Went on my first ride today - Clipless

[pastrypam]

My DH got me the speedplay light action pedals for my b-day. Our LBS guy put them on last Wednesday. I have been practicing since then just inside my garage and in the street in front of my house.

I fell once in the garage because I forgot to unclip my left foot but luckily fell into a shelf. No major damage.

So this morning I got up the courage to go out on a ride. It was great and I love going clipless. I feel like I have more power and my average speed increased. It was 97 degrees out so I didn't push too hard. I can't wait until I go out earlier and it is cooler, to see just how much I will improve when I push myself.

I also like the shoes I bought. They are the Sidi's Geniuss 5.

I have been reading here on TE about going clipless and followed everyones advise about upclipping the same foot all the time and leaning the bike the right way. So far so good!!

I have been afraid of going clipless but I am so glad I overcame my fear and just went for it. I really think my biking will improve.

[Tri Girl]

Yay Pam!!!! Congrats on going clipless. It REALLY does make a difference, huh? So much more power transfer and smoothness in the stroke.
So glad you did it!!

[pastrypam]

Tri Girl,

You are so right about the smoothness and power transfer. I could really notice it. I love cycling and am even more excited now as I feel much more part of the bike and I think I will see faster speeds.

I really want to ride with the local bike club but haven't felt like my speed is up to par. But I think soon I will be able to give it a try with them.

There is a new challenge in cycling each time I go out! Love it!! It's never boring.

[Zen]

My DH got me the speedplay light action pedals for my b-day.

I also like the shoes I bought. They are the Sidi's Geniuss 5.

Nothing beats the Speedplay/Sidi combo but I like my Frogs

[kfergos]

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.

[pastrypam]

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!!

[RoadRaven]

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

[Kano]

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

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