clipless??

[mimitabby]

what's so bad about falling? It HURTS! and when you get to be in your 50's
falling takes on a different meaning. It can break bones if you have osteopenia,
which a lot of us have.
And if your head hits the pavement, you need a new helmet!

[indysteel]

what's so bad about falling?

And even if you aren't injured from a fall, your bike might be. The paint job on my seat stay has a nice long "scar" from my one and only fall.

[RolliePollie]

My handlebars are all bent up from my falls, but strangely enough, I actually like them better bent inwards! At first it was just the left side, but then I tipped over to the right and that one got bent too. Then bend angles don't match though, so it looks ridiculous. Once I'm done with this tipping over stage, I will get them fixed.

I've found a new appreciation for my rather well padded hips and butt...they are great cushions when you tip over. And my calves look kinda cool all decorated up with assorted bruises. I'm sure I would be feeling differently about tipping over had I really hurt myself.

I just got back from a ride...dropped my chain twice and was able to get unclipped both times. Also got chased by a dog for the first time and unclipped one foot so I could kick at him if necessary. Clipping in was also easier today. Practice makes perfect, right?

Off the subject a little, but I now carry a pair of latex gloves in my seat bag so that when I drop my chain and have to put it back on, I don't get grease all over my hands. I haven't figured out how to pedal it back on yet, so I just grab it and pull it back onto the chain ring. The rubber gloves work great!

[beth63111]

I practiced in a church parking lot until I was comfortable with the clipless variety of pedal.

Also, I bought the Speedplay X/2 pedal, which is very easy to click in and out of.

[Jiffer]

The clipping in thing used to freak me out, too. Still does a little. But I was lucky that I got to practice on the back of a tandem. I clipped in at the beginning of a ride and didn't clip out unless I was getting off the bike. My husband unclips when we stop at signals, etc. He always takes the right one out and the bike leans to the right while I stay snuggly clipped in.

For a long time I would clip in both feet before we even started the ride. But lately, we clip in the right foot together as we get started. It's easier for him.

I'm awaiting my new Cannondale single to come in, which I'll be clipping into and out of ALL BY MYSELF!!! I've ridden my husband's single around the neighborhood a few times, practicing clipping in and out. I almost feel like a pro! I'm so excited!