Going clipless tomorrow - need your positive energy!

[RolliePollie]

OK, the time has come for me to get brave and try my new pedals. I've had my bike for 2 months and have ridden about 250 miles. Last weekend, I did a 40 mile ride and actually felt comfortable, relaxed, and in control on my bike for the first time. Thanks to some advice in the "Bike Maintenance" forum, I was successful in getting my old platform pedals off and my new Crankbrothers Quattros on. I just spent the last half hour propped in my bedroom doorway clipping and unclipping. That went well...but being propped up in a doorway is not quite the same as actually rolling down the road!

I think I'm going to head over to the local elementary school tomorrow and start out riding on the grass. Then I can graduate to the paved playground. Depending on how that goes, I'll try an actual ride. Please everyone, send me all your positive energy and wish me luck! I am not very coordinated and have pretty poor balance, so tomorrow could result in mild to severe injury. My goal is mild injury requiring only first aid that I can provide for myself.

[smilingcat]

You'll do just fine. when you ride practice rotating your heel outward and it should just pop.

Good luck. You'll get the hang of it quick.

[makbike]

Have fun and be safe. Words of advice, clip out sooner then you think you need and be careful if you have to put that foot back on the pedal for some extra push (don't clip back in and think your foot is free when you stop). Also, pick one foot to unclip everytime (I always unclip my right foot).

Again, have fun!

[MINIskirt]

Good luck!! I just bought my road bike and am still getting used to it. I'll probably be in this position later this summer.

[RoadRaven]

Well done - wish you loads of fun learning to use them.

I found the idea of using them more of a worry than actually using them.

The best advice I have ever received from this forum was how to clip out.

1. Always unclip with the same foot.

2. Turn the handlebars away from the foot you unclip with.

By being consistent with which side you have to unclip with, you are less likely to "confuse" yourself.
By always turning the bars away from the foot you turn with, your bike will naturally lean toward your unclipped side... therefore your likelihood of a low/no-speed topple is highly unlikely.

Looking forward to hearing about your successes with your new pedals... they make pedalling much easier and smoother

[Jenn]

I was terrified when we put mine on, but I had been using them on my spin bike, but of course your not in motion on on your spin bike!
I took one fall and that was because DH distracted me....that's right I'll blame it all on him
But, in no time it was not problem they pop out easy and I can't imagine riding without them now, you really do feel part of the bike once you are clipped in.
Good luck, and have fun!!