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I had a pretty bad fall today while riding clipped in. Both legs are really cut up from the concrete and large chainring. I also fell Monday but my car somewhat broke my fall. I'm a newbie at going clipless and don't want to give up just yet but I suspect I will fall again and re-injure the fresh wounds.
Do you have any advice for preventing falls and/or protecting my legs while learning to ride clipped-in? Carm
owwwwie! I have yet to fall badly, a couple of Artie Johnsons but not enough to break the skin. Good for you not giving up. You *can* do the clipless thing.
First tend to the wounds, obvoiusly clean them, antibiotic, do the first aid thing.
While that's going on do you have tights? When I watch the TdF or races on OLN I've heard it pointed out that so and so is wearing tights because he fell and wants to keep the wound comfy.
Can you practice clipping and unclipping till it becomes an unconcious action? Indoor trainer? Spin class? Kitchen doorway? Check that your pedals are at their loosest setting and just clip, unclip, clip, repeat....
Ouch! I'm sending fast healing wishes your way...
When are you falling? Is it because you're stopping and forgetting to unclip? I actually fell more in the old days when I was getting used to using cleated shoes with toe clips & straps because I needed to release the strap with my hand! But with clipless pedals, the problem went away pretty quickly. What I did was try to always unclip one foot - in my case the right foot becauase that's the one that I tend to step down with - as I was coming to a place where I needed to stop. If it turned out that I didn't need to stop, I just clipped in again.
Do you have a trainer you can use with your bike? If you do, that's a good place to practice unclipping quickly.
Can your pedals/cleats be adjusted to release easier? I ride with Speedplay Frog pedals that are a totally free-float system with no pressure to release, but I know that it is often possible with other pedals to adjust the amount of pressure that needs to be applied to unclip.
--- Denise
Thank you for the healing wishes. I was so close to taking my bike back to the LBS and having them put the toe clips back on but I figure I'll give it some more practice before I do.
The times that I have fallen, I was stopped: my right foot was unclipped and my left foot was clipped in. I leaned a bit to the left in both instances and over I went. I think the problem is my understanding of the foot order of how I should clip in and out and which way I should lean my bike. When I stop, I usually clip out with my right foot and leave my left foot clipped in. Should I unclip both feet when stopped, even at a stoplight?
I'm using Eggbeaters and am encountering no problems clipping in or out as a result of the pedals or shoes - just my brain.
When I fell Monday night I was wearing leg warmers and they helped a bit, however the chainring still pierced my skin. Today, I fell twice, once right after another with bare legs as its warming up.
I only unclip one foot when I stop, and I step down and stand on that foot only. It sounds like you either need to think hard about not leaning toward the clipped in side when you're stopped - or maybe you should try unclipping with your other foot. I'd be surprised if you need to unclip both feet, but that might be something to try until you're more comfortable with the clipless pedals. I really think you'll be happy that you stuck with it once you get past this.Quote:
Originally Posted by Carm
--- Denise
First off... that sounds so scary! Sorry to hear it! That is my BIGGEST FEAR!Quote:
Originally Posted by Carm
Now, my advice on how to prevent that in the future ... go look at getting SpeedPlay pedals. Seriously.
Why?
1) The pedal itself is just this flat disk. There is no way it will scratch you up.
2) It is VERY EASY to get out of the clips.
Now, if you can't do that... start wearing long pants for cycling when you ride. Also, get gloves on, if you don't have them already... so your hands won't get beat up when you fall.
I will also suggest wearing something long sleeved under your jersey to protect your arms.
Best of luck.!!!!
I backed the tension screw off until it was very easy to clip out (and kept in mind that it was also very easy to unclip unexpectedly) until it became second nature-then tightened them back up.
OOOPPSSSS... you have SpeedPlays. Eh... I will leave the other post for others to read.Quote:
Originally Posted by Carm
Here is what I was taught... BEFORE you apply your brakes... UNCLIP.
You also have to think to yourself, "I will unclip my right foot and lean to the right when I stop". Yes, it's a lot of thinking!
I even unclip if I see a potentionally *dangerous* situation that might require a quick reaction. Such as... kids riding bikes on the bath, a dog running around, a curb coming up.
It sounds like you need to stay out of areas where you might run into danger if you fall down.... such as busy roads.
Finally... I have hope for getting better at it... and so should you! I know that the other week, I started to lean to the right, but my left foot was unclipped... I quickly unclipped my right foot and I didn't hit the ground! I was shocked! And that was BEFORE I had the SpeedPlays!
I think it will be like learning how to drive a stick shift. You think about it for a long time, and then one day.... before you know it... you are driving that stick shift without thinking about it at all!
