Newbie question... unclipping, stopping, horses

[indysteel]

Interesting.....When I first started with clipless pedals, I started unclipping only my left foot. Looking back, however, I'm not sure why I chose my left foot. I guess it just seemed more "natural" to lead off with my right foot (I am right-handed). Bluetree's friend's advice makes me think I chose incorrectly. I will admit that when I switched from SPD to Keo pedals, I had a fair amount of trouble clipping in with my left foot. I wonder if I could have samed myself some trouble if I unclipped my right foot instead. There doesn't seem much point now in changing my ways, but it is interesting.....

On a related note: Bluetree, if you notice a real strength imbalance between your right and left legs, you might want to spend some time with one-legged pedaling to strengthen your left leg. Just a suggestion.....

By the way, how cool that you have a friend who's a cycling coach. I'm jealous!

Kate

[Bluetree]

By the way, how cool that you have a friend who's a cycling coach.

Yeah, he's a great guy. He's given me a foundation plan this year so I can work on serious training for a triathlon next year, everything from easing into brick training and proper diet. He's very patient, although I know a lot of my questions are very remedial to him (he's an Ironman competitor and ultramarathoner in his spare time).

He's given me a lot of good advice about the bike. When I told him I exceeded 30mph last week, he admonished me for it. He said my speed "should not overtake my bike handling skills". Now I'm back on the easy roads, working on gearing, cadence and getting the necessary TITS (Time In The Saddle.) Hmm... learning about gravel, potholes and wet spots is not as much fun as it sounds.

I know a lot of cyclists, but it's one thing to be able to ride a bike well... it's quite another to be able to educate, explain things properly, diagnose problems and give the right level of encouragement. Even if it involves some good-natured teasing.

Every couple of days I get an e-mail... "Have you been keeping the rubber side down?" Very funny.

[neuroticcyclist]

I am confused. I too am right dominant so unclip (usually) on the right. I then, before light changes, move the left pedal (still clipped) to a 1 pm position so I can clearly push down on that side. When the light changes, I push off with the right (strong leg) and simultaneously pedal with the left. The two together give me enough momentum to move forward, flip right pedal over and clip in in time to do the right pedal stroke.

[RoadRaven]

I haven't ridden a horse for 20 years...

BUT... if you have something that works on the bike - don't mess with it.

Liking DogMama I am right dominant, but always unclip with the left -

Of course what that means is when it is time to start my right foot is ready to "take the lead", so to speak.

When starting I always clip the right foot in first.

Like what alot of these posts say - if what you're doing works for you, dont mess with it.