Road riding falls

[SadieKate]

Ah, Lisa, you are jumping to the conclusion that clipless guarantees a fall. Before you make the decision to stay clipless you need to set up a poll about the benefits outweighing the cons of clipless. There must be some reason so many of us use them.

[DebW]

Ah, Lisa, you are jumping to the conclusion that clipless guarantees a fall. Before you make the decision to stay clipless you need to set up a poll about the benefits outweighing the cons of clipless. There must be some reason so many of us use them.

Clipless were invented because they are far safer and easier and quicker to use than their predecessor: cleated shoes with clips and straps. Those were so dangerous that most recreational riders didn't use them, and thus missed the benefits of pulling up and back on the pedals. Most riders who used them learned how to do trackstands because getting in and out at every stop light was really annoying. Unfortunately, I never learned the trackstand. See my post in this thread of my one tip-over fall three decades ago. Compared to that system, clipless are HEAVENLY! In many a panic stop with clipless pedals, I've always gotten out in time.

[kaybee]

I voted. I'm a slow-speed tipper overer, and have matching scars on my knees to prove it.

KB

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Oh I am sure that clipless have MANY wonderful benefits!
However, as a new rider who doesn't have a great sense of balance and confidence yet, I feel I want to get surer on my bike before I try that sort of thing. I also think clipless may not make the best sense when riding in low speed town/traffic situations where you have to stop, start, or weave and where cars are making unexpected moves all around you. At least not for me.

I admit it gives me the shivers when I read posts about new riders who have only been riding a couple of weeks falling over at stop lights and intersections while practicing clipless AND learning to ride at the same time.

[7rider]

Two falls that I can recall....
perhaps I, too, have blocked them out!

One was actually on the mtb on a totally flat bike path several years ago. My sister and I were cruising along, side by side having this nice little chat. All of a sudden, my front wheel stopped cold, and I got pitched over the handlebars. Before I knew what was happening, I was flat on my back, looking up at the sky. The only thing around - other than my shocked sister - was a small stick, about 6 inches long, 1" diameter, lying beside my bike. I must have rolled over it, my tire scooped it up and it jammed in my fork, stopping me cold. Fortunately, nothing was hurt - not me or the bike.

Second time was this May on Bike-to-Work day. I stopped at the Silver Spring, MD, rest stop to visit with friends who own the LBS and to pick up my goodie-bag. I was wearing my REI Singular bag, rather than using my panniers, and forgot to bring my bungie net for the rear rack on my commuter. So I had no way of carrying this bag - a fabric shopping bag - except in my hands. I had to go down a small hill to get to my office and (perhaps you can see where this is going) the bag swung into my wheel, jammed against the fork, and once again, I got pitched over the handlebars! Ugh. This time, it was onto hard concrete and I ended up with several trips to my chiropractor to undo the damage (my chiro loves my accident-prone ways).

Hopefully, I'm good for a few years now!