Clipless For the Timid

[wurkit_gurl]

Yeah, I'm totally freaked out about using clipless pedals and falling over- mostly because I don't want to wreck my bike! She's too pretty! I think, since I'm training for this triathlon anyway, I am going to scour Craigslist for a cheap trainer, and practice on that with the clipless pedals- that way I can practice clipping in and out while I'm upright on the bike.

[nomummytummy]

My only crash so far was exactly for that reason. I had to stop for a car that hadn't seen me, couldn't get my foot out fast enough & crashed. Felt really stupid, hurt my wrist but didn't even get a scratch on my beautiful new bike!!

[mimitabby]

Wurkitgirl
the practice on the trainer is fine, teachs you the movement, but not the coordination with reality.

I rode on my trainer all winter by clipping in and out. First time out on pavement (in a schoolyard; flat; no cars) i fell down almost instantly.

what i did (with a lady teaching me)
was I rode NOT CLIPPED in. THen I clipped in and out. She'd tell me to stop
and then I would unclip and then stop.

some people only do one foot at a time (two kinds of pedals) but if i can do it,
almost ANYONE can.

[amymisk]

I am now on my third style of pedals.

I started with a MTB pedal. Easy in, hard out for me.

Then, I went with a Shimano Ultegra pedal. Less float, felt good riding. I found them to be a pain to get in, the theory behind the pedal rotating to allow for a simple toe in first then clip didn't work for me. I found I had to look at the pedal to get in. Not ideal plus I didn't find them too easy to get out of. I always felt I couldn't get out quickly. Plus, it was hard to pedal unless clipped in.

Now, I have Speedplay Zeros. Much happier. It is hard to get in, but can pedal easily if not clipped fully- great when crossing a busy road that I can ride across and not worry about clipping until I am safely across. Much easier release for me. I feel so much more comfortable clipping in and out.

So, try and try some more. Thankfully, my LBS has a happiness guarantee. I had the shimano pedals for 3 months and they would have given me a refund (in full, no restocking) but DH uses them and we kept them as a spare.