Quote Originally Posted by Diggles
So how long was it after you began riding did y'all go clipless?
When I bought my new bike, she didn't come with pedals... so I went all-in, and bought clipless pedals and shoes right away. Before that, my only experience was on platforms, and with mountain/hybrid bikes. So, my first day on a road bike and I'm having to figure out everything from shifting to getting ON and OFF the bike in the first place!

The motion of clipping in and out itself isn't really difficult, it's knowing when to do it and where the rest of your body should be. It's something you definitely have to adjust to, and pretty much plan on the fact that falling can happen, will most likely happen, and will not be fatal. I think even being aware that this is a possibility might help you loosen up a bit

The more time you spend on the bike, the better you'll get. I had a minor victory recently just figuring out how to pedal without clipping in (an AHA! and DUH! moment all in one), and another today when I had to clip out really quickly, leaned the wrong way, nearly fell, but clipped my other foot out and recovered in an amazing and magical movement that I may never be able to repeat.

One of the funny things is how many other clipless riders I've noticed now that I have been riding them. People at stop lights, crossing the street, on the trails, on the road... whether I'm driving, riding, or running, I am a lot more aware of what it takes to be a put-together rider