Well THAT didn't go well (clipless pedals)
Oy.
We won't talk about the number of scrapes, scratches, and various other abrasions and sore muscles I now have.
I went back to spin for the first time since getting my bike last Friday, and I forgot how comfortable my spd shoes were. So I thought I was ready to tackle the clipless pedals.
Not.
(And where did I get that crazy idea that comfortable = ready for clipless anyway???)
The tension on the pedals is adjusted to the loosest point possible (SPD pedals). I am obviously just not ready. I need to get to the point where I'm hopping out of the saddle on stops appropriately, and leaning as I need to after that. I was hopping out of the saddle okay (not great, but okay), but I wasn't leaning away from the clipped in side too well. I'd forget about the clipped in side and go tumbling.
Now I just have to figure out how to switch out the pedals, with the appropriate tension (there was a recommended torque for the spd pedals).
That, and go back and smack the guy at the LBS (not the one who put the pedals on) who said that most people wondered what all the worry was for wrt clipless pedals.
No reason for this post other than to vent. Perhaps I'll be in a better mood in the morning.
Re: Well THAT didn't go well (clipless pedals)
Oh boy...i really didnt need to stumble across this thread. Im so nervous to try my new spd clipless shoes/pedals. Haha. Im nervous about spills from forgetting to clip out and spills at intersections from not being able to clip in when that light turns green!I got the shimano a530 which has 1 wide flat side in case i cant clip in quickly but hearing others' experiences....i dont know. Anyone have any inspiring success stories? :p
Re: Well THAT didn't go well (clipless pedals)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
luvmyguys
Well, you're ahead of where I was. My gut instinct told me to get the A530's, but I let the guy in the LBS talk me into another pedal, which admittedly will be good for long rides, as it has a shoe to pedal contact closer to that of a road pedal. Just the mental knowledge of knowing "Hey, I can go back, or transition more slowly, at any time" will probably help you relax. Which could very well make you more successful.
I, however, am an inherent clutz, and I obviously forgot that when I started trying it out. You'll probably be fine. I usually hear stories of falling once or twice, not the frequency that happened to me yesterday. I had about as many time where I was able to stay upright - and semi-gracefully, at that - but I don't think a 50% success rate is good for me or the pretty new bike.
U r prob right. Its comforting to know i have a flat side and luckily my lbs knows how i am so they didnt steer me otherwise. I practiced on the trainer at the shop. I will go out around a parking lot on saturday and see how it goes. Maybe u can switch ur pedals to the a530's. Goodluck. I hear u on not wanting to ruin the new bike. Im in the same situation and also dont want to ruin myself haha. Thx to the other posters for the advice and encouragement!
Re: Well THAT didn't go well (clipless pedals)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Dogmama
Elphaba (love that name! from Wicked?) your boyfriend is wrong. It only happens about half a million times.
Seriously, the good thing is that when you fall, you aren't moving fast. Don't put your hand out, just fall on the fleshy part of your shoulder. Been there, done that. In fact, just recently during a bike ride through Vermont on a hybrid with platform pedals. Looking at the beautiful scenery and rode off into a ditch. Fell over like the old man on the tricycle in Laugh In. Good news - nobody except DH saw it.
I've been clipless for about 20 years and cannot fathom going back. During my Vermont ride, my quads were burning from the constant pushing on the pedals without pulling back. I also felt like I had less control because when you're clipped in, you can always get forward motion by turning one leg. Forward motion is good for not falling over. :D
Practice. It will soon become second nature. I ride with a lady who unclips way before she needs to. She's ultra paranoid about falling over. If you do unclip early, make sure that if you rest your foot on your pedal, your heel is on the clip. Otherwise, you may unintentionally clip yourself back in.
Excellent advice!
Re: Well THAT didn't go well (clipless pedals)
Well the shoes and pedals are going back to the shop or on craigslist...fell twice just getting started... cant clip out when about to fall....too scary to b on busy NJ roads like that....plus i scratched my brand new bike....and im not happy about that. Sry guys...im giving up!
Re: Well THAT didn't go well (clipless pedals)
@ tealtrek, dogmama, luvmyguys: U guys r awesome! U really said what i needed to hear so thank u very much :). It wasn't fun and I know its not something ill get used to soon. They show wear n tear so im hoping i can at least get a store credit at the shop. I tried the platform side of the a530's but having to constantly flip the pedal is annoying at intersections.:rolleyes: