Pastrypam - Way to go, and I totally hear you.
This morning I also just went for my first clipless ride (a short seven-mile commute), and it was amazing! I've held off for a long time because I was afraid of being trapped on my bike as I came to a stop and I wondered if I'd really notice it for such a short ride, but clicking out of the pedals isn't issue at all and the improvement is noticeable. I'm looking forward to my longer 20-mile commute!
I also just had my bike professionally fitted, and that too has made such a huge difference. Amazing what a few little tweaks here and there can do for riding efficiency and comfort.
kfergos,
My LBS guy also tweaked my saddle height as he was fitting my new pedals and shoes. I guess my saddle was too high. When I went on my ride yesterday, everything felt more comfortable. So I know what you mean by having everything tweaked and working together.
Congratulations on your successful clipless ride. I had the same fears as you and was pleasantly surprised at how easily I took to it. I am really concentrating on clipping in and unclipping right now but my DH says it will eventually become second nature.
Have fun out there!!
Although incredibly nervous when I first started with cleats/clip-in pedals... there is no way I would return to "platform" on the road.
I feel more secure (my feet don't slip) and I feel more efficient. Congrats for taking the step, once you 'master' the new feeling, you will truly enjoy the difference
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Courage does not always roar. Sometimes, it is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying,
"I will try again tomorrow".
I'm not sure about the nerves, though yeah, there was some of that when I started, I'm sure. I LOVE clipless pedals, and like you say, Raven, there's just no way...
I did ride my old bike with the platform pedals a while back, and felt absolutely cheated! The first couple of rides WITH the clipless, I really noticed the difference in the work while riding -- muscles complained, etc. After a while, it became like totally natural to have the clips, and when I rode without one day, well.....
Said so to DH, and he realized he hadn't noticed the difference in a long time either!
Karen in Boise