I wiped out on my new clipless pedals

[mimitabby]

I spent $90 for a class on learning to use my SPD's (oh yes, the awful truth)
the whole class was on bumpy grass and i never fell (then) It was worth every cent. I still practice unclipping whenever i get a little nervous.
make sure your clips are not TOO TIGHT.

[Fujichants]

Hope everything heals soon!

I actually think that cages are much harder to get out of than clipless...I was happy to get rid of my cages and make the switch, even though i've lost my balance a couple of times and have fallen (thankfully without hurting myself), clipless pedals feel much better.

You can try using a platform pedal that allows you to clip in on one side and just put your foot on it (in case you can't clip in or want to use regular sneakers) on the other side. I found that this helped me make the transition.

Oh and another thing. I find that I get flustered when I need to clip in fast because there are cars behind me (or next to me and they are waiting for me to make the first move). I realized that it is much safer to take your time clipping in, rather than trying to hurry up, misfiring, and almost falling off your bike. Who cares if they have to wait?

[BarbaraAlys]

I found cages more confusing too.

The first year I had the clipless I looked like a 12 year old with skinned knees and elbows. I took it as a sign that I was DOING something; wore my scrapes as a badge.

Do make sure they are set at a loose setting so you can unclip as easily as possible while you are learning to use them.

Barbara