Fear of Clipless Pedals

[colorisnt]

Okay, so yesterday I bought my beginning dream bike. I put it in the trainer and practiced getting on and off at home as well as in the shop. I have no problem getting in and out until I get out to my ride. The group of older and wiser riders oohs and ahs and I get on my bike the first time no issue - just like practicing at home. The second time, I get hooked on the seat and fall down. No big, it happens to us all. The third time, boom again. Fudge. So, now I am skinned up bad and scared to get on the bike. I opt not to ride and my older and wiser friends tell me to go home and practice in regular shoes so I can get used to it.

I agree to do so, but am TERRIFIED. I eventually get over my fear and do so. I obviously keep choking until I get back on and just suck it up, get most comfy again, and just roll with it. I did 17 miles and it was awesome.

However, whenever I think of those damn pedals, I get scared again. Clipping in and out terrifies me now.

I know it is like when I showed horses - if you fall off, you have to get back on to get "over it", but I don't know how to feel comfortable. Any suggestions other than to keep riding in regular shoes until I feel "as one" with my bike? It is a completely different feel - the wheels are bigger, the crank is way different, my seat is higher since I don't need to stop as much (not my commuter) and I feel like if I can do that, I might be comfortable. But any tips as to how to make it feel better?

[tctrek]

Same happened to me first time I went clipless. I kept trying and kept falling. You can't have fun if you are TERRIFIED! I for one, cannot use toe clips... I couldn't get in the darn things. So, I had a platform that was spd on one side and plain pedal on the other. I could clip if I wanted or ride on the platform.

After a while with those, I transitioned over to my Speedplays and road shoes and have been happy every since.

[colorisnt]

Having one clipped and one not would definitely work I think. I could just wear two shoes. I can get clipped in one and life is good. I can pedal with one foot no issue. However, the second one is where the trick comes in.

Thanks for the idea!

I honestly think the sheer difference in weight between my '77 steel Columbia and this 20 pound trek is just a lot for me to handle. LOL. Any little movement and she goes over. Clipping with one may work!

[tctrek]

I actually meant a pair of pedals where each pedal is SPD on one side and platform on the other side. So, if you have SPD cleats, you can clip in, but if you miss, you have the full platform to just rest your foot on.

http://www.realcyclist.com/roadbike/...910&mv_pc=r101

[colorisnt]

Oh, okay, that makes sense. I have looks, but same idea. One side is flat like a normal pedal and the other side it has the opening for the clips.

[indysteel]

I used the pedals that tctrek suggested on my Trek FX (my first bike as an adult) and they do help you get over the worst of the adjustment. I went straight to Look Keos on my raodbike though and had the same dread that you had. I actually went back to the LBS with every intention of returning them, but they talked me out of it.

So, with that pep talk, I went to the nearest parking lot and just practiced. Loosen the tension on your pedals so they're easy to get out of, and then pick which foot you're going to unclip when you stop. Always use that foot. Always. Routine is key with clipless. Once you get the movement of unclipping down, then work on clipping in.

Practice in the parking lot or grass until you feel more comfortable. Then take the bike out, preferably not with a big group, to a lightly traveled, flat area and practice some more on the road. I promise it does get easier.