Clipping in question

[westtexas]

When I come to a stop, I clip out on the left (my right leg is stronger so that's the one that's always clipped in) and let it just dangle off the side of the bike as I start applying the brakes. Then I put weight on the right foot and bring myself off the saddle fully supported on the right leg as I drop to the ground and put the left foot down. Then I just crank my right leg back up and when it's time to go again it's already in the right position to give a good push on the pedals and give me some coasting time to clip in on the left.

In emergency situations I'm terrible. I rode Ft. Davis last weekend (a very serious hill climb for 11 miles) and at one point at a hill base I was so tired and wanted to rest, but my legs could not clip out. End result was a simply fell over onto my side at a standstill. My pride was hurt more than my body.

[ny biker]

Once you're clipped out, it's no different from stopping with regular pedals.

Honestly, I can't even tell you how I do it. I've never thought about it. Foot goes down on pavement. That's it. All other movements just happen naturally in order for the foot to go down.

Just remember your balance is better while you're seated.

[Catrin]

Of course there wasn't any problems on my ride tonight - and I made myself stop a couple of times "just because". My mind was on other things so I wasn't over-thinking things and no problem - and no falls

[MollyJ]

I have a clipping question. It is always easier for me to clip out on my right side. I often keep my left food clipped for the whole ride. It is also easier for me to clip out when my pedal is at the top of cycle.

Is that typical? I read above where the person in traffic unclips the left food so that you will not fall into traffice. That makes a great deal of sense. Likewise, when I do u-turns, I've unclipped on the left in case I over balanced it seems like you would over balance with the forces of your u-turn which is typically left but I do that less now since I have more confidence.

Thanks in advance.

[Owlie]

I clip out with my right foot. And once you've got clipless down, you're not likely to fall into traffic. And I think you're supposed to unclip with the pedal at 12:00 for balance. Regardless, if it works for you, why change it?

And in regard to your u-turn question...again, if it works for you, why change it? If your bike control is decent, you're not likely to overbalance, but then again, I'm not one to try u-turns on a relatively narrow piece of road or trail.

[Catrin]

I think the best approach is whatever works for YOU. Granted, I am new to clipping in, and I have to switch feet at stops because I start AND stop with my right foot - I've had foot surgery and prefer to use my physically stronger foot for both activities. It works for me.

I don't try u-turns unless I have enough room that I am comfortable doing so

[AZchick]

OK, regarding the whole foot thing... what if you are used to your left foot down on the pavement at stops with the old platform pedals, but you feel you can clip in easier with your right foot (my left pronates and doesn't like to clip in fast) Is it going to mess up my balance switching to putting my right foot down??? Should I just give it a try? I've been clipless for ONE day.