New clipless pedals..anyone have these??

[emily_in_nc]

to me, it makes more sense to unclip on the right because there's usually a curb for me to put my foot on.

What are curbs? (I live in the rural countryside.)

I still unclip on the right, tho...just force of habit. Rode a tandem for years with DH captaining, and since he unclipped on the right, that's what I learned to do.

Emily

[dachshund]

In an emergency, you will react before your conscious brain has time to sort things out. So your best defense is to practice, practice, practice until unclipping without falling is completely second nature. Then when you have to stop short, your body will do the right thing. Other than this, try to anticipate hazards well in advance whenever possible, and if you are worried about your ability to clip out in an emergency, clip out "just in case" when you see a potential tight spot up ahead.

Hope that's helpful! Good luck! I was terrified of my pedals when I first got them.

Thanks for info. You know, what freaks me out the most is the thought of being clipped in on a steep incline. I imagine I can clip out easily enough, but I can't usually clip in right away, it takes me a few pedal strokes. Sometimes quite a few. How do you all clip in if you have to start on an incline? I've actually turned around and gone back downhill to find a flat section.

(Sorry for the slight hijack.)

[emily_in_nc]

Thanks for info. You know, what freaks me out the most is the thought of being clipped in on a steep incline. I imagine I can clip out easily enough, but I can't usually clip in right away, it takes me a few pedal strokes. Sometimes quite a few. How do you all clip in if you have to start on an incline? I've actually turned around and gone back downhill to find a flat section.

You mean you're not supposed to do that?! I do it too. I don't like having to start on an incline, and even stopping on one and unclipping can be challenging, and I've been riding (incl. clipless) for years. So don't feel bad!

Emily

[dachshund]

You mean you're not supposed to do that?! I do it too. I don't like having to start on an incline, and even stopping on one and unclipping can be challenging, and I've been riding (incl. clipless) for years. So don't feel bad!

Emily

Thanks! I don't feel like such a doofus now...

[jehocu03]

Thanks ladies, for all your help and advice! I ended up taking about 4 hours adjusting and readjusting the cleats until I found what was comfortable. I rode in my first FULL group ride with the women's team I joined last week. Had some issues clipping in quickly, but otherwise, no falls!!!!!!!! We had many stops, as we were on the roads, so I had a lot of practice, as well as success!

The scariest thing that happened yesterday was on a busy bridge that was crossing the Mississippi. We had to stop at a light before turning right onto the road that was perpendicular to the bridge. Next, there was a pretty immediate left hand turn at a stop light. I was the caboose of the 7 of us in the group and there was a car coming from the other direction that I had to quickly ride in front of (don't worry, there was enough room) to get onto the bridge. This was all while my right foot was not clipping in, just resting on the pedal. I had to continue with my right foot unclipped while crossing this bridge, which is under construction, busy, only 2 lanes (one in each direction), and in a pretty strong crosswind. I knew that I needed to keep my right foot on the pedal and not attempt to clip in, because I could have lost my balance and fallen towards the traffic behind me. Thank god my foot stayed on the pedal and thank god my left knee (the one that is only 9 months post major knee surgery that repaired my completely torn PCL) was able to push me across the bridge without the help of my other side. Needless to say, there were many "firsts" yesterday, but I had a great time overall, said for the few scary moments. I'm also terrified of going down hills fast and I'm constantly tapping my brakes. Any advice on how to just be ok with going fast and/or fast while descending? Any tips for safety?

Thanks again!

[Possegal]

You mean you're not supposed to do that?! I do it too. I don't like having to start on an incline, and even stopping on one and unclipping can be challenging, and I've been riding (incl. clipless) for years. So don't feel bad!

Emily

I was going to add on with a request for any advice on unclipping going UP a hill. I found that during the Livestrong challenge last year, some of the hills were just too much for me. One time, I had to just move myself to the side of the road and intentionally fall. It bruised my ego more than anything. I'm not looking forward to this year's ride and being clipped in on a steep hill that I can't master. And while I'm still rehabing my shoulder, I"m banned from my bike. So odds are, I won't be in any better shape this year than I was last year. Any help on unclipping going up a hill, greatly appreciated.

And I have to add that I mentioned in another thread that several times when trying the 'just put the toe down' technique, I stupidly looked over my shoulder (the side still clipped in) and this shifted my bodyweight and took me down! Again, mostly my ego bruised. But ever since then, I get off the saddle and put my whole foot down. Starting fast isn't that important to me - or likely that possible for me.