Need Encouragement - Adjusting to new Road Bike (Long & Whiny)

[Blueberry]

I still do that. No shame.

So do I.

It's annoying me on the tandem - DH pedals while braking up to the stop sign. He unclips/puts feet down at the last minute. Of course, he still has flat pedals on the tandem. And he sometimes needs me to catch the bike (long story - we're still learning, and he's trying to balance the bike while seated on the saddle - we've had discussions). He forgets I need non-pedaling time to unclip

[rij73]

I did, however, clip out one foot WAY before stop signs and intersections.

I do that too, and don't see any need to stop doing it!

[OakLeaf]

I still do that. No shame.

+1

It does mean premature wear on the cleat I unclip though, since it gets unclipped way more often than I actually ever have to put my foot down!

[malkin]

CA in NC
Send that tandem captain of yours to the tandem board on bikeforums.net!
Since my cpt. started hanging out there, he has become gung ho about technique on the tandem and we've switched from the awkward both riders down for every stop to me staying clipped in and him supporting the bike.

I was skeptical, even dubious, but it really is smoother and a stronger start. And he hasn't dumped me over in the street even once with that technique!

[Tokie]

I ride speedplay clipless pedals. 2 tricks are handy (and may work for other clipless systems too?) 1. lube cleats with white lightening before every ride - keeps clipping in and out much smoother. 2. clip out at the bottom of our pedal stroke ( 6 o clock ) much less effort than clipping out at other part of pedal stroke. Be patient with yourself! It will be so fun once you "get it", train new muscle memory, build core strength and refine your road biking skills
Tokie

[Blueberry]

CA in NC
Send that tandem captain of yours to the tandem board on bikeforums.net!
Since my cpt. started hanging out there, he has become gung ho about technique on the tandem and we've switched from the awkward both riders down for every stop to me staying clipped in and him supporting the bike.

I was skeptical, even dubious, but it really is smoother and a stronger start. And he hasn't dumped me over in the street even once with that technique!

Will try

I've showed him lots of articles written by people he respects, and still no go. My AWESOME wrench got on the back of the tandem with him. Still no go. We may have to switch positions

[effy]

I just want to let you know that you are not alone. I haven't been on a bike in over 15 years and I also recently bought a road bike. My husband is my mechanic and anything else I need him to be. He put my bike on a trainer, so I could get the feeling for my road bike and clipping in and out, until I felt comfortable enough to try it out on the road. So far so good, I haven't fallen yet and I'm still working on the left cleat. The right one goes in like a charm. Good luck and keep practicing.