the ultimate folly - clipless Lesson

[DrBee]

Pedals mimi - what kind of pedals did you pick?

Good luck this afternoon! You'll do great!

[HappyAnika]

You will love it and never look back! I've had two close calls, but technically no falls at 1,100 miles and counting. Just practice, then it becomes instinct. I now make the clipping out motion when riding my beater mtb with cages in tennis shoes, its just habbit. Have fun!

[mimitabby]

Pedals mimi - what kind of pedals did you pick?

Good luck this afternoon! You'll do great!

I have very nice SPD's after considerable research. Since DH and both sons all use this kind it made sense to have the same kind; I also got the cleats that unclip in multi directions.

[SouthernBelle]

Actually the falling wasn't that bad. Maybe I was graceful at it.

Mims, it's really not that hard. Our horror stories have built this up to a huge thing in your head is all. I ended up laughing at myself like an idiot.


Hmm. Maybe I am an idiot. Nah.

[mimitabby]

Just remember i'm in the Really Scared thread too. For some people, this
is an easier transition than others.

[SouthernBelle]

Mimi, a thought.

tonight can you set your bike up, like in a trainer or rack, and just sit on it and clip, unclip while you watch TV?

[snapdragen]

mimi - here's what I did when learning to ride clipless. I kept one foot unclipped all the time, in my case the right foot. Once I was comfortable I started clipping both feet. When I knew a stop was coming, I'd unclip long before the stop. After awhile, it became second nature.

You can do this! Make sure your pedals are adjusted to the loosest setting.

[lizbids]

My experience n clipless pedals has been good, but so far only went 100 miles or so

One thing I find that is difficult is balancing on the cycling shoe. Because the shoe is so stiff, I find that when I unclip and stop a light or something, I feel like I have to stretch my foot like crazy just to get it to touch the pavement...then it doesn't feel like much traction b/c you're not on the balls of your feet as if you were wearing sneakers. Occasionally I've slipped and pulled muscles in my calves--bad, too! One time the bottom of my jacket became caught on the nose of my saddle when I tried to hop off to stable myself. I was a mess! Any suggestions??? (and ps--my saddle is at a great height, wouldn't want to futz with it).