Issue with Look pedals

[aicabsolut]

I'm getting better

I did have a pro fitting, though from research I've done, I think I know more about bike fit than the guy at the LBS (I've contacted the fit expert on the cyclingnews.com fitness forums). For one, he was trying to put my cleats too far forward. And I was the one saying, move the saddle up, move the saddle back. Except for the first adjustment (made with new pedal system versus the old ones and street shoes), he said I looked fine. So I could've done it all on my own with a trainer. I've since had to tweak the seat a little. I put it back down a touch, and it may need to go back a tiny bit further. But I notice when I miss the pedal, I'm lifting up and reaching forward --stepping over the pedal instead of nudging it with my toe to get right side up.

I was iffy on my bars/stem setup in the shop, and they might have to get modified (smaller, shorter), because they get a little uncomfortable after a while. Maybe that will help my balance issues some. But the guy said I looked fine. I tried a shorter stem for a couple of minutes, and he said I looked fine with that too. So helpful.

Thanks for telling me to downshift before stopping... that made ALL the difference.

[Bluetree]

Thanks for the advice, but clipping in on a "regular" ride has not been a problem. My issues come up when I have to ride hard and fast from the get-go... I don't have time to look for my pedal. I ride on smaller streets but have to cross some major highway intersections that only give me a green light for a few seconds (lame urban planners only put crosswalk lights on one side of the street, usually the side I'm NOT on.) Basically, I have to sprint from a standing start and jet through 8 lanes or risk getting hit by some dodo-brain going 65mph. Similarly, when I have to start on a significant incline, I have to start spinning immediately and hate fumbling for my pedal.

Almost all of my cyclist friends (including my coach) prefer the dual-sided Speedplays so I will probably switch over.

[neuroticcyclist]

That is life with Look pedals. You get used to it. :-)