right hand side. I have to do it from the left side, leading with my right leg.

Another thing that I realised this morning riding to work was how instinctive the clipping/unclipping action has become over time. I've just switched to narrower and shallower road bars on one bike which allows me to ride on the drops more easily. However, that puts me in a different position when I stop. I don't have to give much thought to clipping and unclipping when riding on the hoods because I'm so used to it but in this new position, I'm more conscious of 'planning ahead' just because it feels different.

I have some range-of-motion issues in my left ankle, but even without it I'd still expect to prefer to clip out on the right.