Quote Originally Posted by laura* View Post
I've had the SPD pedals (Shimano M324) on the bike for more than a year. The situation has not been improving. As I wrote, in normal conditions I can unclip just fine. But if I'm already falling, I don't have time for two motions (unclip and then sticking a leg out). In the second incident there was no way of unclipping - my foot was trapped.

As for clipping in, sometimes my shoe will click right in. At other times, I just can't find the right spot.



Oddly enough, I found it easier to clip in with the tension turned up quite a ways. And this higher tension doesn't seem detrimental to clipping out.

For the riding I do, I'd almost say I need "downhill" (platform) pedals, except I'm more often than not going uphill.

You completely missed my point. Practice and take all the other elements out of the picture. There's no pressure in your living room. You won't fall. You will find the right spot with practice.

I was hit by a car - on the road - and I "had time" to unclip. It becomes second nature. Unclipping and putting your foot down is 1 motion.

You've already made up your mind so go to flats - but it really just takes practice - just like riding a bike......