Maiden Voyage with Clipless Pedals

**Bad JuJu** · 11-01-2006, 09:30 AM

I'm no longer a virgin

I just took my first ride on my Bianchi with clipless pedals, and I didn't fall down even once--which is not to say that I won't, just that I haven't yet. I can't even describe how nice it is not to have to bend down and tighten or loosen those blasted straps every time I start, stop, then start again.

Also, I had a new, shorter stem installed, which improved my reach to the bars enormously and made the ride a lot more comfortable. AND, either I've miscalibrated my new bike computer or I'm a lot faster on the Bianchi than on my touring bike. Woo-hoo!!!

I feel like I've finally grown up, at the tender age of 53 (and 11/12--birthday at the end of this month--yikes!)

**DebW** · 11-01-2006, 09:54 AM

Congrats on the maiden voyage. It's my opinion that those who have dealt with tightening and loosening their toe straps will find clipless so much easier that they will never have clipless issues. Enoy the Bianchi, and adulthood.

**CyclChyk** · 11-01-2006, 10:52 AM

Oh its definately the Bianchi and has nothing to do with the wheelset! (At least that's what I told myself to justify the purchase). I am DEFINATELY faster on Cielo than on my Giant.

And good for you for not falling. I won't jinx you by reiterating how I didn't fall until almost 3 weeks into it.

**Bikingmomof3** · 11-01-2006, 12:13 PM

Whoo Hooo Bad Juju! CONGRATULATIONS!

**bikerchick68** · 11-01-2006, 12:33 PM

very cool! yep, you can gain speed from going clipless, as you begin to utilize your muscle groups more efficiently... and also that stem change probably helped too! being in a better/more correct position can improve your speed... and a lighter, faster bike definitely helps!

very cool... I can "hear" your excitement in your post

**indysteel** · 11-01-2006, 12:49 PM

Good for you Bad Ju Ju. I'm a huge fan of clipless pedals and an even bigger fan of Bianchis. You go girl!

And don't worry if you fall. Assuming no major injuries (don't use your arm to catch yourself), it's a roadie right-of-passage.

What kind of pedals/shoes do you have?

Kate

**Thistle** · 11-01-2006, 12:57 PM

way to go BadJuJu

PS love the piccie of your pup

so cute!

**Geonz** · 11-01-2006, 01:36 PM

Ahhh, how you have matured! (Still clipful here, but I can appreciate it!)

Betting you're calibrated perfectly well, too !!! Just faster!!!

**Offthegrid** · 11-01-2006, 05:54 PM

You did much better than I did -- I ran into a small tree the first time I went clipless. I was trying them in the grass, and looking down and wasn't looking. Whoops!

**Bad JuJu** · 11-02-2006, 05:49 AM

I find that my biggest challenge with the clips is to remember they're there. The clipping in and out is easy, but since I can't feel the straps around my feet, I tend to forget I'm clipped in.

But what really drives me crazy is the terminology. I have to clip in and clip out of my clipless pedals. That's just so wrong.

**KnottedYet** · 11-02-2006, 06:37 AM

Yay Bad Juju!

Well, you could just change the words a little: "clicking in and out of your cleated pedals" or something like that.

**DebW** · 11-02-2006, 07:29 AM

Originally Posted by Bad JuJu

But what really drives me crazy is the terminology. I have to clip in and clip out of my clipless pedals. That's just so wrong.

Originally Posted by KnottedYet

Well, you could just change the words a little: "clicking in and out of your cleated pedals" or something like that.

"click in" or "lock in" or "step in" works. The opposite motion is harder to name. "click out", "unclick", "lock out" (that doesn't work at all), "unlock", "twist out"? "Clipless pedals" could refer to any pedals without toe clips (like a flat rubber or rattrap pedal) as well as pedals with a locking mechanism to engage a cleat. Distinguishing between shoe types that work with the pedal (cleated vs uncleated) makes more sense, except that pedals with toe clips and straps work with or without cleats (if you rember the old style cleats). How about "step in" pedals, or "twist out" pedals? Look, who pioneered modern pedals, originally manufactured ski bindings. What are step in/twist out ski bindings called, to distinguish them from the older bindings that broke legs?

**RoadRaven** · 11-02-2006, 10:09 AM

GO GO BadJuJu!!!

Welcome to the club...

**SouthernBelle** · 11-02-2006, 10:50 AM

Why is it that I'm the only person who fell all over the place on their first clipless ride?

Good job!

**chickwhorips** · 11-02-2006, 11:29 AM

congrats on turning to the otherside.

SouthernBelle trust me your not the only one that fell your first time with clipless. i fell more than one time my first time!

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