Should I start rightoff with clipless or start with cages??

[alpinerabbit]

I had a friend who let me try his expensive tri bike, clipless and all, all on my own. I've never fallen. (knock on wood). It's not that hard, you just have to keep it in mind.

[bike4ever]

My vote is clipless. I regularly suggest to customers to either use a plain platform pedal or go clipless. I believe the toe cages are more challenging to get in and out of - especially at an intersection.

[SadieKate]

My vote is clipless. I regularly suggest to customers to either use a plain platform pedal or go clipless. I believe the toe cages are more challenging to get in and out of - especially at an intersection.

Plus one from me.

Since you already have the clipless, have you tried them yet?

Cages are very challenging and, I think, harder to get in and out of if they're tightened down to where they are any help at all. Plus, you have to learn a completely unnatural motion to get out of them. Swinging your foot to the side to release from a clipless pedal is instinctual (you just have to remember to do it before you stop).

Plain jane platforms for a few short rides to get used to the new bike and then go clipless.

[redrhodie]

I went with cages at first. Making the switch to clipless was really easy once my riding skills were honed. I never fell with either. For me, cages were a good step in the process.

[Zen]

The movement used in release is entirely different in both. Cages aren't like training wheels for clipless.

[redrhodie]

I want to add, if you go with cages, don't tighten them all the way. Once you're confident in your riding skills, and feel ready to tighten the cages, go clipless instead.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I use PowerGrip straps. I love them.
They go diagonally over the foot, so it's the same motion getting in and out as clipless (turn heel out to get in or out, then straighten foot and it snugs up and holds your foot). I don't feel much "trapped" a difficult situation like stopping on a steep hill or a sudden stop. I started with them rather loose and felt safer that way, but now I have them quite snug so I can pull up on the pedals if I choose.
DH uses cages and he loves those.

Just to cause trouble and present a totally different point of view:
http://www.rivbike.com/article/clothing/the_shoes_ruse

[mimitabby]

Lisa, although i agree with a lot of what mr Riv. says; here's where I seriously disagree. If you regularly go on rides of over 50 miles, the unnatural pressure on the middle part of your foot is going to take its toll. if you have a stiff sole on the shoe, it is protecting your foot from that.
I wore regular running shoes for my first day of spinning class. I was able to move my feet around on the pedals; but when pedalling you really don;t move much and my feet were sore when i was done. Switched back to the bike shoes... tons better.

But to the original poster and the rest of you; i'm not saying she should start riding with cages for a few months; i just meant the first few rides on the bike. If she's courageous and coordinated like many of you are; starting clipless should be fine for her. But for some of us, that would really be impossible.
Good luck, you know who you are.

[onimity]

I'm with those that recommend platform pedals -> clipless.

If this is your first road bike, you will have lots of things to get used to, probably new shifters, a new position, etc., and it will be easy to forget that you have to unclip. Why add another variable into the mix?

While I learned some things about riding clipless with cages (I used them before clipless was common) I don't see them as a step along the path, exactly.

The cages have a learning curve too, and I at least have fallen more with them than with clipless.

Anne

[SadieKate]

From the Riv article: If you want to train a dog to come, you don't keep him (or in my case her) on a leash.

Huh? What school of dog training did he go to? I can hear the lessons now.

Rover! Come! Come Rover! Rover ! ROVER!
ROVER, COME! COME! . . . etc., etc., etc., ad nausem.

If one doesn't need clipless why do my shins turn to bloody pulp every time I ride without?

[firenze11]

I had the same dilemma when I went to get my new bike. I'm a complete newbie and was questioning going straight to clipless. My LBS guy asked if I wanted to try the straps first, but suggested against it. He said the straps have to be pretty tight to help your stroke become more efficient/powerful and then you have the problem of getting out of them if they are too tight during an emergency. So he convinced me of going clipless, although I haven't gone in to get my pedals/shoes yet so I haven't had the joys of falling over or even really trying them out.

Good luck! I hope you have a wonderful time on your new bike.

~E.