Clipless pedals=total frustration

[Owlie]

I had the same problem, initially, with my SPDs. I did fiddle with the tension, though that didn't help much. It got better as time went on--I think it was a combination of practice and wearing the "newness" off the pedal/cleats.

[forestbiker]

Well, I told myself to put on my big girl panties and go out for a ride around my condo complex. I did and got the hang of clipping in. Then I practiced, "stop sign ahead, get ready to stop," and I fell! TWICE!!
The falling came from getting ready to stop and not deciding what foot to unclip to plant on the ground.
Since I figured out I push off with my right, it's left foot out, plant.

[TsPoet]

I'm a huge eggbeater fan. With Candies, you sometimes have to cut around the cleat position on the bottom of the shoe, you just need a little more clearance (assuming mt bike shoes).
Also, I find it easier to clip in with a little bit of an upward (forward) motion.
As far as falling, you could try one pedal at a time - put a platform back on the side you usually unclip first, and ride around with one clippless pedal for awhile, then put the other one on after you are used to the first side.
It gets easier. I have trouble riding now without clipping in, my foot slides off the pedal.

[Kerry1976]

I'm new to clipless, too, with just 5 or so outside miles (in our apt complex parking lot when it was empty for the holidays - slow rides with tons of stops and starts to practice clipping in and out over and over again) and time on the trainer. I find clipping out is easy....but I'm sloppy about clipping in. I just don't get the right angle on the clip in - I'm not hitting the clip with the right part of my foot. Practice is what is definitely needed for me for that.

I found that I needed a "plan" for stops. My thought, and God only knows if it will work, is that I needed to develop a usual way of clipping out at stops. It seems to work if I'm coming up to a stop sign, etc. However, it will only be validated when I have to make a sudden stop. I even clip out the same way when using the trainer, with the hopes of developing a "normal action."

But clipping in - while I have the general mechanics of getting going down, I don't always clip in quickly like I would like. Again, practice, I suppose.

BTW - I use SPD cleats.

Good luck as you begin your journey with clipless. I hope it becomes easier and more intuitive for you. I admit being nervous about going out into traffic and stuff when I'm clipped in, so I'm rooting for you!

[emily_in_nc]

I use Candies pedals. The tension is not adjustable as it is on some other pedals, but they do sometimes have interference with the tread on the bottom of your shoes. I had one pair of shoes I had to cut a bunch of the tread off around the pedal or I had major problems clipping in, especially on the right. Very frustrating, I agree! The shoes I use now (Keen Commuter Sandals) I didn't have to cut at all; they work great with Candies.

Speedplay Frogs are very easy to get into and out of, but you shouldn't give up on Candies so soon; they are great pedals and will get easier and easier to use over time, assuming you aren't getting interference with the tread of your shoe.

[bcipam]

Not certain what you are doing... but I know alot of newbies think they have to immediately click into the pedal upon taking off. I know I did that and it caused some crashes. Over the years, engaging the cleats has become natural. I just start pedalling without being concerned whether the cleat is engaged or not... most pedals, even something like egg beaters, can be ridden "on top", not clicked in, at least for a short while. Once you get some speed built up its usually as simple as just sliding your foot forward and "VOILA" pedal engaged!

Stopping takes some planning and practice but just know its best to disengage when you still have alittle speed going into the stop. It doesn't take much but once the bike is still, and then you disengage, balance is an issue. I have been able to pulled out of the pedal in time, but its usually a close call.

Remember, both feet don't need to be disengaged. I generally leave my left foot (it's different for people) clipped in and use my right to stop and start. On long rides, I may alternate to give the right leg a rest.

[Koronin]

I'm not fully comfortable with clipless pedals either. Road bike has the ones that are regular pedals on one side and clipless on the other. Mountain bikes does not and I do not think will ever have clipless. My problem is not clipping in, but unclipping the right foot, which is really bad because that is the one that I usually use to put down when I stop. I've even at times ridden with my left foot clipped in and right foot unclipped because of my fear of unclipping that foot. Don't have much of an issue unclipping the left foot. Maybe something with the tension? I don't know.