Hello all,

reading your threads was a treat as I nurse my wounds after my first fall in clipless pedals. Getting in and out works okay for me, but the problem came up when I got ambitious and decided to try getting in on an incline (not a very steep one, even!). I freaked out when my right foot would not clip in, and fell over to the left side. Result: scrapes on knee and elbow plus very achy and swollen wrist. Drat because that means I can't ride tomorrow!!! If i'm lucky I'll do my workout on a stationary bike at the gym.

How long should it take to get adjusted? i was hoping to be ready to use them in a triathlon coming up in 2 weeks. (And to be able to bike safely in preparation rides until then!) I am scared thinking of going on hills--what if I need to clip out in the middle? It seems like it will be very difficult to get started again and clip in on a medium to steep incline. Any advice? One of my friends responded: I just don't unclip when I'm on an incline! Well, obviously! but what if it's unavoidable?

Any advice in getting over the psychological and technical aspects alike will be appreciated. Since the pedals are already on, no use in the method 2 of you mentioned, of "pretending" you have clipless, before actually making the switch. Well, on the bike I ride in the city for transportation, that would work....

Thanks all,
Miriam