Clipping in question

[AZchick]

OK, regarding the whole foot thing... what if you are used to your left foot down on the pavement at stops with the old platform pedals, but you feel you can clip in easier with your right foot (my left pronates and doesn't like to clip in fast) Is it going to mess up my balance switching to putting my right foot down??? Should I just give it a try? I've been clipless for ONE day.

[Owlie]

AZchick, I used to do that too. I have some range-of-motion issues with my left ankle that make clipping out on the right easier, but with the platforms, I'd use whichever foot felt more convenient.

Here's my suggestion: Take your clipless pedals off your bike and put your platforms back on. Make a conscious effort during your next few rides to stop consistently with your right foot down. It didn't screw up my balance at all, though I had one or two close calls. When it becomes second nature, then put your pedals back on.

The other thing you can do is to put one bike shoe on (on the foot you clip out with) and put a regular shoe (whatever you've been riding in) on the other. That way you get used to the action of clipping out, but you can catch yourself if you lean the wrong way.

[AZchick]

I've got my bike on a trainer right now... maybe I could practice the right foot down on there for awhile. Then I'll go outside to the front lawn.. where my landings will be nice and soft

[AZchick]

I could also practice on my MTB which has bmx pedals. Can you tell I don't want to fool around with the speedplays??

[Owlie]

Hehe, I'd say practice on the mountain bike for getting your brain trained to put your right foot down. By all means practice clipping in and out on the trainer, though.

[AZchick]

So about my stopping foot retraining plan... I took my MTB out for an hour today and my brain is way too trained to lean left. So I guess I will keep working on my quirky left foot clipping in. Thanks for the encouragement Owlie!