Platform pedals

[VeloVT]

Sandra, I'll give you my usual 'new to clipless' advice. Even while using your platform pedals, pretend you're clipped in. Every time you stop, click out your heel, as if you were unclipping (use the one that you normally put down first when you stop). This way, that motion becomes automatic, so you won't have to think about it. For me, as soon as I grab the brakes, my heel automatically clicks out.

Wow, this is an excellent idea.

Up in the beginning riders section I've read a few threads lately from people who've just gotten clipless pedals and apparently didn't need any time to adjust to them. Not so with me! It probably took me at least a month after putting the pedals on that I reached my previous comfort level on the bike again. I was extremely nervous when I first got clipless pedals. Really, looking back, I should have waited until I was more comfortable on the bike generally. I was a nervous nelly when I first got my bike for some reason, my balance wasn't very good yet and all sorts of things freaked me out -- riding on dirt/gravel, having to take any kind of evasive action quickly, etc., and I got clipless pedals just a few weeks after getting the bike because it seemed the thing to do, which just compounded my problems.

Luckily it all worked out in the end !

[sandra]

This is an excellent idea. I'm much like Liza and can tell I need time to adjust to the bike, but this is something I can practice in the meantime. Thank you so much for that suggestion!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Sandra, have you tired using PowerGrip straps?
They are just opne diagonal strap that goes across the top of your shoe. It's not a "cage", and it's not "clipless".
You have to slant your foot with the heel outwards in order to both get your foot all the way into the strap, and to get it out. In a way, it's like practicing for the same motion as you will eventually use for clipless riding, but is less scary and restrictive than anything except plain old platform pedals.
I find no matter how muc aggressive tread my shoes and my pedals have, my foot will still slip right off the pedal if my shoe sole gets wet (rain, walking on wet grass...). That's a scary and sometimes painful experience. The Powergrip straps keep my feet from slipping off the pedals and also provide "some" of the effect of being able to pull UP on your pedals for more power and efficiency like you can with a clipless system.
Here it shows how they work:
http://powergrips.mrpbike.com/pg_how_works.shtml
Here's one place to buy them for $20:
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?s...cm_cat=1069410

I use the straps with my MKS Touring pedals:
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/pedals.html
The pedals are a bit wider which is good for when I use big warm hiking boots for riding in the winter.
Also, I can adjust the straps a bit looser for heavy boot use in cold weather.

[sandra]

Thank you Lisa. PowerGrips it is. They don't look as scary. They are ordered as of right now. I ordered the entire pedal set.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Great, Sandra!

You can put them on and keep them not very snug for a while until you get used to them. The first time I used them and came to a stop, I *did* fall over because I was trying to get both my feet out at the same time- dumb! Also I forgot that you have to move your foot BACK and OUT, not just try to take your foot off to the side like I was used to.
Just keep them slightly loose at first and to pull your heel outward and your foot back to get your foot off the pedal. It quickly becomes second nature. I've been riding with them for a year now and I like them nice and tight now so I get more power on my upstroke while pedaling as well.
Put your first foot into one strap before you start pedaling, and don't try to put your second foot in until you've picked up enough speed to coast nicely while you fiddle with your other foot. You can just ride normally while ignoring the second strap until you are ready to flip the pedal with your foot to the correct side and wiggle your toe in.

[sandra]

That is exactly how I fell the second time with the straps. I didn't get going good enough and was trying to get my left foot in. I probably won't repeat that. OUCH.

This bike is so much faster than my hybrid it is unbelievable. I'm afraid of getting too much power. I already left my poor DH in the dust.

He has neck and shoulder problems (not just from or when bike riding) so he always said he didn't think he would like a road bike. He thought it would make his neck and shoulders hurt worse. After leaving him in the dust, he rode my bike. He said "I may be able to get used to this if I could raise the handlebars some".

I feel the handlebars need raising too, but I'm wondering if I am just trying to get back to the hybrid position and need to adjust to this position. I'm going to let the LBS take a look today, unless it's raining again.