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

[Zen]

Clipless pedals are intended to provide a more efficient transfer of power.This is particularly helpful when riding at a constant speed or up hills.

Given that the nature of city riding is stop and go, why would you want to do it in clipless pedals?

[PamNY]

Given that the nature of city riding is stop and go, why would you want to do it in clipless pedals?

It's because of my lofty ambitions. I want to learn to use clipless pedals for times when I go elsewhere.

Pam

[irrealised]

Thanks for all the advice, everyone!

Clipless pedals are intended to provide a more efficient transfer of power.This is particularly helpful when riding at a constant speed or up hills.

Given that the nature of city riding is stop and go, why would you want to do it in clipless pedals?

I want to learn clipless so that I can ride with them on trails - which is also lots of stop and go at times! I really don't like my feet sliding off the pedals when I'm MTBing, and could use the extra power and security from being clipped in. I guess there's no real reason for wanting to do it in the city, except that the only chance I get to ride during the week is my commute, and I had thought it would be easier than learning on the trails! Many of the MTB trails around here also have paved trails nearby, so I guess I'll practice there for a while before I hit the trails.

[Cataboo]

I've been using clipless pedals for over a year now and sort of had a clipless pedal fall today. Me & the litespeed toppled over into a mud puddle.

I was going to turn right at a stop sign, but a van came up fast, so I stopped, unclipped fast on my right side, put my foot down and went over into the mud puddle 'cause there was a steep shoulder & my foot couldn't reach the ground.


I really gotta learn to be able to unclip on my left quickly.