Will getting clipped in help my knees?

[Bike Goddess]

Along the knee question theme - do any of you Glucosamine/MSM users experience any stomach problems when you take it? I tried it for about a week and had to quit because my reflux and IBS got so bad.

Yes, try the powdered form for both MSM and Glucosamine from Innate Source. You will find them on the internet

I've been buying this stuff from them for 2 years now. I mix it with my honey/'applecider vinegar concoction in the morning, then wait 20minutes before eathing anything else. Drinking juice or water OK.

[spazzdog]

The MSM caused a bit of flatulence (eh-hmmm) but it settled down after a while. I found if I took it with my drinky yogurt or SLimFast it made a less dramatic landing in my system.

spazz

[joyrider]

OK, so I got my clips! Tried them out today in the doorway - am having a hard time finding the right spot with my foot. But clipped in and out a coupla times - then went out in the backyard to tool around, experiment with clipping my left foot in and out... Luckily, I was wearing my HELMET, because after a few passes, I was unable to clip out in time and smacked my head against the side of the house when I went down. I hit pretty hard - nauseous and unsteady afterward.
So I came back inside pretty discouraged. It's taking a lot more muscle than I thought to jerk my foot out of the clip, and the LBS put it on the loosest setting for me!
I am just realizing that my learning curve is going to be long. Too bad I'm not more coordinated!

[CorsairMac]

OK, so I got my clips! Tried them out today in the doorway - am having a hard time finding the right spot with my foot. But clipped in and out a coupla times - then went out in the backyard to tool around, experiment with clipping my left foot in and out... Luckily, I was wearing my HELMET, because after a few passes, I was unable to clip out in time and smacked my head against the side of the house when I went down. I hit pretty hard - nauseous and unsteady afterward.
So I came back inside pretty discouraged. It's taking a lot more muscle than I thought to jerk my foot out of the clip, and the LBS put it on the loosest setting for me!
I am just realizing that my learning curve is going to be long. Too bad I'm not more coordinated!

first: congrats on the clip(less which just cracks me up every time!). There is a learning curve but one of the things that might help is to think of turning your foot sideways instead of "jerking" your foot out. It should take a quick twist of the heel to unclip. think of it as pivoting on the ball of your foot (make sense?) and see if that doesn't help. don't get discouraged - we've all been there done that got the jersey!

[oph4887]

Suppose to go out for a long ride this weekend, first time using clipless on both feet. One suggestion on the website I found was to use one pedal and the other clippless-that was great and it seemed to work. I had some bad falls since I wasn't able to clip out and was terrified of getting back on the bike again. Hopefully this ride Sunday will be without any trauma. Good luck. This site has been wonderful and I've read so many great suggestions. Trying to get a divorce and since it's been a year and still trying decided to try this road bike stuff. I've taught spinning for 3 years now and decided to take it outside.
Thanks to everyone for all the great ideas.

[snowtulip]

Hi Ladies,
I would also suggest adjusting your cleats to make them easier to get out of. You can adjust to where you basically come out with the slightest movement (beginning) and then adjust to harder as you get used to the timing and movement. Your LBS should be able to do this for you.

I also have knee issues and balance exercises have really helped strengthen all those little muscles that are needed to keep your knee aligned properly. Even just balancing on one leg for a period of time can really make a difference.

Good Luck!

[joyrider]

Snowtulip - do you mean the cleat on the shoe can be adjusted? Because the clip on the pedal is supposed to be set on its loosest setting.
Maybe it's just the pedals... They are Wellgo. Platform on one side, clips on the other. (I was assuming I would be a slow learner!) I literally have to put my whole weight (and that's ALOT!) onto the pedal to get clipped in, and give it a good yank to get clipped out. Can they be lubed to facilitate clipping in and out, I wonder?
Went for a nice, long unclipped cruise today. Even I have to get off the pity pot, eventually!
Thank you everyone for your encouraging feedback!
Need to go do some yoga now to straighten out this cranky neck...
I wonder if I should have included chiropractor fees into my calculations of the cost of being clipped...

[annie]

Joy,

What type of cleats do you have to go with your Wellgo pedals? Are the cleats Shimano SPD's? I know they are supposed to be ocmpatible, but, unfortunately, that is not always the case. Could you try your shoes/cleats on someone's bike that has Shimano pedals? If they clipped in and out more easily, then you'd know it was your pedals. Just a thought............

annie

[joyrider]

So you're saying it should be easier to clip in and out?
I'll have to talk to my LBS!

[annie]

So you're saying it should be easier to clip in and out?
I'll have to talk to my LBS!

Yes, if the pedal is truly set on it's easiest/loosest setting, you SHOULD be able to clip in and out with ease! I have my MTB pedals set loosely and have actually had my feet slip out on all their own occasionally ( not often - only on really rocky, bumpy-type areas.) But that's how easy it should be to clip in and out. If you can't do it, then my guess is that something is wrong, either with the pedals, cleats, or the instruction they gave you on how to clip in/out. Definitely go back to the LBS and explain what's going on.

Oh - and yes, they can be lubed. I squirt a tiny bit of lube on the pedals, let it coat the surface, and then wipe off the excess. You can also dab lube on the cleats then put them into the pedals to get the lube on that way.

Good luck! Don't get discouraged. The pedals are worth the effort it takes to get started on them.

annie