Overcome the brake-squeeze reflex? How?

[bounceswoosh]

Have you tried practicing on your mountain bike in grass? Both the braking thing and the clipping out thing. The penalty for failure there is pretty slim.

At least, that's what my husband keeps telling me to do.

[Luann]

That's a good idea. I've thought about it, but haven't tried yet.

I will this weekend. My husband has suggested the same thing. Thanks.

[snapdragen]

Now Luann, don't be skittish. I've said it before, it is the law, you must fall at least two times with clipless pedals. One of those times should be at a stoplight, with a whole bunch of cars.

Seriously, what I did when I first started riding was clip in one foot, and keep the other out. That way, when I stopped I knew I wasn't going to fall. Once you get used to the feeling of slowing/stopping, you can start clipping in both feet.

Practice, practice, practice!

[nycsmile]

I struggled for a long, long, *LONG* time getting more and more confused by everyone's suggestions.

For me it was just a matter TIME. I could practice in the grass and on a trainer all I wanted but it never made me feel more secure stopping at lights and at signs with cars, pedestrians, and/or packs of group-ride bikes all around me.

I had to just keep "calling out" when I was "stopping" or "slowing" and just do things cautiously (and my way) until TIME, TIME, TIME started working it's magic. I had a few painful falls in the beginning but I never gave up and now I am off the brakes because the feet and pedals have learned to get along.

It will be the same for you. BE PATIENT with yourself and you will be fine.

Enjoy the ride!

[Luann]

Thanks. That's the best advice yet. My work schedule keeps me traveling so much that my biking does not progress as quickly as I'd like it to. I just have to remember it is not just time that will make this more comfortable, its time on the bike. It sounds obvious, I know. But sometimes I need to be reminded of the obvious.

Thanks, Luann

[Suzinn]

Do you or have you ever driven a stick shift? I feel it's kinda the same thing... simultaneous rhythm.

What works best for me is to definetly try to predict the intersection. If absolutely no cars are near I slide through in a middle gear, ready to accelerate if needed or stop in a hurry. If I must stop or am not sure I also unclip my left foot (I'm a righty) while setting my gears for the acceleration to come.

I live in a somewhat rural area so it is not necessary to stop everytime. Besides I have penty of hills to work on my acceleration strength.

If you want to be like Lance and balance yourself while at a standstill... remember he has been riding for many, many years.