Well, I finally fell!! Ouch

[aicabsolut]

Mimi, you can do it! You are practicing and getting comfortable on a trainer first, which is what I should have done. Or at least I should have practiced on grass. Once you get past the initial clumsiness and fear, you'll will be so glad to made the switch. My cycling improved so much after going clipless.

I know plenty of people who have fallen a few times in the beginning, but I'm the only one I know of who was actually injured. .

Even if you're practicing on the trainer (assuming not rollers where you have to balance), still start out practicing on grass. My first attempt was a big scrape, just trying to get on the bike, then I moved it to the grass. Much softer. Still the most injured part was my ego. That and I broke a brand new cleat. Better it than my ankle.

I haven't had problems unclipping, except for the 2nd foot when I've accidentally leaned the wrong way when standing there. Still scared enough not to be cocky.

[mimitabby]

sorry, the grass is covered with icy snow. And tomorrow, when it melts off, the grass will be a sea of nasty mud.

I will just continue in the basement.

[aicabsolut]

sorry, the grass is covered with icy snow. And tomorrow, when it melts off, the grass will be a sea of nasty mud.

I will just continue in the basement.

I didn't say you had to do it tomorrow .. but when you do take the plunge outside, grass can be your friend.

[mimitabby]

oh, thanks. I feel better now.

[Bad JuJu]

I recently went clipless--what an adventure! I haven't had the big fall......yet--partially because my cycling buddy occasionally reminds me to remember to unclip as we're slowing or about to stop. I've been riding with old-fashioned toeclips during most of my adult cycling life, and they were easy to remember because I could always feel the pressure of the strap around my feet. With clipless, there's no pressure to remind me that my feet are attached to the bike, so I have to be extra careful.

DDH, your tone is humble but not daunted--good for you--pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and get back in the saddle. Yeah, easy for Miss-I-Haven't-Fallen-Yet to say, right? I'm sure my time is gonna come......

[Pedal Wench]

Before you start using clipless, you should start using imaginary clipless pedals! Seriously, before you even think about using real ones, everytime you ride, pretend you're clipped in. When you come to a stop, 'click' your ankle out, as if you're unclipping. It should become second nature by the time you're ready for the real ones. Make sure you do it every single time you come to a stop, because once you're on the real ones, it will have to be every single time.

[five one]

Before you start using clipless, you should start using imaginary clipless pedals!

I know someone who did this. On rides, using platforms, she would follow her friend with clipless pedals and "clicked out" whenever her friend did. I wish I would have thought about that before my first attempt. It's good advice.

[mimitabby]

Before you start using clipless, you should start using imaginary clipless pedals! Seriously, before you even think about using real ones, everytime you ride, pretend you're clipped in. When you come to a stop, 'click' your ankle out, as if you're unclipping. It should become second nature by the time you're ready for the real ones. Make sure you do it every single time you come to a stop, because once you're on the real ones, it will have to be every single time.

PW
that's a good idea. YOu know, on my "outside" bike, i have straps, which i have to pull out of. So maybe it's almost the same thing?

But i will try that!