clipless??

[Zen]

I recently got a pair of Forte Campus pedals, clipless on one side, platform on the other. They are so easy to release. Love 'em

[violette]

Very first time I went for a ride with my new pedals, everything went great. Got home, drove up the driveway, stopped, forgeting that I was clipped in, CRASH... on my side and with a BIG bruise on my right hip. I laugh at it now, but one thing that helps is I went back to my LBS and asked them to loosen the tension so I could get out of them easily. Made a HUGE difference. I just give a quick push and my shoes unclip easily. Now, I make sure I unclip long before I have to stop. Just practice, you'll get the hang of it..

[indysteel]

I second the recommendation to loosen the tension and to unclip before you actually have to stop. My first ride with my Keo's was a little scary because I hadn't backed the tension off enough and had a heck of a time getting unclipped. Can you say panic? I only unclip with one foot--always my left-- however, when I stop.

Notwithstanding that scare, I promise you that with some practice, using the pedals will become second nature to you. I had a proud moment last week that speaks to just that. I was on a group recovery ride when a wasp/bee/hornet flew into my helmet and stung me. Realizing what was happening, I calmly pulled aside from the group, stopped and remembered to unclip as usual before ripping the helmet off my head and freeing whatever horrible little creature was stinging me.

Once you get used to them, you'll wonder why anyone rides without them. They are so helpful in getting a smooth pedal stroke and in climbing. One other thing that I found really helpful. After I bought my bike, I took it to a professional fitter to dial in my fit. Cleat posititioning was included in the price. It was well worth the money.....

[mimitabby]

another thing for those of you who are just starting. remember you don't HAVE to clip in.
That little piece of information gave me enough confidence to actually try it.

Now it's been about 2 months clipless for me. I only have fallen once (welll, since the first 5 minutes) and that was on a steep hill and i threw myself bike and all on a grassy curb (NO PAIN AT ALL!)

What i have noticed is that I don't look at my feet anymore, so that's safer.
I am still concerned about getting my feet out in time, but so far so good.

[trayc]

Thank you all for the great suggestions. I should have my bike next week and am looking forward to getting out there and trying out ya'lls suggestions. Will let ya'll know how it goes. One of my favorite quotes is "If you keep doing what you are doing then you will keep getting what you getting" So, time to change what I am doing even if it is scary!!

[Darby361]

One more suggestion that helps me (I got it from this board!) is to turn the wheel the opposite direction of your unclipping foot - this will make the bike lean toward that foot. So I always unclip my right, and turn the wheel a bit to the left as I stop.

Knock on wood, I have not fallen yet (give it time, I'm new and I know it will happen), but the closest I have come was when I did not turn the wheel, and the bike started to lean to the left and of course that foot was still clipped in! Thankfully, because my tension is set so low, I was able to yank my foot out in time!

Trish

[F8th637]

I recently got a pair of Forte Campus pedals, clipless on one side, platform on the other. They are so easy to release. Love 'em

I bought a pair of those as well as the Crank Brothers Candy C to see which I like better. I'm glad to hear they are so easy to release. I haven't yet tried them out but we shall see.