Look or Speedplay Frogs

[BikeDutchess]

That "floaty" feeling takes some getting used to, especially if you're coming from a Shimano-type of clip. Hope they work out for you!

[Catrin]

Yes, the "floaty" feeling is from the increased float in the pedals - your ankles and knees have much more freedom than some other pedals and does take some adjustment. It didn't take me too long to adjust when I switched, and I've never accidentally unclipped.

When you clip in your second foot, you might want to pull up on the pedal to check that you clipped in completely. I remember when I first switched that I wasn't sure if that second foot was in all the way or not because there wasn't the "clunk" that I got from the SPD pedal. There was a couple of times that I hadn't at the beginning, but that's not happened for a long time. I hope you wind up enjoying your new pedals as much as I've come to!

[Crankin]

I had a very long break in with the Frogs. They feel different even from the Speedplay X road pedals I've been using for years.
Catrin's advice is good. Pull up, and keep your heels turned in toward the bike. Eventually, I began hearing a faint click in sound, but nothing like you get with other pedals.

[Miranda]

I see you have already bought your pedals. Good luck with the change.

If you ever decide to try Look in the future, fwiw, I love mine. I have the KEO Elle pedal. It has a lower tension setting overall designed for women / lighter riders. Secure, yet very easy to get in and out of.

I tried some SpeedPlay road pedals and did not like the "stomp straight down" to engage the pedal. Versus how Shimano and Look you "toe in" first, then click your heel down to engage the pedal the rest of the way. Also the tension was too much for my weight to engage. Even the LightActions were tougher to get into versus the Looks.

Couple other tid bits on food for thought...

If you were having trouble with one foot only maybe there was something wrong with the pedal or cleat. Or dirt / debris. Also, the tension can be adjusted.

Second, if you are road riding / putting on more miles, say 20+, you might notice a mtb pedal is not enough support. And notice hot or numb spots in your feet.

Typically, mtb pedals are a smaller contact point than a road pedal. The wider the support provided by the pedal, the wider the pressure is spread out over your foot, equals happpier feet.

Happy riding.

[sookiesue]

Where I ride, I don't have to clip in and out very often (country roads, few stop signs/lights) so I don't get tons of practice with clipping in and out. I try to remember to clip in and out a few times with each foot before I start off on a long ride, or during the first few miles, just to make sure there isn't any debris in the way of secure clipping in, and to get my muscle memory going.

[tlnbmd]

I suppose you just toe in to these, I read somewhere that you should not kick in. Is there a technique to clipping out?
If I press too hard and swipe my ankle out like Shimano cleats I feel a hesitation to clipping out. I think if I slightly twist my ankle out it is easier to disengage.
Is that right?
I took a quick spin and practiced clipping in and out. Sometimes my foot just flipped out easily and other times it took more tension? Clipping in was not difficult, I felt a slight click most times.
I am nervous about my 25 mile group ride tomorrow over hilly terrain with these new cleats.
I was just starting to master the Shimanos but several people in my bike club raved about the Frogs. Many also loved the Look pedals.
I thought it was certainly worth a try.
oh boy...hope I learn to like these...they feel so weird after wearing Shimanos most of my biking years on the tandem. However I had my hubby holding the bike when I got off and I could use my weight to unclip.

[Catrin]

I suppose you just toe in to these, I read somewhere that you should not kick in. Is there a technique to clipping out?
If I press too hard and swipe my ankle out like Shimano cleats I feel a hesitation to clipping out. I think if I slightly twist my ankle out it is easier to disengage.
Is that right?

Yes Since Frogs have no tension, at all, it is all about foot position to get in/out of them. Simply turn your ankle outwards and you will unclip - it isn't an especially large movement, but it is a different movement than SPD and just need a little adjustment. Sounds like you are getting it already Your body just has to learn that it is a slightly different movement from the Shimano pedals. It might be helpful to you to play with the empty shoe and pedal after leaning the bike against something to see just how much movement is required to unclip.

I took a quick spin and practiced clipping in and out. Sometimes my foot just flipped out easily and other times it took more tension? Clipping in was not difficult, I felt a slight click most times.

I feel that click as well, it just isn't as loud as with SPD. You will do fine today in those hills, though if you have a chance to practice clipping in/out before your ride it might help your confidence level - that is at least 50% of it when it comes to those times when we have to unclip quickly..