Spinning Shoes

[Kiekie]

So I just got some spinning shoes as an anniversary gift (amazing he actually listens to me when I talk to him) and I was so excited about using them for my first time. I have been spinning 2-3 times a week for about 5 weeks now, so farely new to spinning.

But here is my problem. So I go into spinning class on Saturday and asked the instructor if she could just assist me on how to "clip" in. So she did one foot, seemed like piece of cake, it took me 10 minutes to do the other foot. It was terrrible!!!

So I am going again tonight and I normally get there about 5 minutes before class starts and I am worried that I am not going to be able to get clipped in before class starts. Do you guys have any pointers for the easiest way to get clipped in? I just kept slidding out, it was so hard, I heard that once you get it, it is so easy, but how long does it take to get used to it?

I am 1/2 tempted to just use the cages on the days that I don't have time and use my new shoes on Saturdays until I get used to them, but I hate to do that, because they were AWESOME!!

[Zen]

Do you guys have any pointers for the easiest way to get clipped in?

The same way you get to Carnegie Hall. Practice.

I am 1/2 tempted to just use the cages on the days that I don't have time and use my new shoes on Saturdays until I get used to them

Take as long as you need to get clipped in. Don't use the cages anymore. Practice.Practice. Practice.

You didn't put training wheels back on your bike once they were off, did you?

[Kiekie]

Very true!! Just in such a hurry to make it there after work, didn't know if there were any tips on an easier way to get them in, I must be doing something wrong.. haha.. or maybe I do just need practice!!

[Possegal]

I'm sure I have shared here my experience of the first time using them in spin class. Intending to get there early to "practice" getting clipped in and out. But of course traffic delayed me, so no chance at that. I clip in fine, have a great workout, very pleased with them. Then in the end, can't get myself unclipped to save my life. Then, I break up laughing. The one and only cute guy in the class happens this one time to be right beside me. He finally notices that something is amiss with me. I say, while laughing, "I'm stuck". He says, "Just twist". I say, "I am twisting". End result, he sort of kicks my foot and it unclips, I laugh more. In hindsight, I almost of wonder if he didn't realize I was laughing and maybe thought I was upset. He didn't seem to find me as funny as I found me.

My issue, I have decided, is I always want to unclip the right foot first and my right knee is my surgical knee and I think I'm hesitant to twist that leg the same way I do my left foot. I've got to learn to unclip the left foot first, then it works easier for me.

[VeloVT]

If you ever start to get stressed out while trying to unclip from your spin bike, just remember how lucky you are: you're not moving and you can't tip over . Take alllllllll the time you need.

Possegal -- funny story !

[Nokomis]

There is a small learning curve... but if the SPD cleat is on crooked it can make it very difficult to clip in & stay in. If it's loose (may only be noticable when you're trying to pull the shoe off the pedal) it may not release. I've done both.. it's MUCH easier to deal with in class than when rolling up to a stop sign when you can't get your foot out.

Don't forget, you can always take your feet out of the shoe if you can't get the shoe off the pedal - so you aren't missing out on the post spin stretching. The shoe flopping around on the pedal Looks silly, but you're bound to get help to make sure the shoe & cleat are set up okay!

[Possegal]

Oh I have the scars that come with the unclipping issue on my road bike too. Even then, I just gotta laugh. I have the distinction of being the first "injury" of the LiveStrong Philly challenge last August, I could still see the starting line when my shin met the curb.