Quote Originally Posted by Koronin View Post
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!