Big benefits of going clipless?

[MartianDestiny]

My ROM in my ankle is horrible up and down - I am negative with dorsi flexion - but I can move it side to side without too much trouble.

Good news for you! "Out" is almost always a sideways movement in most (all?) pedal systems (because that's what's natural and you want to be able to pull on your pedals and not come out).

I still, to this day, pop my planting foot out well before I "have" to stop when given the fair warning, like when I start coasting towards a red light. I'm minimizing that time now, as I'm very comfortable with my pedals (especially on the road), but as a newbie it really helped give me the confidence that it was one less thing I had to worry about and reduced my clipless falls (still none on the road) to "emergency" situations where I had to slam on the brakes. Now though, my reaction times for grabbing fist-fulls of brake and unclipping are basically the same and it has become one fluid, subconscious movement whenever I feel something is going wrong.

O, and when/if you "just eat it" your pedals typically auto release. I had a pretty impressive semi-hydroplane incident a few years ago. Two loud "POP" noises and the bike was free before the pedal hit the ground (freaked my riding buddies (most of whom didn't ride clipless) out; I think they thought the noise was my collarbone!!!)

[staceysue]

I just went clipless about 2 weeks ago. I didn't have any problems at all and never fell. I love them.

I just get on my bike and start pedaling like I did without the clipless pedals. As I'm pedaling along, paying attention to the road, I wiggle my feet around until it feels like they're in the right place then push down and clip in.

The the first time I did it, I got a mile down the road before my first foot clipped in and then it was another 4 miles before I got the other one clipped in. The key, for me, was to just ride at a relaxed pace and pay attention to riding, occasionally calmly messing around with clipping in but telling myself "it doesn't matter if I never get clipped in, I'll just keep riding." Of course, now I have both feet in before I even get out of the driveway.

As far as the benefits - I didn't see a huge increase in speed immediately but pedaling differently is training different muscles. Now that those muscles are getting stronger, I'm getting faster. Before, I really only felt my quads being worked. Now I'm also feeling it in my glutes, calves, shins (I never knew I could work out my shin muscles before!), the fronts of my ankles (I can see new muscles there), and my lower abs. I am thrilled to feel it in my abs because I detest doing crunches.

On some of the long gradual hills, I like to play around pedaling with different muscles. First I concentrate on kicking forward for like 50 strokes, then on pushing down, then on sweeping back, then on pulling up, then on perfect circles. It makes the ride more interesting.

I'm getting stronger and faster and it's easier to get my heart rate up.

[sundial]

I also have a bum ankle and I'm worried I won't be able to act quickly enough to get it out of the clip.

If you feel you can't unclip fast enough, I would suggest you consider BMX type platform pedals with the pins that secures the sole of your shoe to it. Since you are already acclimated to using toe clips I think the platform pedals is a natural progression and it will give you the confidence needed when you need to bail fast. There are stiff soled mtb shoes that would work nice with the platform pedals and one of the benefits of that type of shoe is that the cleats are recessed and you can walk around in them.

[gabriellesca]

Okay - this is making me feel more an more at ease! I guess its time to conquer my fears and go for it. Seems like I can practice alot and plan in advance.

The pedals I'm looking at have clips on both sides (Shimano M520 Easy) - but some of you have mentioned having the platform on one and the clip on the other so you can be unclipped and pedal if you need to. Is this a better beginner pedal? The bike guy said its easier to clip in if both sides have the clips - but I'm most nervous about clipping out. A friend of mine said that she would often unclip way in advance and then pedal unclipped - is there a way to rest your foot on the pedal without clipping in?

This is so silly to be so frightened - but when my friend fell into that car it really freaked me out and I vowed never to go clipless. Just terrifies me to be stuck to my bike. But then it sounds like its the best route to go - easier to gain some speed which I'm anxious to do.

[gabriellesca]

Thanks Sundial - the shoe I'm looking at is a mtn bike shoe with the recessed cleats - but the pedal type is interesting - I don't understand how you clip it in though looking at the pic on amazon.

