Nobody knows you when you're down and out, or, my new pedals

**ny biker** · 10-07-2010, 04:50 PM

I first got clipless pedals in 2003, and they were Shimano SPDs, just because that's what the guy at the shop recommended for me back in the day. I've been happy enough with them. When I need to clip out, and I always do so with the right foot first, and I always do it by turning my ankle inward at the top of the pedal stroke. This is the opposite of what most people do, but it's more comfortable for me due to scar tissue in my ankle from surgery to repair a torn tendon back in the early '90s.

Fast forward to today, and I have just switched to Speedplay pedals and cleats. The LBS guy recommended them for my knees because there's more float than the SPDs (long story -- related to switching from a triple on my old bike to a compact double on the new one). But with the Speedplays, I have to clip out by turning my ankle outward at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Which of course is the opposite of the habit that is so ingrained by now that I automatically stop pedaling with my right foot at 12:00 anytime I think I might need to unclip.

I went out for a ride tonight and was worried I would forget the new pedals and fall over with my right foot at 12:00. In fact the first time I tried to clip out this almost happened. So I needed a mnemonic to help me remember. I started thinking -- down to clip out. Down and out. Down and out. Down and out...

This of course made me think of Eric Clapton and "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out," which of course is just one part of the awesomeness that is Layla and other assorted love songs.

So now that song is my reminder for unclipping.

(Once I lived the life of a millionaire...

)

**XMcShiftersonX** · 10-07-2010, 05:06 PM

Ha! That's funny... I have speedplays too though and up until recently I always un-clipped with my foot at 12 o'clock, sometimes I still do. I haven't fallen over... yet

**OakLeaf** · 10-07-2010, 05:27 PM

That's the same mnemonic I used to use to remember which light switch controlled the bulb on the porch, and which one was for the inside lamp.

**malkin** · 10-08-2010, 08:33 AM

I'm glad your mnemonic worked--I was thinking down & out meant that you had fallen down.

**ny biker** · 10-08-2010, 08:38 AM

Originally Posted by malkin

I'm glad your mnemonic worked--I was thinking down & out meant that you had fallen down.

Oh, I've only ridden once with these pedals, so I can't say I'm out of the woods yet. I need to put the bike on the indoor trainer and practice before my next ride. But, fingers crossed!!

**malkin** · 10-08-2010, 03:05 PM

And besides, we who have fallen will still love you anyway.

**tctrek** · 10-08-2010, 03:58 PM

Hmmm... I always clip out at the top of the pedal stroke with my Speedplays.

**ny biker** · 10-08-2010, 06:18 PM

Originally Posted by tctrek

Hmmm... I always clip out at the top of the pedal stroke with my Speedplays.

I tried that but wasn't able to do it. Although I was going to try again when I practice on the trainer.

**ny biker** · 10-09-2010, 05:43 PM

Well so much for practicing on the trainer. The SRAM skewer on the new bike doesn't fit. Looks like I'll be practicing on the road tomorrow...

**abejita** · 10-24-2010, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by tctrek

Hmmm... I always clip out at the top of the pedal stroke with my Speedplays.

me too.

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