Clipless 101

[tealtreak]

I've survived the first rite of passage. I've decided I do better when I unclip on the right first. Is there any reason why I shouldn't?

Hang in there, my first booboo learning to unclip was in gravel and in front of about 15 teenage males (; Yup, zoomed up to the cars and promptly fell over in the parking lot still stuck to my bike. Lucky for them, they didn't laugh immediately but helped me up and waited to crack up until I did (:

[Owlie]

My first clipless fall looked a lot like that. I unclip with my right foot (I lack the range of motion in my left ankle to do it, so it stays until I get off the bike). It's a matter of personal preference.

My boss likes to tell people buying their first set of clipless pedals about it his dad. His dad, despite years of riding bikes, seems to have an unusual talent for ending up on his back (completely unhurt) with both feet still attached to the pedals. No one has been able to figure out how he manages it.

[tealtreak]

Ha (: good laugh for the day Owlie- I can picture someone on their back still clipped- but no way could I imagine how to do that if I tried!

[thekarens]

Thanks for both the words of encouragement and the stories. I related my adventure to the club and one member described an event just like Owlie described. He said he came to a light, forgot to clip out, tipped over and rolled right onto his back with his bike still attached. He said he felt like a cockroach on it's back, lol.

Another guy who is on the clubs race team said he fell just a couple weeks ago, so at least I'm in good company. Most people are glad there wasn't a camera involved I was mostly said about scraping my new bike! The neighbor kid ran over very concerned. I'm sure she was wondering about the old lady across the cul-de-sac who falls over after only going about 2 feet.

[OakLeaf]

It's good to be able to unclip with either foot (e.g. if you need to make a panic stop in the middle of a tight turn when you're leaned the opposite direction of the side you usually unclip. DAMHIK ).

But that's an "intermediate" skill. Get to where you can reliably clip in and unclip with the foot you prefer, however long it takes you, THEN start practicing occasionally with the opposite foot. You'll develop better muscle memory and instinctual habits if you have a "go-to" foot, IMO.

[Jo-n-NY]

Well you got your first fall out of the way. I think almost all have at least one, I have had a few myself.

I also agree that learning to unclip with either foot is good, but I have not mastered it myself. To be honest however, my husband feels that unclipping with the right foot is best so if you stumble & by chance fall you are falling of the opposite side of traffic.

[Cyclegalnyc]

I always say listen to the body...what feels natural is what you do. However, be aware that the road frequently dips down on the right as opposed to the left (assuming you're riding on the right side of the road!), so beware of that balance. If the dip is deeper than you thought you could just tip over. Most importantly, I find having clips that adjust is imperative. Mine are set light, meaning they won't release my foot on a steep climb, but if I need to unclip quickly I won't have to struggle.
Good luck!
M

[luvmyguys]

Well you got your first fall out of the way. I think almost all have at least one, I have had a few myself.

I also agree that learning to unclip with either foot is good, but I have not mastered it myself. To be honest however, my husband feels that unclipping with the right foot is best so if you stumble & by chance fall you are falling of the opposite side of traffic.

That's actually where I had MORE trouble. I tended to fall on the side of the foot I left clipped in - so if I unclip the right, I fall to the left (into traffic). I also tend to put my left foot down naturally, so I tend to do better unclipping the left foot first (actually, I just unclip both of them, but that's my newbie self talking).