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

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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...

I wish I had seen RR's advice before I went clipless! I did 4 Artie Johnson's and hte last 2 were when I shifted the bike balance. But no problems now! :D

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Originally Posted by ShubieGA

I wish I had seen RR's advice before I went clipless! I did 4 Artie Johnson's and hte last 2 were when I shifted the bike balance. But no problems now! :D

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Artie Johnsons :D :D :D
I had to think about that for a minute. I've had some Artie Johnsons myself:p

After you've mastered and feel comfortable clicking out of that same foot, try practicing using your other foot. You will eventually become proficient at using either foot to click out as you come to a stop. Being able to do this becomes second nature and lessens the chance of falling on the 'wrong' side as you will be able to automatically react by clicking out of the other pedal. Your cleats will wear longer too as you're splitting your clicking and unclicking between both feet.

OK... whats an "Artie Johnson"

Completely clueless here!



And I can't take the credit for the advice.

My partner told me to choose one foot and always unclip that way (I chose my left foot as in NZ we are left hand drive - so that way my balnce goes towards the road side, not road centre.

And the turn the front wheel away from the unclipped foot so the bike naturally falls into your free foot, well, that was sage advice from here at TE.

I just try and spread the message as often as possible... its the best cycling advice I have received.

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Originally Posted by roadfix

After you've mastered and feel comfortable clicking out of that same foot, try practicing using your other foot. You will eventually become proficient at using either foot to click out as you come to a stop.

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Nup
Not me
I tried and just confused myself
I always unclip on the same side, and have not had a standing crash even when the camber of the road is not favourable, or when on a hill.
I'm well impressed you can do this RF... I dooubt it will ever be one of my proficiencies though :p

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Originally Posted by RoadRaven

OK... whats an "Artie Johnson"

Completely clueless here!

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Raven, here in the States, many years ago, there was a variety show on TV called "Laugh In." One of the comedians name was Artie Johnson, and he had this old guy character who sat on a park bench, hitting on some old lady played by Ruth..... Anyway, she'd hit him with her purse, and the sketch almost always, if not always, ended with him tipping slowly over onto his side, so he was laying on the park bench in the still-seated position.

The question is: why did we laugh at this every time?

I NEVER would have thought to call our slow tip overs "Artie Johnsons" -- but it's SO perfect! KUDOS!

Karen in Boise

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Originally Posted by RoadRaven

Nup
Not me
I tried and just confused myself
I always unclip on the same side, and have not had a standing crash even when the camber of the road is not favourable, or when on a hill.
I'm well impressed you can do this RF... I dooubt it will ever be one of my proficiencies though :p

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Actually, a lot of roadies do this, and most all mountain bike riders using clipless pedals do. Mountain bikers on technical terrain must be able to unclip out of either foot at moment's notice....they don't have a choice. If you mountain bike, this is automatically carried over when you're on your road bike. This is a good skill to have as roadies.....you will sometimes encounter situations where you have no choice but to click out of the 'other' foot. :)

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Originally Posted by Kano

Raven, here in the States, many years ago, there was a variety show on TV called "Laugh In." One of the comedians name was Artie Johnson, and he had this old guy character who sat on a park bench, hitting on some old lady played by Ruth..... Anyway, she'd hit him with her purse, and the sketch almost always, if not always, ended with him tipping slowly over onto his side, so he was laying on the park bench in the still-seated position.

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Karen, remember that there were other short sketches on Laugh-in where Artie Johnson would be riding along on a little tricycle, stop, and then just tip over on the side for no reason. That's what would be "an Artie Johnson" in terms of clipless falls. ;)

I'm definitely a real road biker. I took so long to get used to clipless and then I switched to a different pedal and love it. Of course, I have fallen getting used to the new pedal! I have experienced the "artie johnson" myself.

RR- I only clip on one side too, every time.

Yep - Arte Johnson - from a standing stop or just stopping, and slowing fall over, usually accomplied by "Uh-Oh" or some appropriate word. I have surely dated myself! 50 in my sights!!! :cool:

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Originally Posted by Lisa S.H.

Karen, remember that there were other short sketches on Laugh-in where Artie Johnson would be riding along on a little tricycle, stop, and then just tip over on the side for no reason. That's what would be "an Artie Johnson" in terms of clipless falls. ;)

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OH yeah! I forgot about those!

I do believe we've got a whole new cycling term here!

verrrrry interesting!

Karen in Boise

The first time I ever tried mine, I went two feet and fell over. My son, the bicycle racer and shop salesguy fitter has a fit when I won't use the clipless. He just got me some clips at my insistence and they have straps, which I'm supposed to tighten and un while on my bike. Yeah, right. My usual ones aren't like that and these are not going to be like that, either.
One of these days I might capitulate and go clipless, but for now, I see no reason to do so.
If God meant for us to ride with our feet stuck to the pedals he woulda made us with clips. :D
I'm not racing so what do I care?

