Were you ever afraid of clipless?

[BC2COCyclist]

Thank you. <3

We bought shoes and socks today (hooray!) at Bicycle Village, 20% off, too.

DH bought the pedals on Saturday. Next step - put the pedals on my hybrid and put it on the trainer and practice, practice and practice some more.

[RubyTuesday]

I had no fear of clipless pedals at all until I bought my first pair and fell the first day. I wouldn't say I am afraid of them now, but I do respect the clipless pedal.

I traded in my 105's and my road shoes for a pair of SPD's with mountain bike shoes. Love the SPD's, not in love with the mountain bike shoes. I need to figure that out now.

[tzvia]

When I first heard about clipless- I was intrigued. And hopeful.

At the time, back in the 80s, I was using Campy Victory pedals with toeclips and straps. Loved the pedals, very well made, but hated the cages and straps. There had to be a better way, and I was certain I held them in my hand. The original LOOK pedals. I spent quite a bit of time on the trainer with them, learning how to click in and out. Rode with them for maybe a year or so, then got the newer models with the carbon release mechanism. Then Keywins, early Dura-Ace pedals, then Speedplay in the last 90s. Been on Speedplay since.

So it is a matter of where you are coming from. Do you like flat pedals? I don't. I've banged my shins on them with my clumsiness. Toeclips and straps? Been there, done that. Flipping pedals, searching for the cages, messing with straps. For me, clipless is the answer. Fear? No, being stuck in a toeclip and being unable to reach down to release the strap- that's fear.

[BC2COCyclist]

I like platforms fine, but I started using pedals with pegs in an attempt to not have my shoes slide off, you know? I believe it is more efficient to "roll" with clipless than platform, so that's my main motivation (well plus I can learn to bunny hop AND track stand!)

I cannot believe anyone ever rode with toe cages/those strap things. Now THAT is some scary stuff, right there!

[kcmpls]

I was very afraid of getting them and just made the jump two weeks ago to SPDs. Everything was fine and I was doing a great job of getting in and out of them. Until Saturday. Going up a big hill, I shifted wrong (shifted up instead of down). The bike came to a complete stop, and I went to put my foot down, and it didn't move. I said to my friend, "I'm going to fall," and then I did. It hurt. I got up. I walked up the hill and was on my way. If that is the worst of it, I'll be okay.

[Catrin]

I like platforms fine, but I started using pedals with pegs in an attempt to not have my shoes slide off, you know? I believe it is more efficient to "roll" with clipless than platform, so that's my main motivation (well plus I can learn to bunny hop AND track stand!)

I cannot believe anyone ever rode with toe cages/those strap things. Now THAT is some scary stuff, right there!

One can bunny hop and track stand without clipless pedals, I've seen people do it Not saying it probably isn't easier with them but it isn't a requirement.

[indysteel]

One can bunny hop and track stand without clipless pedals, I've seen people do it Not saying it probably isn't easier with them but it isn't a requirement.

Yep. Plus, for some reason, I assumed the OP was riding a road bike. Track standing and bunny hopping aren't necessarily skills I feel compelled to have on my road bike regardless of what pedals I'm using. Mountain biking, yes (although I haven't mastered either one), but not road.

[kimikaw]

My kiddo can now bunny hop (and level hop) his 29er. With platforms. Amazes me.

Esp. as how he just learned to MTB at the Midwest clinic in June...and gets frustrated with himself because it is "taking so long to learn"

[BC2COCyclist]

Yep. Plus, for some reason, I assumed the OP was riding a road bike. Track standing and bunny hopping aren't necessarily skills I feel compelled to have on my road bike regardless of what pedals I'm using. Mountain biking, yes (although I haven't mastered either one), but not road.

I have a hybrid and a 21 year old MTB...both have flat handlebars.

I thought bunny hopping was useful for avoiding certain road hazards...?

[laura*]

Fear? No, being stuck in a toeclip and being unable to reach down to release the strap- that's fear.

I cannot believe anyone ever rode with toe cages/those strap things. Now THAT is some scary stuff, right there!

I rode with toe clips for years. Not too long ago I gave clipless a try. It didn't agree with me. I started getting very afraid in certain situation - I knew I would not be able to get my foot out fast enough if something happened. Now I'm back to toe clips.

For me, the toeclip straps are a set once and forget about them for ten years sort of item. My feet come out of the toeclips just as easy as from fuzzy slippers. When I need to get a foot on the ground, I swing a leg back and down.* With this motion, it is as if the toe clip wasn't even present - as if I was riding plain platforms.

* I have long femurs which makes any bike somewhat of a pedal forward (i.e. cruiser) geometry. Thus I can get a toe on the ground while seated even on a proper height saddle.

[NaeNae]

I learned how to use clipless about a month ago--initially was nervous because nearly everyone I talked to said to expect to fall while learning. (However, I did not.)

My boyfriend just had me sit on my bike with one hand on his pick-up and practice clipping in and out with one foot (LEFT) until I felt comfortable to ride around the yard practicing.

I think it is important to always clip out with the same foot.

I have found it much easier to clip out when that foot is at the bottom of the pedal stroke, as opposed to the top. I still always clip out maybe 20 yards before a stop sign, just in case there's a problem (meaning, I have enough time to try again, though I've never had a problem clipping out).

Hopefully you have someone to help you to make sure they are adjusted just right (not too loose, not too tight). Don't be afraid--it will be worth it! Good luck!