[pumpkinpony]

The pedals I'm looking at have clips on both sides (Shimano M520 Easy) - but some of you have mentioned having the platform on one and the clip on the other so you can be unclipped and pedal if you need to. Is this a better beginner pedal? The bike guy said its easier to clip in if both sides have the clips - but I'm most nervous about clipping out. A friend of mine said that she would often unclip way in advance and then pedal unclipped - is there a way to rest your foot on the pedal without clipping in?

If you use 'mountain' shoes where the cleat is recessed and the shoe has tread, yes. I find it very difficult at best with the road shoes with slick bottoms.

I would go for the M520 or M540. I think you would find it more annoying to be trying to flip the pedal over to the right side when you want to clip in. Also keep in mind that the pedals are adjustable as to the tension it takes to release. I'd start with them set at their easiest setting, then as you get used to it tighten them up. The 540 at the easiest setting, all I have to do is yank my foot up and it comes right out.

Also get the multi-directional release cleats to start. You can switch to the single release later, but the multi-directional is much easier IMO. I switched to the single release by accident after using the other cleats for years, and actually fell three times during my bike ride because my foot wasn't unclipping like I was used to.

[gabriellesca]

And has anyone heard of the magnet pedals? I've read some stuff about it on line - looks like a good alternative - wonder if they work as well or close to as well?

[MartianDestiny]

Okay - this is making me feel more an more at ease! I guess its time to conquer my fears and go for it. Seems like I can practice alot and plan in advance.

The pedals I'm looking at have clips on both sides (Shimano M520 Easy) - but some of you have mentioned having the platform on one and the clip on the other so you can be unclipped and pedal if you need to. Is this a better beginner pedal? The bike guy said its easier to clip in if both sides have the clips - but I'm most nervous about clipping out. A friend of mine said that she would often unclip way in advance and then pedal unclipped - is there a way to rest your foot on the pedal without clipping in?

This is so silly to be so frightened - but when my friend fell into that car it really freaked me out and I vowed never to go clipless. Just terrifies me to be stuck to my bike. But then it sounds like its the best route to go - easier to gain some speed which I'm anxious to do.

You can pedal out of the clips even without a platform. You just have to adjust your foot forward or backward such that the cleat is not lined up with the mechanism in the pedal. This is easier with larger pedals or with pedals with a platform around the cleat.

I do NOT recommend the flip/flop pedals with a platform on one side and a clip on the other. For one the platform sucks, ok for a 2 mile grocery store run, but not something you want to ride on. The big issue really becomes that they are perpetually on the wrong side giving you yet one more thing you have to pay attention to. You'll have to flip the pedal over to the right side and THEN clip in. Extra complication when you're starting just doesn't seem like a good idea.

If you want the ability to go to a platform if you freak out or don't want to clip in that day get a pedal with a wide clip area or with platforms and clips on both sides. These are available for mountain bikes, absolutely no reason you can't put them on a road bike, however.

I started on these:
http://bike.shimano.com/publish/cont..._mountain.html

They are HEAVY (designed for downhill mountain biking) but have just as much platform area as platform pedals (they are NOT as grippy though) and are pretty easy to slide your foot over or back and stay away from the cleat. I actually have a pair (I think) that have never been mounted on a bike (I outgrew them and now use the pedals without platforms) if you are interested.

Other brands make similar pedals, some less beefy as well.

Really, it becomes a mental game though. Are you the type that will do better just going for it, or do you want the mental security that comes with having a little more pedal than just clips.

For me it was all mental, I don't think the platforms really helped at all in the long run, other than making me suck it up and put clips on a mountain bike!

[ColoKate]

Hmmm this is all helpful info for me but still a little nerve-wracking too. My bike came with Shimano M505 pedals which I've been riding with sneakers on rides around 20 miles. It has been confusing to flip the pedal over to make sure I'm on the platform half, which makes me even more nervous about switching to clipless because I'll be doing the same thing, just on the other side, right? It's not that natural for me yet and I know I shouldn't be looking down so much while riding. However, I think the platform is removable?

I ordered some super sale Shimano WM40 comfort MTB shoes from REI that will be in next Tuesday. I would like the extra speed and balance to keep up with my husband, who adapted to clipless with no trouble. I picked snowboarding because I hated the trapped/locked feel of ski bindings so I hope I can get over this mental hurdle with myself LOL.

