Were you ever afraid of clipless?

[BC2COCyclist]

I practiced clipping in and out several times today and I rode 5 (sweaty) miles on the trainer. ))))

I notice that it is more difficult to clip out on one side than the other, which I think is odd.

I'll practice clipping in and out of the side that's easier for whatever reason, too, I think it's a good idea.

[Catrin]

I practiced clipping in and out several times today and I rode 5 (sweaty) miles on the trainer. ))))

I notice that it is more difficult to clip out on one side than the other, which I think is odd.

I'll practice clipping in and out of the side that's easier for whatever reason, too, I think it's a good idea.

One side is always easier than the other, it has to do with which side is dominant or which is our power leg. My "power" leg actually isn't my right leg - oddly enough as I am quite right sided. I do clip in first with my right leg, but that is my preference.

[Sardine]

I practiced clipping in and out several times today and I rode 5 (sweaty) miles on the trainer. ))))

I notice that it is more difficult to clip out on one side than the other, which I think is odd.

I'll practice clipping in and out of the side that's easier for whatever reason, too, I think it's a good idea.

Glad it's going well BC2COCyclist.

I agree with Catrin. I also find it easier to clip in and out on one side. In fact, I hardly ever clip out on the right side when riding except at the end of the ride or in an emergency. I clip and unclip on the left for stops (we drive on the left). I am also extremely right handed/sided/whatever. Believe it or not, I struggle to get on the bike from the right hand side. I have to do it from the left side, leading with my right leg.

Another thing that I realised this morning riding to work was how instinctive the clipping/unclipping action has become over time. I've just switched to narrower and shallower road bars on one bike which allows me to ride on the drops more easily. However, that puts me in a different position when I stop. I don't have to give much thought to clipping and unclipping when riding on the hoods because I'm so used to it but in this new position, I'm more conscious of 'planning ahead' just because it feels different.

[Owlie]

I have some range-of-motion issues in my left ankle, but even without it I'd still expect to prefer to clip out on the right.

[jessmarimba]

I clip in first with my non-dominant leg (left) - probably b/c it's easier to instinctively find the second pedal with my stronger leg. If I clip in with the right first the left takes forever to get right.

Clipping out...depends on where I'm stopping. I like to stay on the saddle at a light and put my right foot on the curb if it's close enough Otherwise the right side of the road slopes away farther so I put the left down.

[Titania]

I'm going in for another test ride and hopefully full fitting next Saturday, and I'm going to get fitted for clipless. Never having ridden them before, I'm nervous as can be.

My sales guy said they'd give me plenty of time in the trainer to get used to them...then I get to hope I don't kill myself on my test ride!

[BC2COCyclist]

Just go slow, so even if you crash, you won't be seriously hurt. I've tipped over with platform pedals many times (I get all tangled up trying to mount/dismount.) My pride and dignity were hurt worse than my body.

I still have not ridden the clipless outside yet but I will.

[sookiesue]

I was afraid of clipless, because I had Look pedals about 20 years ago and they were SUPER tight and I fell over a few times and just got generally annoyed with the whole thing. Then I didn't road ride for years (took up the mtn bike and never had the inclination to go clipless there) until this summer. I resisted clipless until my bike fitter said he thought I'd like them so much he'd buy the pedals back if I didn't want them after trying them out.
He fitted me with Speedplay frogs 2 days before my first road event, I tested them out one day and then off I went! They were so easy to use, I couldn't believe it. Granted, on the type of riding I do (mostly longer distances out in the country, not a lot of stopping required) I don't have to clip in and out much, but during my event this week we went through a few small towns with lots of stop lights and stop signs and I did just fine. The fear is gone! Hurray for Speedplay frogs!