Fear of Clipless Pedals

[tctrek]

Same happened to me first time I went clipless. I kept trying and kept falling. You can't have fun if you are TERRIFIED! I for one, cannot use toe clips... I couldn't get in the darn things. So, I had a platform that was spd on one side and plain pedal on the other. I could clip if I wanted or ride on the platform.

After a while with those, I transitioned over to my Speedplays and road shoes and have been happy every since.

[colorisnt]

Having one clipped and one not would definitely work I think. I could just wear two shoes. I can get clipped in one and life is good. I can pedal with one foot no issue. However, the second one is where the trick comes in.

Thanks for the idea!

I honestly think the sheer difference in weight between my '77 steel Columbia and this 20 pound trek is just a lot for me to handle. LOL. Any little movement and she goes over. Clipping with one may work!

[tctrek]

I actually meant a pair of pedals where each pedal is SPD on one side and platform on the other side. So, if you have SPD cleats, you can clip in, but if you miss, you have the full platform to just rest your foot on.

http://www.realcyclist.com/roadbike/...910&mv_pc=r101

[colorisnt]

Oh, okay, that makes sense. I have looks, but same idea. One side is flat like a normal pedal and the other side it has the opening for the clips.

[indysteel]

I used the pedals that tctrek suggested on my Trek FX (my first bike as an adult) and they do help you get over the worst of the adjustment. I went straight to Look Keos on my raodbike though and had the same dread that you had. I actually went back to the LBS with every intention of returning them, but they talked me out of it.

So, with that pep talk, I went to the nearest parking lot and just practiced. Loosen the tension on your pedals so they're easy to get out of, and then pick which foot you're going to unclip when you stop. Always use that foot. Always. Routine is key with clipless. Once you get the movement of unclipping down, then work on clipping in.

Practice in the parking lot or grass until you feel more comfortable. Then take the bike out, preferably not with a big group, to a lightly traveled, flat area and practice some more on the road. I promise it does get easier.

[colorisnt]

Thanks, Mary Anne. Tomorrow I will go to a local church parking lot to practice or over to a local school. Regardless, I am going to bring both shoes and give it a shot.

[AMP]

I'm completely sympathetic and have only just this weekend solved the clipless problem.
I started a month ago with Shimano ultegra pedals. Could not for the life of me clip out easily. They were adjusted for the lightest tension--still I had to yank that set my bike to shimmying. Ridiculous.
Finally I went to my lbs and said I wanted to try clips and pedals until I felt safe. They put speedplay light action pedals on my bike and the problem was immediately gone, so much so that I thought it was a joke.
No wonder I felt like an idiot; it really is that easy with the right pedals.
For the time being I cannot use Look, shimano, mavik pedals--that type safely. Certainly not in traffic. I'd be a danger to myself and to motorists, not fair for anyone.
The speedplays are giving me plenty of time to learn and be safe. I can learn to use the other pedals later when I have more confidence and strength and muscle memory.
Be safe first.