new to clipless - what not to do! (long)

[uforgot]

Ah, your story takes me back! We've all been there. Doesn't sound like you were hurt other than bruising (I remember that too). It's just so terribly embarrassing. Wait until you fall over from standing still. Just remember to make sure that the bike lands on top of you. That's what was going through my head the last time I fell over from a dead stop, one foot clipped and I was talking to my son in the driveway. I had a bruise, but the bike came out unscathed, and my son was laughing so hard he couldn't help me up.

Hang in there. You will get used to it.

[deeaimond]

StaRTED clipless in Jan this year, and was terrified for the first 3 months. riding was highly stressful. I still have some moments, just fell over trying to negotiate an uphill hairpin turn on a narrow running path in a park. not the best thing to do on a road bike.

funniest episode.

3rd ride in clipless, came to a stoplight that was red so slowed down and unclipped, then light turned green so thought could just clip back on and go, but lost balance. stuck my hand out to push myself back upright but at that very moment the van rolled away... So it was a very Mr. Bean moment as my hand followed the moving van and i fell over right in the middle of the lane in front of a vehicle. Thank goodness it was not moving. driver was probably busy laughing at the spectacle.

Just take it slow, it'll all be fine

[indigoiis]

I've noticed that it is always when you are panicky that the thing doesn't wanna let yer foot go...

[Autigirl]

Ah, your story takes me back! We've all been there. Doesn't sound like you were hurt other than bruising (I remember that too). It's just so terribly embarrassing. Wait until you fall over from standing still. Just remember to make sure that the bike lands on top of you. .

I got my clipless pedals on Monday and the LBS first put me on a trainer to teach me how to clip and unclip and then took me out back to ride my bike. I did great! I loved them!

That afternoon I went riding with my hubby. I was so nervous and tense. I felt myself locking my arms, clenching my jaw, just waiting to fall. All was well and then I stopped to loosen one of my shoes and when I went to start back up, I fell.

I had I read all of the emails about falling and different situations and all I could remember was "make sure your bike lands on top of you". LOL! My husband didn't laugh, but he was amused. I didn't catch myself with my wrist, but rolled and lifted my bike in the air with my legs so it wouldn't be damaged. I had a slight abrasion on the leg that hit the pavement and the gears hit my other leg so I have a few cuts. All in all it didn't really hurt. I am glad I got it out of the way.

The owner of the LBS said there are two kinds of riders. Those who have fallen and those who are going to fall. <grin>

I really love the power and efficiency behind the clipless pedals. Now I have to work on starting from a stand still.

Kat

[BellaMTB]

IGGY - I wholeheartedly agree with irrealised - it shouldn't be so stressful to ride; just fun. After a really bad first day with clipless on a new mountain bike in 1995, I swore them off for 10 years (due to a terrible fear of falling) but still had lots of fun and got much better at biking anyway. I finally tried clipless again 2 years ago and have been generally fine, despite some trepidation and a few tip-overs. Don't be bothered by peer pressure; it's totally fine to ride the way you feel most comfortable. I found the mini-clips to be the most effective alternative (easy in/out; some stability & power). Check these out: http://www.amazon.com/Eleven81-Mini-.../dp/B001D4S9QO