Clipless pedals=total frustration

[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.

[Owlie]

When I first got clipless pedals, I had to plan out my stops--"Okay, unclip at the twig/"Stop Ahead" sign, whatever...Unclip, apply brakes...Yay! I didn't fall over!"

My boyfriend's advice to me was to try riding with one regular shoe and one bike shoe (the foot you put down). That way, you get practice clipping in and out, but you still have the other foot to catch yourself. Didn't stop me from falling twice on my first time out with both feet clipped in, though.

[bcipam]

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.

I regularly ride both road and mountain bike with clipless pedals. I use the same system for both bikes although different styles of pedals (awider platform on the MTBike). Especially mountain biking, I feel safer clipped in; with my feet secure. If I am going to crash, being clipped in generally makes little difference (ie it wasn't the pedals that caused the crash).

I always ride with my left foot clipped in and I disengage the right at stops. Over the years my right leg has become well developed and muscular. You do have to built up some strength to get out of pedals...however... if it is very difficult to disengage its most likely your cleat system isn't right for you. Personally I am afraid of SPD pedals while others love them. I think them difficult to use. I love my Time pedals but maybe someone else hates them. I also used Speedplays and Frogs (until it caused foot problems) and they are extremely easy to engage and disengage.

The real key is to NOT PANIC. Easy to say but when you finally relax it all becomes second nature. You just know if coming to a stop your foot is going to clip out. Or when you start its a matter of just pedalling first, then clipping in when you get some speed. Just tell yourself DON'T PANIC!

[forestbiker]

Getting pretty good at riding clipless. The biggest thing is not getting complacent and forget to clip out a foot when the stop sign is three feet away
Next biggest thing is riding on some single track with them. Will have to go out to my favorite river trail and wear a lot of padding and take the BIG first aid kit! What a vote of confidence huh?
I can't really tell the difference in the efficiency thing between clipless and pedals, but right now, as long as both wheels are turning and I'm upright, that's all that matters!

[chicagogal]

I regularly ride both road and mountain bike with clipless pedals. I use the same system for both bikes although different styles of pedals (awider platform on the MTBike). Especially mountain biking, I feel safer clipped in; with my feet secure. If I am going to crash, being clipped in generally makes little difference (ie it wasn't the pedals that caused the crash).

Agreed. I am terrified of mountain biking (and therefore rarely do it), but I definitely feel safer clipped in!