Not Being Able To Touch The Ground?

[Bethany1]

I got my bike up on the trainer (sure beats the 100 degrees outside but is rather boring) and worked on getting on/off. My problem is getting the pedals turned right side up. If I didn't spend time flipping them, I could get on/off with ease. I keep looking down to flip them over which makes it dangerous out on the road.

Do the make clipless pedals for my road bike that are on both sides?

After a couple of miles I realize why my feet are killing me. I scrunch my toes up and I turn my ankles in making my feet lean into the center. I'm putting pressure on the balls where my big toes are. My knees are straight. Any solutions? I have Shimano SPDSLs size 42 womens.

My left arm started hurting again and I think it's because I don't relax and lean to that side. I'm constantly compensating for that balance issue making my front tire wobble. I have the front tire on a stand and was amazed at the wobble.

I also spend time looking at the ground and my computer and back up again. No wonder I can't ride a bike. LOL.

It's amazing what you discover on a trainer. Now do I really want to spend 300 bucks on a trainer? Not really, but it beats the miserable heat.

[Owlie]

I know there are road pedals that exist that are weighted so that the side you clip in on is up. If you're willing to swap pedal systems, there are double-sided SPDs.

As to your feet, you're probably going to have to just tell yourself to stop scrunching your toes.
Take the computer off your bike if it's distracting. Put it in your back pocket or something if it's wireless and you still really want to know how many miles you've done.

BTW, I got a trainer for $160 new. It can be done.

[Biciclista]

yes they DO make the pedals you want!!
Shimano PD-M770 Deore XT SPD Mountain Bike Pedals

[Nick]

Bethany, -- I'm in the same boat -- new bike, new fit, much higher, feet off ground and struggling with the clipless. I took two falls today trying to clip out. And my bike whacked me -- hard -- in the chest.

I can say that at my new height and with the adjustments to seat and whatnot my body feels better on the bike. I can tell that the leg movement is at a much better angle for me. So once I'm actually on the bike -- adjusting to the new height and fit is fine and my ride is smooth.

But, clipping in and out is what is getting me! I might have to take the advice you received here -- go back to platforms until I have a good feel for the new height (and, in my case, full suspension), then try clipless once I have the hang of the new changes. Good luck with whatever you decide! Keep us posted...

[Biciclista]

Why don't you get a pair of regular old pedals until you get used to the bike?? there's no way I could do both at the same time!!

[Bethany1]

I realized my son had the clipless pedals on both sides like the one shown. I put them on, put my clipless MTB shoes on and got on/off the trainer with ease. Just click in and go. I'll take the bike out tomorrow and see how it goes. If I fail, I'll put regular pedals on.

I still have the same problem with my MTB shoes. My feet ache after a mile or two with a burning sensation. I took them off and I'm wondering if they are too small as well.

My son handed me his shoes (mens size 12) and I tried them out. They are a little big but my toes aren't scrunched up and the width seems to help. I was able to relax with them on and go a few more miles. He's taken on a growth spurt this summer and they are too small even though I bought them in May. He's now a size 13 or 14 in shoes so he needs a new pair. Clipless shoes are NOT cheap. Sigh. He may be stuck for awhile.

Will let you know how it goes tomorrow.

BTW, on my Madone, my son can do 20-30mph for about 5 minutes. He can do 15-18 on a normal ride. I'm lucky to keep between 10-13mph. Joys of being 15 and invincible. LOL.

[Catrin]

Nothing wrong with platform pedals

Shoe fit is very important, make certain your toes aren't touching the end of your shoes. I am loosing a toenail because of this from my winter shoes. Your feet do swell on the bike, so make certain they aren't TOO tight, and I have found this is more of a problem for me than shoe length.

While it is good to practice clipping in/out on the trainer, it is a very different dynamic on the bike as the trainer can't fall over On my first attempt to move to clipless I had used them in spinning class for about 6 months, but as I had only been riding outside for about 3 months at the time my body wasn't yet ready to add anything to the equation and I failed at that first attempt.

All of that being said, I concur with the advice to head back to platforms or BMX pedals until you are more comfortable - and you don't have to do that then. You can ride a gazillion miles on good BMX or platform pedals - nothing says you HAVE to ride clipless