I fell the first day I got my clipless, just a beginner after all... I was at a stop and I was about to take off. One in the clip and the other touching ground....the one on the ground I used to push me off as if a scooter, instead of having the clipped in foot at the 12 oclock position and pushing with it. I did not get enough speed yet got the other foot clipped in and to keep balance at the slow speed I turned my handlebars naturally and down I went. Never again since then. I learned to push off with the clipped in and get the other foot on top of the clip even if it is not clipped in completely I continue to pedal the best I can with both to get the speed and try get the foot clipped- sometimes it was not on the correct side and have to flip pedal over and try again.. I had shimano SPD-R at the time and they are not easy to get clipped into, small base on cleat and the lip was small and narrow to catch on to the pedal. The pedals were not weighted well so often they would be in the wrong position to put foot, not a dual entry pedal.
. I just got my new shoes (Shimano 215) and new pedals (SPD-SL Ultegra) this week. .Not dual entry but bottom weighted and larger cleat with pronounce lip to engage easily. Much better. More like the Look set up.
Also..some advice to keep safe...
AVOID looking down at the pedals to engage...Need to practice by feel while getting clipped in, much like you do when you learn to type. Without looking at the keyboard. It could be potentially dangerous if you are looking down at the feet and not the road.
Great that you are not giving up, we all have to start somewhere and you are already a winner for not giving up. You will get the hang of it!!
Try ...try...try again.
Road rash type wounds do very well with moisture retaining dressings like "Tegaderm" , "2nd Skin", or "Spyroflex". You can usually find one of them in a drug store, or someplace with hiking supplies like REI, EMS, or Campmor. These keep the wound moist, letting the new skin cells migrate across the surface for faster healing, and also minimize scarring. They are also quite protective themselves. I was still wearing one on a road rashed knee when I hit a sand washout on an unfamiliar road and went down. I acquired some more road rash around the Tegaderm, but the original injury was protected completely.
Tights may give some protection, but I've also gotten "Tight rash" in a fall that did not tear the tights, but did make a mess of my knee.
Yes, yes, I know my handling skills aren't great. I'm working on it.
I went through this just a few weeks ago. Didn't tear my legs up, just bounced my head off the pavement (thank goodness for new helmet!) and got mega-bruises. I did as Singletrack mind suggested and as I had read about (but unfortunately forgot until I'd already banged myself up) and loosened the tension on my pedals. That's all it took. I love clipless now. I've had some near misses when unclipping with only one foot (I am right handed, tend to unclip left at stops) but on this forum somewhere I learned to turn the handlebars slightly in the direction of where you're unclipping (left for me) as this helps avoid the problem you describe.
Good luck. Don't give up. Try loosening the tension and riding around a big parking lot. You can do it! You have plenty of company, as you'll see if you do a search on "clipless" in this forum. Hope your boo-boos heal soon.
I'm sure you already know this, but I have to ask... After you hit your head and your helmet on the pavement, you did replace your helmet, right?Quote:
Originally Posted by shewhobikes
Our helmets are designed for single interactions with the pavement or other standing objects... If anyone is interested, here's a link to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute's "when should I replace my helmet?" page: http://www.bhsi.org/replace.htm. (Yes, this is a pro-helmet organization. But if you read any helmet user's guide - and I just checked both the Giro & Bell web sites - they both state that you shouldn't wear a helmet that's been in an accident, and go on to say that the damage isn't always visible.)
--- Denise
I second what everyone else said; if I am in traffic I unclip both at stop signs, or other interactions, because I find it too unpredictible
Carm: the other thing you'll need to try and remember, the bike will "fall" in the direction the tire is turned to, so if you're turning the tire to the side you're still clipped in on, that's the side the bike will fall to. As you stop, try and remember to turn your tire to the "unclipped" side.....that way your unclipped foot will help to offset the lean of the bike. I am with Denise on the leaving just 1 foot clipped, that way you have the power to get the bike going without trying to clip both feet back in.
The thing I did that was a huge help to me, I just rode around the neighbourhood clipping and unclipping without stopping so my feet could learn the routine. That way when I needed to stop, my feet had started to learn what they needed to do. I also tend to unclip on the same side as a rule so it becomes routine. That way in a clutch I don't have think about what foot is unclipped it's already done.
Good on you for not giving up, clipless is the best thing since sliced bread and you'll wonder how you ever rode any other way.
Like a wise woman here told me "you had to learn to crawl before you could walk, same thing with clipless"
As for the road rash, I use triple antibiotic ointment to try and get them to heal as quickly as possible and I use either NewSkin or Nexcare waterproof bandages. Both keep the wound covered and I don't have to keep changing the dressing when I take a shower. After 24-48 hrs depending on how much skin I took off (like my knee right now :D ) I leave the wound open at night.
Good luck, you can do it....we all went thru the same thing, and let us know how it goes!
Not for nothin' Carm, but are you up to date on tetanus shot. If chainring "pierced" skin, you might want to make sure all is good on that front.
Kisses and methialate flowers on your boo-boos though. I know they hurt.
spazz
Thanks for all of the great advice. I thought I would let you know what I found in case the info can help someone else.
