I'm officially a cyclist!

[hibiscus09]

This also means that the rider needs to be comfortable enough on the bike that she can reach down and loosen the straps before coming to a stop. Hmmmm, how many beginners can do that?

LOL -- this beginner still feels wobbly reaching for the water bottle.

Okay, I could go with this as long as you don't put women with small feet in those #@^! Look pedal systems. Give them something they can get out of easily like the Speedplays. I did not have enough leverage to get my foot out of the Looks. I have not had problem 1 with getting out of the Speedplays. My confidence would have been a whole lot better with the clipless system without going through the Look issues.

And by the way, I had the cage & straps before & kept them completely loose -- no way was I getting stuck & no way could I loosen the straps while riding -- too busy hanging on for dear life. I think shops have a hard time remembering what it feels like to be a beginner & should have beginner workshops to help with simple bike maintenance (changing tires, oiling chains, etc.) and there should be clubs that cater somewhat to the beginning rider. We sure don't have them here. They advertise 14-16 mph and it means 16-18mph.