Going clipless...

I got my Nashbar order today (clipless pedals, shoes and a computer) and managed to install all the stuff all by myself! Adjusting the cleats took a little doing (and will probably need to be adjusted as I figure out what I am doing), but other than that, it was pretty easy.

I finished after dark, and did a few laps on my street trying out the new pedals. I hope I can get in and out of them smoothly on my commute tomorrow. Fortunately, I bought the kind that can be a platform or clipped, so if I suck at clipping and unclipping, I can fall back on the regular pedals.

I'm mostly a lurker, but I've learned so much by reading here. Thanks for helping me become a more confident biker!

Have you searched for some of the discussion here about clipping in and out of pedals???
Worth it if you want to get lots of advice and perspectives.

Most importantly, practice on a flat area like a car park, or grass as its softer if you topple.

The best advice for unclipping and stopping I got right here on TE.

Always unclip with the same foot, and always turn your wheel away from the unclipped foot. This will ensure the bike leans towards you and elimnates you falling onto your clipped in side.

Its and easy habit to master, just need to practice a few times and get used to how it feels.

Have fun ;)

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Originally Posted by RoadRaven

Have you searched for some of the discussion here about clipping in and out of pedals???
Worth it if you want to get lots of advice and perspectives.

Most importantly, practice on a flat area like a car park, or grass as its softer if you topple.

The best advice for unclipping and stopping I got right here on TE.

Always unclip with the same foot, and always turn your wheel away from the unclipped foot. This will ensure the bike leans towards you and elimnates you falling onto your clipped in side.

Its and easy habit to master, just need to practice a few times and get used to how it feels.

Have fun ;)

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I did read a lot about it, and I practiced at home before my commute today. Yet, I still managed to have a spill out on the road. I'm glad I don't embarass easily because I fell over at a red light in front of cyclists and drivers alike! Fortunately I just have a scraped knee, so no real damage done.

I have learned my lesson tho - unclip well before getting to the red light!

You didn't tell what kind of peds!

I had my second clipless ride ever this morning and tipped over while starting on an uphill. I feel your embarrassment! :D

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Originally Posted by SouthernBelle

You didn't tell what kind of peds!

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I'm going to hazard a guess and say Forte Campus (platform/spd)

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Originally Posted by tjf9

I did read a lot about it, and I practiced at home before my commute today. Yet, I still managed to have a spill out on the road. I'm glad I don't embarass easily because I fell over at a red light in front of cyclists and drivers alike! Fortunately I just have a scraped knee, so no real damage done.

I have learned my lesson tho - unclip well before getting to the red light!

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Originally Posted by rij73

I had my second clipless ride ever this morning and tipped over while starting on an uphill. I feel your embarrassment! :D

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So...all that means is--welcome to the club, you guys. It's a big one! Lots of friendly company.

Actually, Nashbar Rodeo (is that the same thing but just under the Nashbar brand?). My goal was to try to go as cheap as possible for my first foray into clipless so I could figure out what I might *really* want in a pedal.

My computer is a Ciclosport - again the cheapest I could find with cadence.

I think I did pretty good - shoes (Nike Kato), pedals and computer for $85 shipped.

I'm also bike shopping, so once I finally choose "the" bike, I will upgrade to "the" accessories. :p

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tjf9

Yet, I still managed to have a spill out on the road. I'm glad I don't embarass easily because I fell over at a red light in front of cyclists and drivers alike! Fortunately I just have a scraped knee, so no real damage done.

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They (whoever "they" are) say there are two types of cyclists... one's who have just crashed/fallen... and ones who are going to.

:p

My family used to tell me that you're not a Real Cowgirl until you've been bucked off seven times.

Similarly, you're not a Real Cyclist until you've had The Clipless Fall at least 3 times, with witnesses. (Pulled the number out of my, um, hat ... er, helmet).

I'm REAL. (The broken arm was from the horse)

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Originally Posted by MomOnBike

Similarly, you're not a Real Cyclist until you've had The Clipless Fall at least 3 times, with witnesses. (Pulled the number out of my, um, hat ... er, helmet).

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Yay! I'm real! I'm real!!
At an event - once
On wet grass - twice
Unclipping when almost stopped - mebbe five (mabbe more)
Climbing a hill and stone between brake pad and rim locked wheeel - once

Hey, wait a minute, thats more than three... woohoo... I'm MORE THAN REAL!

:p :D :p

The best advice I have? Don't think you will fall!! I took several spills the first time I rode clipless because I told myself I would. Once I stopped thinking that I stopped falling (and it was only the next day so it wasn't really practice).

Clipless pedals are the greatest thing invented since........chocolate. :)

I practiced with my clipless pedals on an empty parking lot. Also, you might be more comfortable by using a clipless on one pedal and a regular pedal on the other side for quick stops. That way you know you have are ready for anything.

Thanks for all the support! 4 rides later, no more falls. It is *just* starting to be second nature, but I'm still pretty aware of the need to unclip coming up to lights. I hope I don't have too many more falls in my future!

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Originally Posted by RoadRaven

Always unclip with the same foot, and always turn your wheel away from the unclipped foot. This will ensure the bike leans towards you and elimnates you falling onto your clipped in side.

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Oh my gosh! This is golden advice!!!! I just went clipless about a week and a half ago and I have taken the no-speed, slow-motion fall ---to the side I'm still clipped in on about 5 times out of every ten when I stop. I'm so excited, I'm going to try that tonight. Its been so frustrating because I can't for the life of me figure out why I can unclip (albeit fitfully), step down with the unclipped foot...only to land my foot and then suddenly tip over to the clipped in side.

I suppose it also has a lot to do with the fact that I just learned to ride about a month ago and a half ago too...heh...