Big benefits of going clipless?

[Zen]

I trained and rode my first century in the summer of 2008 all in my running sneakers with cages on my pedals. ?

Don't feel pressure to do what all the other kids are doing. If you are comfortable in your sneaks, ride on unencumbered by the thought process (and fear factor)

The only time I ever feel an advantage to being clipped in in on hills.

You might consider this-
http://www.rivbike.com/article/clothing/the_shoes_ruse

[chicagogal]

I was scared of clipless pedals too. And after getting them, I did fall once - in a parking lot. However, I quickly got used to them and can't go back to platform pedals. In fact, after putting clipless pedals (look keos) on my road bike, I still had platforms on my hybrid. I took the hybrid out a few times, including some trail rides after that with the platform pedals still on and couldn't feel comfortable. Not being clipped in made me feel very unsteady going through corners and I kept feeling like my feet were going to slip from the pedals (which they did on occasion). So I put some spd pedals on the hybrid and now ride that bike in bad weather or on the trails with cross tires.

From one scaredy cat to another, I recommend giving the clipless a try. I'm willing to bet you'll love it, and if you don't you can put your old pedals back on!

[malkin]

I like it now.
I the beginning I got some nice Nike swoosh bruises on my hip sides.

[teawoman]

I just went clipless this year. I've fallen once (in 4 rides so far). I was in toe cages for about two years before I got the courage to do clipless.

You are a bit ahead already because the foot you put down is already used to having to pull out of something before you stop because of the cages. My left foot is my down foot, and I haven't keeled over from that foot yet. I also, as others have said, I unclip well before I come to a stop sign or a stale green. I sort of rest my foot near the heel of my shoe and I can still pedal. I do have the mountain shoes, though.

When I fell was when I was standing still with my left unclipped and my right still clipped...I forgot my right foot was still attached to the bike...I lost my balance somehow and went over to the right side. Scraped up a bit, but that's it. I have got the pedals with the clips on both sides that came with my bike originally, so that makes it easier.

[gabriellesca]

Hey thanks everyone. Good to hear from everyone.

The deed is done - they're on my bike. My store showed me exactly how it works and how to clip in and out. They put me up on a trainer and I tried it a bunch of times - it was much easier than I expected - but I can see it will take some getting used to and I have to be used to pulling out with a bit of force.

Tomorrow morning I'm excited to get out and ride - I'm hoping to do a 20 mile ride - but I am worried that my paranoia over the pedals will make me do a much shorter ride. It shouldn't really since I've done the route before and the times that I have to put my foot down are pretty minimal.

Tea - AWESOME point about the fact that I am already used to having to pull my foot out of my toe cages to stop - its second nature for me now - so I'm really hoping that puts me ahead of the game. My LBS guy said that he did the same thing - fell when he was standing still because he forgot he was clipped in.

He said to me 'you're so paranoid and worrired - I don't think you are going to have to worry about falling.' I think he's right!

Pumped for tomorrow morning's ride to see what kind of difference it will make. I plan to clip out far in advance of intersections/stop signs - and ride early enough that there will be very little traffic. Hoping for the best.

Thanks all for putting me at ease. I'm sure I'll come back to let you all know how it went!

[redrhodie]

How'd it go?

[gabriellesca]

Oh boy Red - see my thread about unclipping on a hill.

NOt going well ... I'm letting my fear win!

[sundial]

The only time I ever feel an advantage to being clipped in in on hills.

Going up or going down?

[sundial]

Oh boy Red - see my thread about unclipping on a hill.

NOt going well ... I'm letting my fear win!

I haven't read that thread yet but if you want to face your fear of falling, find a nice cushy part of your lawn and practice clipping/unclipping/falling. When I first got my lollipop pedals, I managed to fall 3 times and they were those slo-mo type falls--the kind that bruises your ego moreso than your body. Hang in there and know that you are NOT alone.

[bathedinshadow]

As somebody who is new to clipless, I can say it isn't a big deal at all. I was nervous too, but it was completely fine. In fact, I had planned on practicing at home first (like everybody suggested) but the frame was too small to go onto the bike rack properly so I ended up having to ride my bike home right after I got it. This meant zero practice. There wasn't a single issue. I never rode with cages either, but I would imagine if you're used to having to come loose from "something," that it would make it a little easier. I just have to remind myself that when I stop, I can't just put my foot down like before. If you're already riding with cages, you already sort of had that issue.

With that said, I think it's important to know your riding style. Sure they are more efficient, but if your riding style doesn't mix well, then what is the point. For instance, I would never in a million years go clipless on my mountain bike. I live on the north shore in Vancouver, and if you've ever seen the trails, you'd know that putting your foot down comes up a lot. And if you can't put it down fast enough, you could be up on plank 10 feet in the air. I personally wouldn't want to fall from that high up.

So if you're just riding on the road, clipless really aren't as scary as they seem. And like somebody else said, if you do fall, it will probably be once you've come to a complete stop and you're just going to fall over. I've done that without being clipped in! haha.

My question is how to get the most out of being clipped in, but perhaps I'll start another thread for that.

Best of luck.