Big benefits of going clipless?

[teawoman]

I just went clipless this year. I've fallen once (in 4 rides so far). I was in toe cages for about two years before I got the courage to do clipless.

You are a bit ahead already because the foot you put down is already used to having to pull out of something before you stop because of the cages. My left foot is my down foot, and I haven't keeled over from that foot yet. I also, as others have said, I unclip well before I come to a stop sign or a stale green. I sort of rest my foot near the heel of my shoe and I can still pedal. I do have the mountain shoes, though.

When I fell was when I was standing still with my left unclipped and my right still clipped...I forgot my right foot was still attached to the bike...I lost my balance somehow and went over to the right side. Scraped up a bit, but that's it. I have got the pedals with the clips on both sides that came with my bike originally, so that makes it easier.

[gabriellesca]

Hey thanks everyone. Good to hear from everyone.

The deed is done - they're on my bike. My store showed me exactly how it works and how to clip in and out. They put me up on a trainer and I tried it a bunch of times - it was much easier than I expected - but I can see it will take some getting used to and I have to be used to pulling out with a bit of force.

Tomorrow morning I'm excited to get out and ride - I'm hoping to do a 20 mile ride - but I am worried that my paranoia over the pedals will make me do a much shorter ride. It shouldn't really since I've done the route before and the times that I have to put my foot down are pretty minimal.

Tea - AWESOME point about the fact that I am already used to having to pull my foot out of my toe cages to stop - its second nature for me now - so I'm really hoping that puts me ahead of the game. My LBS guy said that he did the same thing - fell when he was standing still because he forgot he was clipped in.

He said to me 'you're so paranoid and worrired - I don't think you are going to have to worry about falling.' I think he's right!

Pumped for tomorrow morning's ride to see what kind of difference it will make. I plan to clip out far in advance of intersections/stop signs - and ride early enough that there will be very little traffic. Hoping for the best.

Thanks all for putting me at ease. I'm sure I'll come back to let you all know how it went!

[redrhodie]

How'd it go?

[gabriellesca]

Oh boy Red - see my thread about unclipping on a hill.

NOt going well ... I'm letting my fear win!

[sundial]

Oh boy Red - see my thread about unclipping on a hill.

NOt going well ... I'm letting my fear win!

I haven't read that thread yet but if you want to face your fear of falling, find a nice cushy part of your lawn and practice clipping/unclipping/falling. When I first got my lollipop pedals, I managed to fall 3 times and they were those slo-mo type falls--the kind that bruises your ego moreso than your body. Hang in there and know that you are NOT alone.