odd clipless questions...

[littlegrasshopp]

kitsune - don't know that there's anything actually "wrong" I think it just feels small compared to the big platform pedals Just need to get use to it so I can calm the heck down again!! Near the end of the ride, even though I was completely bonked - I didn't feel like my heart was in my throat anymore. My arms were actually starting to relax a bit. Now I just have to convince my legs to do the same

[CyclChyk]

LGH - I agree that the "weirdness" is the smallness of the clipless pedal versus platform pedals. I still can't get used to it.

BUT on a happy note, I did manage to stay completely upright on my ride tonite.

Congratulations on your victory over the pedals today!

[littlegrasshopp]

BUT on a happy note, I did manage to stay completely upright on my ride tonite.

congratulations!! HUGE accomplishment! We're going again tonight - but this time to a trail that I know very well and am comfortable with most of. There are some big dips that freak me out but there are trails around them.

[SouthernBelle]

Ah. Understand. You actually feel less connected because there is less surface touching the sole of your foot.

Maybe every once in a while as you are riding give your foot a tug to remind yourself how connected you are. ?? It's a head thing so continued riding should get you by it.

[littlegrasshopp]

okay, another question...sorry. I went for another ride tonight. Didn't bonk this time and actually felt myself relaxing a bit in my arms and legs. Could feel my position on the bike relaxing also. Did some drops and dips..walked other but all in all I rode the majority of the trail. Only really walked 2 sections I would have ridden before.

Here is my question...something is making my right knee really hurt when I'm finished. My quads really burn with these pedals. I was a pretty good climber before - could climb faster than most of the girls with clipless..while I was on platforms. But now my quads hurt and my knee really aches when I'm done. Any ideas?? Could my cleat be lined up wrong - the seat too far forward/backward?? Or maybe I just need to build more strength in my quads?

Thanks for all your help! It's what keeps me trying again!

[emily_in_nc]

Quads hurt = good, you're working your muscles differently and will get even stronger

Knee hurts = not good. Do your cleats/pedals allow float (i.e., can you move your ankle right and left a bit without clipping out)? I am not sure what type of cleats you have, but some allow a lot more float than others. In mountain pedals/cleats, Speedplay Frogs allow the most float (28 degrees). I use Eggbeaters, which say they allow only 6 degrees, but it feels like plenty to me, and no knee problems.

It is also possible that your cleats need to be moved slightly to make your knees happy. I have heard that you should sit on a hard surface where you can hang your legs down over the side and see how your feet naturally fall (straight, pigeon-toed, toe out?), and try to seat your cleats a bit that way. It may take some experimentation.

Good luck!!! Glad you're doing better with them, aside from that. I started right out mountain biking with Eggbeaters because I use clipless on my road bike and can't imagine riding without them, but I know being clipped in has given me problems at times on the trails. I am determined to ride with them, though, even if it takes me longer to conquer Crabtree than without them! They definitely help me on the climbs, but I have to bail out of them a lot since I expect to fall more often than I do.

Emily