Feeling like a clipless idiot!

[tc1]

She is exactly right, that method worked for me. I would just add to choose a parking lot with a slight slope, so you can get the clipping in part down first without having to pedal.

I know lots of people swear by always using the same foot. I force myself to practice using either or both feet. Saved me from a nasty fall once.

I dread the day I have to give up my clipless, I have a mobility problem with one ankle and sometimes can barely turn my foot. Then I will be one of those people who advocate for clipless but ride with platform pedals.

[Grog]

I unclip right first, but I usually unclip both feet, even after five years of riding with clip pedals. You never know when there might be an emergency. For some reason it's never been an issue to clip back in, although I'm glad I went back to mountain SPD pedals (after a couple of years of Shimano road pedals).

[drdwin]

Thanks again!!! That video reminds me of what happened to DH and I on our way home in his truck a few years ago. We came upon a group of riders and one rider was pretty far behind. DH slowed down and passed that rider and then the rider proceeded to mover over and grab the tailgate and hitch a ride until he caught the group. I couldn't believe it.

For now I'm using SPD pedals because that's what is on my spin bike. I like that they are 2 sided and don't have to worry which way the pedal is. I'm doing really well with clipping in but then again I practice several times clipping in and out before the ride. I'm going to work on it in the driveway (it's pretty big and flat) and maybe stay close to the grass - my road rash heals but I'm upset about the road rash on my brand new bike. I"ve ripped the handlebar tape on both sides (can be replaced) but also got a brake lever, both pedals, and the rear derailler (at least I think that's what it's called - it's the thing that says "Ultrega" on the back wheel that is part of the shifting mechanism) - still trying to learn the lingo too.

[krisl6]

It might help if you loosen the spring on the pedals. That way it'll be easier to clip out. Also, do you have the multi release cleats? I've found them to be a bit easier when you need to get out quick (for mountain biking anyway).

[OakLeaf]

I was going to suggest going the other way, LOL! If she's inadvertently clipping back in just from resting her foot on the pedal, when she wants to stay unclipped, then tightening the spring could help. I'm actually starting to experience that - the spring on my right pedal is a little loose after 9,000 miles and I was thinking of tightening it up to match the left.

[IFjane]

I know lots of people swear by always using the same foot. I force myself to practice using either or both feet. Saved me from a nasty fall once.

I NEVER use the same foot for that very reason. I feel much more comfortable being able to unclip from either side & rarely have a problem coming to a stop and putting one foot or the other down. (Having said that, my fingers, eyes, toes, legs and anything else I can find are crossed 'cause I KNOW I'll fall the next time I get on the bike!)