New bike - clipless question

[dachshund]

The happy news is that I bought a bike over the weekend. It's a lovely celeste green Bianchi Veloce. The less than happy news is that I'm having a heck of a time getting used to the clipless pedals.

It seems to take a lot of force to snap the cleat out. I think I understand the foot action to use, to swing the heel out, but while practicing I can't get it to go every time. I'm practicing while standing over the bike. Is this normal, that it seems very tight to budge? They apparently set it up as loose as they could. I was having trouble forcing the cleat out with the original pedals, so we upgraded to the Shimano ultegra while I was at the store.

I finally realized I was getting too freaked out about this, and just went out with my gym shoes on. I'm really not used to this lightweight bike, or the shifting, so one new thing at a time.

I learned a lot during the sizing / fitting exercise at the store. They used a laser light gizmo to line things up. Pretty impressive.

[mimitabby]

The happy news is that I bought a bike over the weekend. It's a lovely celeste green Bianchi Veloce. The less than happy news is that I'm having a heck of a time getting used to the clipless pedals.


I learned a lot during the sizing / fitting exercise at the store. They used a laser light gizmo to line things up. Pretty impressive.

is your bike a WSG type?

[bikerz]

Congrats on the new bike! (Isn't this the same bike Lise has?) Where did you end up getting it?

Sometimes I have an easier time unclipping if I point my toe down just a little bit.

Now it's time to come ride with your NorCal TE buddies!!!

[bcipam]

The cleat should come out easier, if not, you can adjust the tension. What cleat did you have trouble with? The Ultegra? If so, something is wrong. I have Dura Ace (not much different than Ultegra) and it just snaps out.

Edited to add: I kept thinking about this. I do think its harder to just sit on the bike and try snapping out. While riding the natural progression of the pedal stroke will help you get you foot loose. Try in in a driveway or alley before going out on the street. Just practice rolling on the bike, snapping in and out. The pedal is really easy to use. Remember the movement is fairly quick, literally a "snap" out.

[dachshund]

I bought it at Pacific Bicycles in SF. They're near work and I've gotten to know the guys in there a bit. Getting the bike adjusted in the future might be a pain, I suppose, but for whatever reason the salesperson at the local store had me on a bigger frame. He didn't seem interested in my comments on feeling really stretched out, and I got more of a "warm & fuzzy" from PB.

Anyway, I admit my ankles might not be very strong or flexible. I had more trouble with the original, which was a "wellgo". The Shimano seemed better. Thanks for advice on trying this while riding. I fell down once already, in the parking lot of the store, in front of the salesperson. I can stand the embarrassment, but hitting the pavement is something I'd like to avoid. There's a big park with lots of grass nearby, so I think I'll take my little cleat-shoes over there and give it a go. Maybe if I strategically place some gardening knee-pads on my arms and legs, I'll be more brave. Now that will be a fine look!

I'm still feeling real dork-like on this bike, and I'll be a slow poke for a while. But it would be great to have people to ride with.

And... I don't know what WSG means.

thanks,
Amy

[bcipam]

Amy - never feel like a dork. Falling happens even to experienced riders. Make sure you find someplace where you have lots of room, where you don't have to worry about having to make a turn or stopping and just pedal, unclip, pedal, clip, etc. Remember you don't have to clip in immediately but can pedal first then once you have some momentum, clip in. Clipping out should be just as easy as getting in. Quick twist, not too hard. Make sure your shoes are properly tightened. If they are too loose, it takes a while for your foot to actually turn the shoe (hopefully you understand this). If you start to fall, don't panic, just "round: up alittle (arms in, head tucked) , don't put your arms out. It's best just to go with the flow. Learning how to fall properly is part of cycling.

[dachshund]

bcipam - thanks for the advice! I'll check the shoes. The "dork" comment also applies to being on a bike after 15 years. Some of it's familiar, some not. This is a speedy little bike and I have to get used to it.