clipless pedal falls poll

[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.

[cwodiva]

I've fallen twice! Once in the very beginning, six years ago, at a stop light. And once last year when the screw of my cleat fell off during a ride, I went to unclip and my shoe just slid around without unclipping. I fell and then I had to get out of my shoe, and then take the bike with still shoe attached to my pedal to the bike shop for them to get if off. Yeah, I think the guys were laughing at me after I left . Moral of story: Make sure you check those screws (the ones that connect the cleat thing to your shoe) periodically ladies!

[alpha_omega]

Apologies for resurrecting a slightly old thread, but I wanted to share my experience with clipless pedals and what I have learned in hopes that others might avoid the mistake I made.

I have been lucky enough to only fall once with clipless pedals, the first day I got them. The reason for my fall - lack of speed. At least if you're a road biker, you usually have plenty of forewarning about when you need to stop, so clip one foot out early while you still have a good bit of momentum, then stop yourself with one foot ready to brace you.

The temptation I had when starting out (and what I've seen most people try) is to go slow while still trying to figure out your new pedals. With momentum on a bike comes balance and time you need to unclip. If I could do it over again, i would get to a large, abandoned parking lot, clip in with one leg, start pedaling, clip in with the other, pedal some more, unclip one leg, apply the brakes, set one leg on the ground, unclip the other, and place both legs on the ground. Voila, you've just figured it out.

I also really like the idea others have mentioned about riding with one cleated shoe and one normal shoe while learning, but at some point you're going to have to strap that other shoe on, so remember, keep that speed up and you'll be fine.

Hope that helps.

[tzvia]

alpha_omega-
This is a very good thread, a good read actually, and worth reviving. I spent a lot of time in my trainer when I first went clipless as I was determined to get out of toe-clips. This was in the late '80s, when I bought the original Look pedals. It took a while but I got the hang of how it worked before hitting the road. I then tried Keywin Pedals, and had my only clipless fall as they were very hard to clip out of. Too bad, as they weighed half what those old Looks weighed, but they took a feat of strength to twist out. I then went through early Shimano Dura-Ace look style, and Time before settling on Speedplay over 10 years ago. I found Time for my MTB and never looked back.

When I need to clip out (not emergency), I do so while seated and slowing, on the right side, then stand on the left pedal just as I stop and put the right foot down. I do practice doing this with the left, but it is easier for me on the right.

Frankly, if clipping in or out remains difficult after giving it enough practice, and contributes to a fall or almost-fall, it's time to sit down and quantify what the problem is, and look for a pedal that is good in those areas. For me, I needed pedals that release with little or no strength, and clip-in that does not require looking down and hooking in one part or another to start. Dual sided helps too.

Of course, it helps to have good balance on the bike in general. I've been doing balance exercises on the WiiFit and it has helped me as I am normally a clumsy person.