Yesterday, I purchased a pair of black neoprene shin splint pads at my local sporting goods store. They are made by Cramer. They cover my entire shin and calf area. They are easy to put on and take off over the boo-boos. I feel like I have body armour on which gives me confidence to try again. They also look much better than the bubble wrap alternative I was thinking about using. The package says in addition to helping with shin splits, the product protects from abrasions.
In addition, I covered all my wounds with J&J's Advanced Healing Adhesive Pads. The product box says these pads help prevent infection, scarring and pain. After I put them on, the pain went away for all of my cuts except for one. They lay flat against your skin and don't come loose. This makes it easy to put the shin pads on. They are kind of pricey but you are supposed to leave each one on for several days.
So, tonight after work, I'm going to suit up and work on my clipping/unclipping technique. Thanks again for your help. Carmen
Way to perservere, Carm! It's sooooo worth it to nail this clipless thing! You've gotten lots of good, hard-earned advice about overcoming the initial difficulty. I first rode clipless on my mtb, spent a good part of 28 miles doing the Artie Johnson Laugh-In routine. I was cracking up the whole time, knowing how ridiculous I looked :D ! I was fortunate to be falling in grass and flowers, and it ate up the time while I waited for my slower companion. I knew the tension screw was there, but didn't fully understand how far I needed to back it off to get results. Eventually, muscle memory takes over (the driving analogy is excellent). I have since been amazed many times at how automatic unclipping has become. I may be lying in the dust, but at least I didn't pull my bike and all it's sharp bits over on top of myself :D :D :D !! I've even unclipped while my bike was over my head :eek:
This happened to me the second day I rode using clipless pedals/cleated shoes. I thought I heard something drop from my bike, and came to a quick stop, before releasing a foot. Duh!! I slowly toppled over toward the right, landing on a very gravelly road. My right leg and knee were pretty scraped up, with rivulets of blood running down into my nice new bike socks. I had fun picking the pebbles out of my skin....
I don't know any way to prevent this other than just being more careful and getting more mileage. I'm just very conscious now about my surroundings, and when in doubt, I release a foot. It's easy enough to slip it back in when conditions warrant.
That was a month ago, and the scabs are just now truly gone. The skin is still pink and raw-looking. I think I had permanently scabby knees as a kid, so maybe this is just my second childhood.
I don't have a lot of experience yet with the clips but have had a couple of times that I stopped and forgot to unclip, thank goodness for some good balance, but I did find that when I panicked and pulled straight up my shoe came lose, thanks to very lose clips! that is definately something you should check.
I watched several people in a group ride, most only unclipped one foot, one fellow did both each time and seemed very unsteady when he stopped :o
If you can use a trainer do so, I started with mine there and clipped and unclipped a lot to get used to it.
good luck!
*Sidles in... smiles*
hey there folks... I hope that everyone that had bumps, scratches and bruises are healing well...
*Mutters quietly to selfabout how embarrassing it is to clip in on grass, go to give it the heave-ho with the clipped in foot so you can get speed up to clip the other in...*
*Mumbles about how for all the "oomph" put in to start the bike, the back well just spun in one spot and I ended up with a face full of grass and a bike sitting on top of me, one foot still clipped in!*
Thank god no one had the camera out!
I was SO scared of clipless when I got my first set. I'd NEVER ridden clipless, and I was terrified of not being able to get my feet out if I had to stop suddenly. The shop owner told me to unclip my resting foot partially 10 feet before I start braking for a stop. It did take some practice and I went through my first set of cleats in about a month, but now it's no big deal. Oh, and I always only pull one foot loose. If I'm at a stopsign, stoplight, etc, one foot comes out, and usually the same one. The only time I pull both feet loose is if I'm straddling the top tube while walking to pedestrian crosswalk signal button.
I hope your wounds have healed up by now. :D
I have only been riding for about three weeks but I know all about falling from not unclipping in time. What really helped me was riding around the local school carpark (school holidays so empty and very big) and clipping and unclipping until I felt a lot more comfortable. I still need to watch areas where the camber of the road is wicked and there is no bike lane but this really did help with my confidence.
Good luck
Bless your heart, I know what you are talking about and those J&J Bandages are awesome! Expensive as all get out but they really work!
The Bike Group still calls me vertically challenged but I'm doing better on the clipless.
Someone on the forum had suggested using one regular pedal and the other clipless-I did that for a month and then switch feet clipless on the other side for about 3 weeks.
That worked for me.
Good luck, everytime I walk into the doctors office now they say, 'here's the bike lady again' I'm not sure if my legs are ever going to be the same and I have gotten over the fear factor but the one foot clipless and the other regular really worked for me!
We will have to compare medical expenses!
oooh, clipless, I can't wait :(
But! regarding replacing helmets after a hit, DO IT (I work at a brain injury rehab, do everything you can to protect your brain) and check with your health insurer if you are lucky enough to have one. Sometimes they reimburse at least part of your purchase price.
So sorry to hear about your fall. I hope you heal quickly. So far, thank God, I have not had a fall yet. I know it is a yet. Take care and be careful.