Got clipless p..and first fall out of the way ;)

[VeganBikeChick]

Biking to work the other day made me realize how much more efficient I'd be if I got clipless pedals, so I did. Practiced in my apt building's garage clipping in and out, and while perched up against a wall, promptly fell over. It really was like slow-mo! I just kept telling myself to relax and not put out my hand to brace me as I fell. Then laid there on the concrete for a bit and got up and practiced some more. Can't wait to give it a real go tomorrow. Only injury was a very slightly skinned elbow.

I got Candy pedals (forget the manufacturer) and Specialized Tahoe shoes. Very easy to get in and out of, as long as I'm not panicking!!

[malkin]

Wtg vbc!

[Owlie]

Woohoo! Glad it was only a minor fall. I bruised and skinned the same knee twice on a single ride the first time I went out with both feet clipped in.

[jyyanks]

Way to go! I just ordered my first pair of clipless pedals from the LBS. They come in next week and I'm nervous as heck

[marni]

I have been riding clipless for four years and still have the occasional "ftu" (failure to unclip) fall, mostly just tipping over like the old man on the tricycle in Laugh In (there that should date me) Of course it always has to happen at a stop light or in a parking lot in the plain view of thousands. It has something to do with slow reaction time and being confused. I still love my clipless pedals though.

[colorisnt]

Good for you!

I fell two times when I first clipped in. It hurt! Best way to do it is just keep it up. After that, I didn't really fall again because of the pedals alone. I was terrified at first, but now it's second nature.

[Jiffer]

Good for you! One fall is usually all it takes (if even that).

When my friend was about to ride clipless the very first time I was on my bike beside her. She was on a friend's bike and the friend and I were explaining what to do. She practiced clipping in and out and then was ready to roll. I said, "Okay, let's go." I pushed off, clipped in and was rolling down the road, but she was not beside me. I turn around and she's sideways on the ground. She had never taken off!

Like you, she also commented that she had gotten her first fall out of the way.

I was gonna say that was her only fall, except there was that one during the Cool Breeze half century when we passed our turn, slowed and turned around on an incline to get back up to the turn. I then rolled down the road a bit and came to a stop cause she wasn't there, nor the guy we were riding with. I waited for the longest time wondering what the heck happened. Finally the guy comes along and says that my friend had a little trouble turning around. I said, "Did SHE fall over?!", to which he says, "I'm not saying a word."

Anyway, I'm sure you'll be fine with the clips. It's much less scary than most people think.