Clipless, OMG what a difference

[DDH]

Well, dh and I went to the LBS today and they had new shoes in and I have been needing to buy a pair of cycling shoes even if I wasn't going to go clipless I needed to get out of those tennis shoes to ride in.
Well, we went ahead and bought the cleats to go with the shoes since my bike had already come with clipless peddles.
DH put the on and set my shoes up. I got on the bike in the house while I could hold onto the chair and learn how to use them. DH set them up where the tension was real light, so it doesn't take a whole lot for me to get out of the peddles. I then took it outside for a quick spin around and did fine.
I have been scared to death of these things. They didn't seem that bad.
We went on a ride this evening and OMG the difference these make climbing the hills was unreal. Maybe it was just me being stoked up, or maybe I was just fresh and ready to go, I don't know but it was great. I climbed one of our smaller hills at 11 mph. which is a huge HUGE difference to me. I stayed in the 2nd gear on the big front ring instead of going down to the smallest and then to the lower gears in the back. I didn't move the gears. It was great. I am sure I will find that some of it was just anticipation and excitement over not falling yet. (notice I say yet so I don't jinx myself) Either way, I had a wonderful ride. I only went about 6 miles but rode at 13.7 mph instead of 11 point something that I usually ride.
The real test for these will be when I go on a longer ride later next week. Or maybe Sunday, (i hope).
Wish me luck girls so I don't fall on my face if we get a chance to ride Sunday.

[kelownagirl]

Congrats DDH! Glad you had such a successful experience and hope you don't fall for ages and ages!!!

barb

[CyclChyk]

YEH!!! Good for you! Just keep that positive attitude and you will do great!

(my first fall was AFTER the first 3 weeks of clipless riding)

[Aggie_Ama]

Congratulations! I love clipless pedals and even being a total klutz didn't deter me. I fell bunches but I am clumsy. If you fall (and hopefully you won't ever) just take a deep breath and get back on.You're becoming a speed demon.

[Bike Goddess]

DDH- just keep reminding yourself about getting out of your pedals when you have to stop. Practice, practice and practice. You'll be fine!

Yes, you've got lots more power now. Just cruise on up those hills. Don't forget to downshift before you get there so you can keep up the spin!

[RoadRaven]

Like you I was hesitant at first... what? you mean your feet are attached to the pedals? Locked in? You must be some kind of f***ing crazeeeee... but then I had a go, cause it seemed to work for others, and I miss them soooo much on the spin bike and on my mountain bike...

Enjoy the power of the cleat...

Ride hard... ride safe...
Rave