Clipping in question

[Catrin]

Now I've returned to clipping in, and I do love my Frogs, an old problem has returned that is directly related to it.

I've no problem clipping in OR out. The problem, and it is somewhat embarrassing, is that I spend so much time overthinking how to stop while clipped in that my stops are.....shall we say they are less than graceful. So much that I find myself mapping out routes with mainly right-hand turns and I actually learned how to snack while riding yesterday so I wouldn't need to stop

It isn't the actual process of unattaching my foot from the pedal that is the problem - that part is easy. I think that the additional step adds a step to the "stopping movements" I've learned which just confuses my body a bit. I learned one way and now I am complicating things. I am VERY glad I changed my mind about clipping in on the mountain bike just yet!

Have others gone through this ungainly stopping process when making the move to clipless? Just wanting to hear that this is a normal part of the process.

[indysteel]

How do you come to a stop out of curiosity? Are you unclipping just one foot or both?

I would suggest going to a parking lot and practicing over and over again until it starts to feel more second nature. If you're not already, just unclip one foot to stop. If you're using two, I just think that overcomplicates the process, especially in emergency situations.

I have to admit that this isn't an issue I've had much trouble with. I do unclip a bit before a stop just so I'm ready to put a foot down. That's not to say that what you're going through is highly unusual, but I'd encourage to work on it, rather than avoid it, because you're otherwise just going to develop even more anticipatory anxiety over it.

[Catrin]

How do you come to a stop out of curiosity? Are you unclipping just one foot or both?

I would suggest going to a parking lot and practicing over and over again until it starts to feel more second nature. If you're not already, just unclip one foot to stop. If you're using two, I just think that overcomplicates the process, especially in emergency situations.

I have to admit that this isn't an issue I've had much trouble with. I do unclip a bit before a stop just so I'm ready to put a foot down. That's not to say that what you're going through is highly unusual, but I'd encourage to work on it, rather than avoid it, because you're otherwise just going to develop even more anticipatory anxiety over it.

I did practice a bit yesterday, and had a little fall where I got caught up in my saddle - bruised girly bits not so bad that I couldn't ride for 20 miles though

I unclip with my right foot before I stop and rest my right heel on the pedal so I don't re-clip in. As I apply my brakes and come to a stop I lean the bike a bit to the right as my foot comes down to the ground. I think that is how I do it, it is a pretty quick process. My left foot remains clipped in until I am at a complete stop.

I do have a bit of anticipatory anxiety over it, but it will come with practice. Of course the key is to DO it more often rather than seeking ways to not have to stop until the end of my ride... Generally it has not been a real problem, I just think my body is a bit confused. After all, I have close to 2,000 miles on BMX pedals and only a few hundred on clipless. I will practice more...

[indysteel]

Your process sounds fine; you just gotta do it more. When I first got my Keos (I already had been using SPDs), I spent a weekend in a parking lot doing nothing but clipping out, stopping, and clipping back in.

You also need to relax. You tend to overthink things--by your own admission--so while you're practicing, try to keep your body loose and breathe deeply.

[Catrin]

Your process sounds fine; you just gotta do it more. When I first got my Keos (I already had been using SPDs), I spent a weekend in a parking lot doing nothing but clipping out, stopping, and clipping back in.

You also need to relax. You tend to overthink things--by your own admission--so while you're practicing, try to keep your body loose and breathe deeply.

Yes, this Relaxing makes such a difference - freezing up makes us more awkward automatically. Glad to hear the process sounds right - this can be the interesting part when you ride solo most of the time as it is so easy to learn bad habits that are hard to break later. Muscle memory is important, and I think that is all that is going on - just adding an additional step to the mix.

Depending on my schedule I will take a riding session this week or, most likely, after the Clinic next weekend and go to a nice empty parking lot and do this. I've done it a little, but not very often. Just practiced a couple of times and took off on the road. Have done this twice but that wasn't apparently quite enough.

[indysteel]

I tend to clip out well in adance of an anticipated stop. You might try that--if you're not already--as it will be one less thing to think about as you actually bring the.bike to a stop. Remembering to clip out in the first place is the most important thing. If you've got that down, then the rest is pretty easy.

Also, force yourself to stop at stop signs. Your first post made me wonder if you are. It'll help you work on restarting the bike, too. Plus, it's the law.

Good luck.