Going clipless tomorrow - need your positive energy!

[MINIskirt]

Good luck!! I just bought my road bike and am still getting used to it. I'll probably be in this position later this summer.

[RoadRaven]

Well done - wish you loads of fun learning to use them.

I found the idea of using them more of a worry than actually using them.

The best advice I have ever received from this forum was how to clip out.

1. Always unclip with the same foot.

2. Turn the handlebars away from the foot you unclip with.

By being consistent with which side you have to unclip with, you are less likely to "confuse" yourself.
By always turning the bars away from the foot you turn with, your bike will naturally lean toward your unclipped side... therefore your likelihood of a low/no-speed topple is highly unlikely.

Looking forward to hearing about your successes with your new pedals... they make pedalling much easier and smoother

[Jenn]

I was terrified when we put mine on, but I had been using them on my spin bike, but of course your not in motion on on your spin bike!
I took one fall and that was because DH distracted me....that's right I'll blame it all on him
But, in no time it was not problem they pop out easy and I can't imagine riding without them now, you really do feel part of the bike once you are clipped in.
Good luck, and have fun!!

[mimitabby]

hey, if i can do it you can too. good luck.

first try riding with your feet NOT clipped in. Once you realize you can do that start clipping one foot in, then two. always unclip that same foot first though when stopping.
I used to use either or before i got the SPD's now I always do the same one and lots of time I unclip just because and then reclip again.
\good luck!

[mountainchick]

You'll be fine! When I first got my road bike I decided to go on a casual group ride, we just did an out and back that there was everything from experienced riders to people on borrowed mountain bikes. I did really well on the way out, and coming back we stopped at a light and I just fell over. DOH! Luckily I was at a red light and was able to pick myself up and laugh at myself with no harm done.

[RolliePollie]

YAHOO! I did it and I didn't even fall!

I really like the feeling of being clipped in. I can definitely feel a difference in the smoothness of my pedaling. I rode about 30 miles on the bike trail (I've never ridden is so much wind - Nat'l Weather Svc says gusts up to 35 mph and I believe it!) and made myself start and stop several times. Clipping in my second foot is a little challenging, but I have Crankbrothers Quattros and it's pretty easy to pedal even if you don't get clipped in right away. I'm sure once my feet learn exactly where the cleat is and where they need to go on the pedal, that will get easier. I took everyone's great advice and made sure to clip out well in advance of stopping or of potential obstacles!

Going clipless today was probably the only thing that allowed me to finish my ride...I am suddenly having excruciating pain in my right knee after about 15 miles. This happened on my last longer ride too. I don't think I would've made it back to the car today had I not been able to pull through each pedal stroke with my left leg to help out my right leg. Now I have to go look for threads on knee pain...

Thanks everyone for your positive vibes...I'm sure that's what made me successful today!!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

...I am suddenly having excruciating pain in my right knee after about 15 miles. This happened on my last longer ride too. I don't think I would've made it back to the car today had I not been able to pull through each pedal stroke with my left leg to help out my right leg. Now I have to go look for threads on knee pain...

Quick easy experiment is to raise your saddle by about a 1/2", see if that helps. You should be "almost" straightening your leg completely on your pedal downstroke- almost, but not quite. You should NOT be able to touch the ground with your feet while still sitting on the saddle. If your knees stay too bent while riding, you will get knee pain in front right above the kneecap.

Congrats on the clipless!! Great going!

[northstar]

Good for you! You will do great! I just started about a week ago and have had no problems whatsoever. You have received some very good advice here. It just takes a few rides of really thinking ahead - anticipating intersections, crossings, etc, until it's pretty much second nature.

You can do it! (I bet you'll wonder what the big deal is once you've actually ridden with them!)