Clipless For the Timid

[RolliePollie]

I am over 50, but not quite a newby. But i am a newby to clipless pedals.
And what you just described is one of my biggest fears; making some hills that previously were only a steepness challenge are now a falling over challenge!

My newest new plan for long steep hills is to keep one foot unclipped. Although I'd rather be fully clipped in, until I know whether or not I can make it up a hill, the left foot is going to stay free. My bruised bottom is still recuperating from my hill-induced tip-over on Monday night.

One thing I'm noticing now that I've been clipless for a about a month is how much more secure and in control I feel when clipped in. If I'm riding around unclipped for any reason, I just can't wait to get clipped back in. I love the feeling of being securely attached to those pedals! And now that I've tipped over a few times, that doesn't scare me as much either. I'm more concerned about damaging my bike than damaging myself!

[MaineMaid]

Yup to the more secure comment...but I really,( ), like having the security of letting my left foot clear for anticipated and unanticipated stops. Since I've been leaving my left foot as my "flipper" , I'm much more confident in attacking the hills and really striding along in the flats. I hope in time that I leave my newbie status behind and I'll get the flipper clipped in. As I get better at all of this, I really am seeing a difference in my stillness on the bike and I credit it to my shoe being clipped in.

Jan in Maine