Have you tried PowerGrips? I have them on my commuter bike and they are the greatest. WAY better than the cages & straps. I have clipless pedals on my road bike, but I really like the PowerGrips for just tooling around.

I use PowerGrip straps too, and I really like them. :cool:

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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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I really feel your pain. I am still healing the scrape on my knee from about 2 weeks ago. My trick?!? Unclip right foot......somehow end up leaning to the left side. Uh huh.....yeah...not good. I also was at an intersection. But seeing how this was not my first time going to the ground under similar circumstances, I have gotten really good at rolling with my bike so I end up on my back with my bike straight above so I take the damage and my bike doesn't. Skin heals better than carbon fiber (don't wanna scratch the pretty stuff). ;)

I'm just so happy to hear I'm not the only one! So far, I've done the leaning onto the clipped in side. I unclip right, but had just made a left turn. It happened while my neighbor was watching out his window, so I'm prettysure he got a good laugh. The second was while trying to clip in while starting up a steep hill. My boyfriend was there for both, Today he kept wanting to hold the bike for me to clip in if we were starting on a steep incline, it's actually very sweet. He told me off the bat that he wasn't going to fall- and he hasn't...yet.

I've found my falls pretty funny, but I realize they could be tragic if they happened in the wrong place or time, and that kind of scares me. The split second when you suddenly go into slow-motion and you know what's happening, but can't do anything is so strange. I'm hoping I've fallen enough to learn my lesson, but who knows.

I've got Speedplay Frogs on my zoom bike. Very nice.

On my utility bike I want to put BMX pedals. (Kona Jacksh*ts, to be precise.) They are out of stock at the moment, but I love these HUGE platform pedals. One of my bike gurus at my LBS was waxing rhapsodic about the Kona pedals after I told him I wanted to put them on my Surly.

If you don't want to go clipless, the BMX style pedals really are sweet.

Edit: these are the Kona pedals, http://content.konaworld.com/webstor...category_id=22

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Originally Posted by roadfix

Actually, a lot of roadies do this, and most all mountain bike riders using clipless pedals do. Mountain bikers on technical terrain must be able to unclip out of either foot at moment's notice....they don't have a choice. If you mountain bike, this is automatically carried over when you're on your road bike. This is a good skill to have as roadies.....you will sometimes encounter situations where you have no choice but to click out of the 'other' foot. :)

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Yeah... my partner can...but I just confuse myself.

I can absolutely see the necessity of doing it on a mountain bike - you would have to be prepared and able to unclip either foot at any moment - but I have never really mountain biked per se... just a bit around the farm and I don't have clips on those pedals! :p

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Originally Posted by KnottedYet

On my utility bike I want to put BMX pedals. (Kona Jacksh*ts, to be precise.) They are out of stock at the moment, but I love these HUGE platform pedals. One of my bike gurus at my LBS was waxing rhapsodic about the Kona pedals after I told him I wanted to put them on my Surly.
If you don't want to go clipless, the BMX style pedals really are sweet.
Edit: these are the Kona pedals, http://content.konaworld.com/webstor...category_id=22

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Why are they so great?? :confused:

Hi guys, I've been clipless for about a year and really like how much more power I get. I started out on my mountain bike and learned to do both as is suggested here.

One of the best pieces of advice I got was from a sales guy at REI. He suggested I bring my bike in the house and put the bike in an open doorway. Using your arms to keep you upright and balanced, he suggested practicing getting out of the clips - on either side. It was excellent advice because I could practice and figure out how tight I wanted my clips. I ended up with my clips being fairly loose on my mountain bike and a bit tighter on my road bike.

When I purchased my road bike the store owner also suggested that I practice pushing down and then out, instead of the out that I had been doing. That helps a lot as well. It comes out a lot quicker when you push down first.

Thanks for the advice on turning the wheel. I'm not sure I do that so I'll try that tomorrow.

One last piece of advice - get you, in your clips, on your bike fitted by a professional. I had my clips adjusted by the bike store owner where I bought my road bike and it was fabulous. I'm still trying to match how they feel - my left is great. My left foot and pedal seem to be wedded to each other and working completely in synch. I'm not quite there with my right yet. But it makes a huge difference!!! - at least it did for me.

hi every one im new to this site ..but already getting some great advice!

im assuming clipless means the pedals that you need to clip in and out of ?? im due to try mine out for the first time on saturday but havnt spent that much time practising at home..should i be doing more ?

im gonna be rereading this post several times to memorize all the tips..:)

helen

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Originally Posted by hellbells123

hi every one im new to this site ..but already getting some great advice!

im assuming clipless means the pedals that you need to clip in and out of ?? im due to try mine out for the first time on saturday but havnt spent that much time practising at home..should i be doing more ?

im gonna be rereading this post several times to memorize all the tips..:)

helen

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I had my husband keep me upright while I practiced clipping in and out. SO then I went out and tried clipping in/out in my driveway. Then the road.