Help breaking bad habits- I'm a mess

[rebeccaC]

Using tension adjustment to make sure that not much effort is needed for getting in or out can make it easier when first using clipless. You also just need to learn to allow enough time to unclip a foot before a stop….that’s just training your reactions to associate stopping with un-clipping. Nothing wrong with using a foot unclipped on the pedals for a while either in stopping or starting.

We can be different in the ways we move in stopping or starting. What feels right and is comfortable for you to do is what’s important.

I use speedplay frogs cuz I can clip in on either side, I can adjust the cleat position and float easier to allow my knees to track in a comfortable pattern and with recessed cleats I can walk normally in my biking shoes.

Now…riding fixie helped me learn to maintain balance even when stopped before unclipping

[north woods gal]

As others have mentioned, it's all a matter of practice. Don't pass up going clipless because it's something new and scary. So many advantages. I go clipless on all our bikes - road, mountain, commuter and even fat.

If your bike can handle it, ride on grass to practice your stops. Beats falling on pavement. When you fall, and we all did it a time or two when learning, be sure NOT to stick your arm out to break the fall. That's a good way to damage you hand, wrist or arm. Just tuck in and absorb the fall with your shoulder.

Don't let a fall rattle you. Just smile and keep going. I remember a time back when I was learning that still makes me smile. I was on a bike trail, approaching a stop sign. On the other side of the intersection, a cute guy was also coming to a stop. Okay, I got a little distracted and forget to unsnap in time. Yup, toppled right over on my side in front of him. He rushed to my aide, but when he could see I wasn't injured, we both started laughing. One of my fondest memories, now.