Clipless question...

[ny biker]

Stopping was fine, starting up was not.

I used to have lots of problems clipping in as I started to pedal. This article helped me a lot.

http://outside.away.com/outside/body...-20070330.html

I start with my left foot clipped in so that is the foot I start to pedal with. I don't actually get my butt completely on the seat before I start to push the pedal with my left foot, but I'm kind of resting on the nose of the saddle with my left foot around 1:00. As soon as I get going I slide back so I'm seated. It helps a lot, especially if I don't get clipped in with right foot on the first try -- I can still push the pedal with the right foot and I'm better balanced in general.

But I think you're right, it makes sense to get used to the bike more and then try again with the clipless pedals later. With practice it will all fall into place, and one day you'll look back on this and wonder what the fuss was about.

[redrhodie]

Catrin, I think switching back to your other pedals was a wise decision. I rode with flat pedals, then with toe clips, for 3 solid years before knowing I was ready for clipless pedals. I'm sure it will be a much better experience next time.

[Catrin]

Catrin, I think switching back to your other pedals was a wise decision. I rode with flat pedals, then with toe clips, for 3 solid years before knowing I was ready for clipless pedals. I'm sure it will be a much better experience next time.

I am sure it will be, and at least I already have everything I need

[Catrin]

Look at what I found

http://bike.shimano.com/publish/cont..._mountain.html

I think these are perfect for the Long Haul Trucker. Platform/clipless on BOTH sides - which allows me to use BMX platform for now, and as I gain skills and confidence I can start practicing with clipless again without having to change pedals - or worry about which side to clip in.

Yeah, they are a little spendy, so will have to save for them, but I like these! My trainer thinks them the perfect solution as well. I have plastic BMX pedals, but am not a real fan of plastic, but they will do until I can get these.

[Catrin]

I went back to the store and looked at these pedals - they do not operate quite like what was described to me...without clipping in the shoe won't reach the platform portion of the pedal. Bummer...but glad I double checked. Guess my LHT will get normal BMX pedals afterall

[KnottedYet]

Be careful with your terminology when you go to buy pedals.

BMX are a specific kind of platform pedal. (used by Bicycle Moto-Cross style riders) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bmx

What you have been looking at are regular "bear trap" style platform pedals. Usually made of metal, sometimes made of plastic (like the platform part of the shimano you linked)

If you are thinking of a pedal that is essentially a flat solid piece of metal with pins covering its surface like a cyborg porcupine, that's BMX.

If you are thinking of a pedal with ridges and teeth cut into it, that's a standard "bear trap" pedal.

Be sure to use the right name when you go shopping at the LBS, or you could end up with something you don't want!

ETA: this wikipedia article is good, with a pic of a beartrap platform right over a pic of a somewhat streamlined non-adjustable pin BMX style pedal. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_pedal

Here's a critter with pins: http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?f...=home.drillium
and here's one with teeth: http://www.rei.com/product/752205

There are a bazillion varieties along the sundry themes of "pedal", combinations abound.

[Catrin]

Be careful with your terminology when you go to buy pedals.

BMX are a specific kind of platform pedal. (used by Bicycle Moto-Cross style riders) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bmx

What you have been looking at are regular "bear trap" style platform pedals. Usually made of metal, sometimes made of plastic (like the platform part of the shimano you linked)

If you are thinking of a pedal that is essentially a flat solid piece of metal with pins covering its surface like a cyborg porcupine, that's BMX.

If you are thinking of a pedal with ridges and teeth cut into it, that's a standard "bear trap" pedal.

Be sure to use the right name when you go shopping at the LBS, or you could end up with something you don't want!

ETA: this wikipedia article is good, with a pic of a beartrap platform right over a pic of a somewhat streamlined non-adjustable pin BMX style pedal. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_pedal

Here's a critter with pins: http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?f...=home.drillium
and here's one with teeth: http://www.rei.com/product/752205

There are a bazillion varieties along the sundry themes of "pedal", combinations abound.

Thanks KnottedYet, I was using the terminology that the LBS staff was using. I wasn't in any hurry to purchase them anyway, but this information will be helpful.