New clipless pedals..anyone have these??

[Fujichants]

I would strongly suggest you take your bike, pedals and shoes back to the LBS where you purchased the pedals. They should willingly install the pedals and cleats for you. Also, have them put you on a trainer and talk you through the whole process of clipping in/out. I do this with every customer that wants to learn about their pedals. Some customers just want to do it all themselves, but I still offer the service - actually I have all of my employees do this for any customer.

I agree. Rather than figuring it out yourself, messing up with your cleat placement and the tension of the cleats, just take it to the LBS. They should give you some great advice as well.

[emily_in_nc]

to me, it makes more sense to unclip on the right because there's usually a curb for me to put my foot on.

What are curbs? (I live in the rural countryside.)

I still unclip on the right, tho...just force of habit. Rode a tandem for years with DH captaining, and since he unclipped on the right, that's what I learned to do.

Emily

[emily_in_nc]

Thanks for info. You know, what freaks me out the most is the thought of being clipped in on a steep incline. I imagine I can clip out easily enough, but I can't usually clip in right away, it takes me a few pedal strokes. Sometimes quite a few. How do you all clip in if you have to start on an incline? I've actually turned around and gone back downhill to find a flat section.

You mean you're not supposed to do that?! I do it too. I don't like having to start on an incline, and even stopping on one and unclipping can be challenging, and I've been riding (incl. clipless) for years. So don't feel bad!

Emily

[dachshund]

You mean you're not supposed to do that?! I do it too. I don't like having to start on an incline, and even stopping on one and unclipping can be challenging, and I've been riding (incl. clipless) for years. So don't feel bad!

Emily

Thanks! I don't feel like such a doofus now...

[jehocu03]

Thanks ladies, for all your help and advice! I ended up taking about 4 hours adjusting and readjusting the cleats until I found what was comfortable. I rode in my first FULL group ride with the women's team I joined last week. Had some issues clipping in quickly, but otherwise, no falls!!!!!!!! We had many stops, as we were on the roads, so I had a lot of practice, as well as success!

The scariest thing that happened yesterday was on a busy bridge that was crossing the Mississippi. We had to stop at a light before turning right onto the road that was perpendicular to the bridge. Next, there was a pretty immediate left hand turn at a stop light. I was the caboose of the 7 of us in the group and there was a car coming from the other direction that I had to quickly ride in front of (don't worry, there was enough room) to get onto the bridge. This was all while my right foot was not clipping in, just resting on the pedal. I had to continue with my right foot unclipped while crossing this bridge, which is under construction, busy, only 2 lanes (one in each direction), and in a pretty strong crosswind. I knew that I needed to keep my right foot on the pedal and not attempt to clip in, because I could have lost my balance and fallen towards the traffic behind me. Thank god my foot stayed on the pedal and thank god my left knee (the one that is only 9 months post major knee surgery that repaired my completely torn PCL) was able to push me across the bridge without the help of my other side. Needless to say, there were many "firsts" yesterday, but I had a great time overall, said for the few scary moments. I'm also terrified of going down hills fast and I'm constantly tapping my brakes. Any advice on how to just be ok with going fast and/or fast while descending? Any tips for safety?

Thanks again!

[pyxichick]

Jen, congratulations on your successful ride with clipless pedals! Good thing you had the nice wide Time pedals so you can pedal easily without clipping in when necessary

Hope to see you out there soon,
Kate

p.s. post a ride report on the vb forum

[dachshund]

I'm also terrified of going down hills fast and I'm constantly tapping my brakes. Any advice on how to just be ok with going fast and/or fast while descending? Any tips for safety?
Thanks again!

I'm no expert, but I think the fear while descending is there on purpose to get you to slow down. When you have more experience descending, you'll naturally get a feel for when you can let up on the brakes. If you're familiar with the route, you'll know where you can speed up a little.

You might want to post something in the tips-n-tricks section on this, just to get people's attention.

[Possegal]

You mean you're not supposed to do that?! I do it too. I don't like having to start on an incline, and even stopping on one and unclipping can be challenging, and I've been riding (incl. clipless) for years. So don't feel bad!

Emily

I was going to add on with a request for any advice on unclipping going UP a hill. I found that during the Livestrong challenge last year, some of the hills were just too much for me. One time, I had to just move myself to the side of the road and intentionally fall. It bruised my ego more than anything. I'm not looking forward to this year's ride and being clipped in on a steep hill that I can't master. And while I'm still rehabing my shoulder, I"m banned from my bike. So odds are, I won't be in any better shape this year than I was last year. Any help on unclipping going up a hill, greatly appreciated.

And I have to add that I mentioned in another thread that several times when trying the 'just put the toe down' technique, I stupidly looked over my shoulder (the side still clipped in) and this shifted my bodyweight and took me down! Again, mostly my ego bruised. But ever since then, I get off the saddle and put my whole foot down. Starting fast isn't that important to me - or likely that possible for me.