Thanks for the advice and tips, all!

[casisenyora]

Be brave and try the clipless! I think that falling over is a rite of passage for most, and at that, not really all that much to worry about. I still remember my first fall, mostly because I came up laughing after having toppled myself in the slowest-motion humanly possible. I don't know if any drivers at the intersection saw me, but it had to have been pretty comical. Give it a shot, they'll be far better than cages, which I think are terrifying.

[sundial]

Thanks Sundial - the shoe I'm looking at is a mtn bike shoe with the recessed cleats - but the pedal type is interesting - I don't understand how you clip it in though looking at the pic on amazon.

With BMX pedals you don't clip in--your sole just hangs on for dear life. If you decide to go the route of BMX platform pedal, be forewarned that if you sprint and your shoe slips off the pedal, you'll see stars as you either strike the back of your calf with the pedal or land on the top tube. Ask me how I know.

[TrekTheKaty]

Clipless pedals can help PREVENT a wreck. My sis came to a screeching stop in front of me. I laid on the brakes, and the back wheel came off the ground (picture a reverse wheelie!) If I hadn't been clipped in, my feet would have come off the pedals and I probably would have wrecked for sure. However, I was able to get my body weight back and pedal a few more strokes before properly dismounting.

You don't realize how nice cycling shoes are until you switch back to sneakers for a ride. They help reduce foot/leg fatigue for me.

[Crankin]

Like a few others, I never fell while learning to use clipless. I started with mountain bike shoes/spd pedals at the gym, in spin class. After I had been riding for about a year and a half on a mountain bike in bike shoes without cleats, I bought a road bike with dual sided spd pedals (not sure which kind) and put the cleats on. I practiced early in the morning in my neighborhood, and rode around for about 2-3 weeks with one foot clipped out half of the time. I did try practicing on the grass, but I found I was too worried about riding with road tires on grass... so I just went out and did it.
I am totally uncoordinated, so if I could learn, you can. When I got my second road bike, I switched to Speedplays and now I can barely ride without clipping in. In fact, I almost fell on my azz in traffic, while riding to the train station in regular shoes last year. My hybrid and mountain bikes have the dual sided, one side spd, one side flat pedals. I would not recommend them as others have noted, because the pedal is always weighted to the flat side and you have to flip it over half the time to clip in. I got them after I was experienced, so it's more of a pain in the rear than dangerous, though.

[Kano]

I've got those shimano pedals you mentioned on two of my bikes, and I like them -- don't know from anything else, but they've worked well for me from the beginning of my "clipless life."

The second set I bought weren't in the package, I think maybe someone had tried them and not liked them. That was okay with me -- a little cheaper, y'know? That set came with a pair of clip in platforms for those non-clipped days.

As mentioned, it's not all that delightful to have the two sided thing going on, cuz, yeah, they're never the direction I want them to be. When I want flat, they're on the other side, when I want to clip in, they're the other way. I haven't used them much in the three years or so that I've had this pair of pedals. I put them on my "grocery bike" pedals this year because I anticipate lots of neighborhood riding with my grandkids this summer. I'm finding that sometimes it's half a pedal stroke and I'm off the bike again to pick someone up, wait for him to catch up, or fix some sort of technical issue, making the good shoes and efficient pedaling pretty much not worth doing, y'know?

Karen in Boise

[gabriellesca]

Thanks guys so much - more great answers and tips.

I'm going to pick my bike up tonight - they put the pedals with clips on both sides on and I'm just going to jump in and give it a try! I'm going to buy Specialized Mountain Bike Shoes - and I think I'm going to do exactly what you did Crankin - leave it clipped out 1/2 the time until I'm totally used to it and feel comfortable.

Mostly I feel silly for being so scared and nervous about it. Which makes me want to conquer it even more. So I'm also trying to get over my mental hurdle.

So I'll just jump in and hope for the best. Now I'm bummed that we're expecting rain all day tomorrow - but I will try to find a place to ride late this afternoon when I get the bike - and hopefully ride on Sunday.

Thanks guys - I'll let you know how it goes!