How to psych myself out of falling...never fallen 'til now!!

[eclectic]

I too have fallen more when I had flat pedals than when I went clipless

I too have frogs, you said you had difficulty clipping out fast enough.

The guy at the LBS who sold them to me uses them too and told me to put a little chain wax/oil (I use white lightning on them) on both the cleats and the pedals and wipe it off. He said to do it about every week or so depending on how much you ride. I find they go in and out much smoother then

also are you just giving your heel a quick out twist for it to release?

When I have steep down with a turn at the bottom I always unclip 1 foot - for me it is always left out first and in last (I am left foot dominate) If ever I need to pedal a little my right foot can catch the brunt and I can still pedal w/ my left a little w/o clipping in.

I went around and around and around the bike path at the park until I was comfortable. I always make sure my one foot is in Ok and then get my left foot in (I have gone through a lot of intersections after a light pedalling w/ only my right foot

[Saxa82]

Gals,

Thanks so much for the helpful advice. I think I am being too hard on myself and not allowing myself that extra time to get used to this new system. In some ways, my years of cycling experience has me at a disavantage over newbies b/c I have to teach the "old dogs" new tricks. I have also been in drastic need of serious exercise (ie many miles on the bike) but have been battling UTI's and was on vacation, etc., so my summer of mega-miles has not materialized as I hoped. So with that in mind, I think I have been rushing myself to get with the program here. I need to slow it down and practice more on comfortable routes, no hills, no crazy traffic, etc. To combat the exercise issue, I will focus on other things, like today I went hiking. My DH says he'll help me, but he also knows I'm fiercely independent and want to do this on my own. I said it might be better for me to just watch him. He has frogs too, so this way I can see what he does. An older gentleman who rides with my DH (a new rider, but has done mega-miles in his first year of cycling, mostly in flat Florida) just started clipless and found he had similar spooking experiences, especially up or down hills or in traffic, so DH is going to have me talk to him. I also will try Eclectic's idea about the White Lightning. Again, many thanks.

Saxa82

[Bike Goddess]

If anyone needs encouragement- just ask me. At 63 I went clipless (3 yrs ago!). I took a couple of tumbles at stoplights, but I wouldn't trade the advantage I have over anything!

I have Look style pedals although that shouldn't make much difference. However, you do have to oil them once in awhile, that's for sure. You might be able to adjust them as well.

When it rains, my pedals tend to get tight. That's when I really have to be careful about maintenance.

When I first started out with clipless, I went around the block and practiced as I was riding to get the feel. That seemed to help as well.

[mimitabby]

If anyone needs encouragement- just ask me. At 63 I went clipless (3 yrs ago!). I took a couple of tumbles at stoplights, but I wouldn't trade the advantage I have over anything!

I have Look style pedals although that shouldn't make much difference. However, you do have to oil them once in awhile, that's for sure. You might be able to adjust them as well.

When it rains, my pedals tend to get tight. That's when I really have to be careful about maintenance.

When I first started out with clipless, I went around the block and practiced as I was riding to get the feel. That seemed to help as well.

well, Nancy, that's why you are the bike goddess, someone for us to look up to and admire!