The thing about being a new rider...

[AMP]

I'm only a couple of months back into cycling after a long--15 year-- hiatus. I love my new bike, cannot believe the efficiency of the SRAM red, how light weight the bike is, how easy, or easier the hills are.
Then I get to pedals. Sigh. I am gamely soldiering on with clipless. Two sets, two pairs of shoes.
But while on a ride last evening over rolling hills, I just couldn't enjoy the speed because I kept worrying about crashing and not getting my foot out/off the pedal.
Also, when I do clip out on the paved road, my clip on my shoe--I have speedplays now--skids like crazy, and I'm afraid I'll fall that way.
I miss my cages, and I miss not being so afraid.
I do get the power tansfer...I get up hills more efficiently...but now I'm too afraid to gather the momentum on the downhill to get up the next one. So each hill is its very own little mountain.
I'll give it another month and see if I can get the fear factor under control. If not, I'm going to have to go back to my other pedals.
For being new to cycling, I'm noticing this exact discussion on so many forums. It seems the technology is not "elegant" enough not to cause anxiety.

[KnottedYet]

I miss my cages, and I miss not being so afraid.

Ride what you like.
Not much point in being miserable on the bike.
Everyone has their own preferences. And they do better on their own preferences than on someone else's. Don't be afraid to be yourself.

I managed to find a pedal wrench with a super-long handle (and a hollow handle so I can add a pry bar to make it even longer!) so I can switch pedals willy-nilly as the mood strikes me. It's lovely! Freedom and power and leverage to beat the band!

[ny biker]

I'm only a couple of months back into cycling after a long--15 year-- hiatus. I love my new bike, cannot believe the efficiency of the SRAM red, how light weight the bike is, how easy, or easier the hills are.
Then I get to pedals. Sigh. I am gamely soldiering on with clipless. Two sets, two pairs of shoes.
But while on a ride last evening over rolling hills, I just couldn't enjoy the speed because I kept worrying about crashing and not getting my foot out/off the pedal.
Also, when I do clip out on the paved road, my clip on my shoe--I have speedplays now--skids like crazy, and I'm afraid I'll fall that way.
I miss my cages, and I miss not being so afraid.
I do get the power tansfer...I get up hills more efficiently...but now I'm too afraid to gather the momentum on the downhill to get up the next one. So each hill is its very own little mountain.
I'll give it another month and see if I can get the fear factor under control. If not, I'm going to have to go back to my other pedals.
For being new to cycling, I'm noticing this exact discussion on so many forums. It seems the technology is not "elegant" enough not to cause anxiety.

I'm not sure I understand -- why are you worried about crashing when you're going downhill? Did you have the same concerns with regular pedals?