Help breaking bad habits- I'm a mess

[ny biker]

I don't think it's a bad habit to not have a dominant leg for clipping out/putting down on the ground when stopping. Having a dominant leg is not an intentional thing, it's just the way you move instinctively, like being right-handed or left-handed.

For D, I suggest what Crankin is saying except that I start with the clipped-in foot higher up, at 2:00 rather than 3:00. That gives you a bit more momentum as you sit on the saddle and clip in the other foot. The important thing is to be seated right away because you're more stable that way and less likely to have problems if you don't get the second foot clipped in the first try.

I also agree on practicing in a parking lot, or on an unpaved field. What you want is to develop muscle memory so you can clip in and out without having to think about it.

I don't know what to recommend for the irrational fear of falling over. Though I think it might not be as overwhelming as you think -- you're staying on the saddle and balancing on your tiptoes when stopped even though you admit it's not stable. I think you're more likely to fall over than you'd be if you unclipped one foot, got off the saddle, put that foot solidly and the ground and stood over the top tube.

As for the people who are making fun of you, who cares what they think? You've managed to rack up a few thousand miles so far, no thanks to them. Just enjoy the ride, that's what matters.

[emily_in_nc]

As for the people who are making fun of you, who cares what they think? You've managed to rack up a few thousand miles so far, no thanks to them. Just enjoy the ride, that's what matters.

+1!!!!

As for clipping in and out, I have always clipped in with my left foot first. I raise it fairly high, like NY recommends (2 o'clock position) to get a strong downstroke to pull myself up onto the saddle.

Clipping out, I have always clipped out with my right foot first, then slightly leaned the bike that way to put my right foot down first. I figure that way, I'm not leaning the bike into traffic (assuming riding in a country where cars drive on the right). Like others have said, it's good to be able to clip out either side first in case of emergency, but I would first concentrate on picking one side and getting comfortable with that to keep things simpler and less overwhelming/scary.

When you are approaching a stop or anything you find a bit "hairy", you can clip out your chosen foot well in advance so you don't feel "stuck" in the pedals. That might help a bit with the fear. I'll unclip my right foot anytime I think there is a chance I might have to put a foot down. You can always clip back in without stopping if it turns out you don't need to.

It's really not nearly as complicated as it sounds, and once you "get it", muscle memory will kick in, and the starting and stopping motions will all become second nature. Practice is the best thing you can do! Starting out in very low-stress situations (perhaps on a bike path with almost no traffic) will help you get the hang of it without as many nerves kicking in.

Good luck!

[ny biker]

When you are approaching a stop or anything you find a bit "hairy", you can clip out your chosen foot well in advance so you don't feel "stuck" in the pedals. That might help a bit with the fear. I'll unclip my right foot anytime I think there is a chance I might have to put a foot down. You can always clip back in without stopping if it turns out you don't need to.

This is an important point, too.

Also did anyone mention -- shift into an easy gear as you're slowing down before a stop. That will make it easier to start pedaling again with the clipped-in foot, making the whole process of sitting and clipping the other foot easier.

Also if you're in a situation where everyone is moving slowly for a while, like the beginning of a mass-start charity ride, keep one foot clipped out in case you need to put a foot down.

[khg]

When I got my bike, I stuck with platform pedals until I could reliably always lean the same way and put the same foot down when stopping. First I had to think about it a ton (and had a few interesting moments!) and then eventually it became automatic. Maybe put platforms on for a few days or something and go out and just start and stop, start and stop, making sure you always lean the same way and put the same foot down?

[ny biker]

I was thinking about this thread during my last ride. I've never consciously leaned the bike when I stop and put a foot down -- it just happens as a result of putting my foot down.

[Geonz]

I think the big problem is the big fear of falling over, and the only cure I know for it is practice... that Sunday morning parking lot with a curb is a good place for practicing stopping correctly - you can do it right next to the curb so you don't have to put your foot as far down to practice the "getting off the seat part," and then progress to doing in on just plain pavement.

There are things I just. can't. make. myself. do.... it's not rational and it's a royal bunbite...

[OakLeaf]

It's not the unclipping, because there are people who do the same thing on motorcycles. Cleats just add another complication.

If I were you, I'd put the flat pedals back on for now, with no clips either, until you've learned how to stop while remaining in control of your bike. Then practice, practice, practice.

One thing I didn't see anyone else mention here is initiating the lean *before* you stop. (Apologies if I missed it in skimming over this thread.) That's a critically important part of the sequence, but one that people who've been doing it forever tend to forget about. As you approach your stopping point, push gently forward on the handlebar on the same side of the foot you'll be putting down. That makes the bike start to lean toward the side that you pushed on. Now you're secure and you know which side your bike is leaning toward, and that it's going to be the side you're preparing to put your foot down.

Practicing with a curb as Geonz suggested is one way - but please don't get into the habit of using a curb when you're on the road. If you're that close to the curb when you're riding, you're putting yourself in a position to get buzzed, rear-ended or hit by a mirror while you're on the straights, and right-hooked at intersections.