clipless pedal falls poll

[redrhodie]

What I'm finding most interesting is that so few of us have not fallen at some point from riding clipless. I really thought that number would be higher. At this point, about 80% blame pedals for at least one fall. I may not have tried them if I knew the percentage was so high. I'm really glad I did, though. I like the dynamic of riding clipless. Different muscles came into play immediately on changing from toe clips. They gave me more power and efficiency. I've only ridden with toe clips once since changing, and it felt very awkward, like trying on a pair of jeans from high school. Did those fit ME?

I should have included "fell after using for a while" and "have never ridden clipless" in the poll, and probably a few other options (fell only on my mtb), you get the picture

[jobob]

I've fallen only once on account of my clipless pedals (altho I suspect in that particular instance I would have fallen even if I wasn't clipped in - an extreme brain fart moment if ever there was one ) but you didn't have that option so I didn't respond to the poll. Don't want to skew your data.

The only other time I fell on account of my pedals was when I was using *ahem* Power Grips.

[Grog]

Today I installed campus pedals (mountain SPDs on one side, flat on the other) on my commuter bike. That way I can wear my rigid cycling shoes and my booties (it's getting cold).

Mandatory nod to the thread topic: I don't think I was ever at risk of falling, especially after I loosened up the pedals.

But I don't know how much efficiency I really gained. It sure is nicer to pedal while clipped in (for me), mostly because there is no risk of slipping on a wet pedal or when undergoing a drastic gear change. I also felt that my pedal stroke was better or at least more elegant. It might have been the same with power grip-style pedals, but I've never been comfortable with those devices, which scare me more than clipless pedals.

On my road bike, which transforms power into movement a lot more efficiently, I think that clipless pedals make a huge difference. On my commuter? I'm much less sure.

End of slice of bike commuting life.

[SouthernBelle]

Grog, Like you I have clipless on the commuter and the road bike. I'm so used to clipless now that I don't feel as comfortable with a platform. I feel like my feet are goint to come off whether they are about to or not.

[fatbottomedgurl]

I wonder if roadies are more likely to forget to unclip (unless in a lot of stop and go traffic)? When I mtb I will often unclip my right foot in areas that that are more technical or sketchy. I went on one long right where I was in and out of the clips all day. It was pretty hysterical when I was driving home to find myself twisting off the brake pedal in my car.

[slowlane]

I fell so much - I wrote an essay about it - Masters-cycling.com - summer 2008 edition.