trouble stopping and starting at traffic lights

[llv24]

Maybe it's because I get nervous, but I get so clumbsy when I come to red lights because it's so hard for me to come to a stop and then starting up again without fumbling around looking like a 6 year old on a bike with out training wheels for the first time. What am I doing wrong? Any pointers? I have cage pedals.... and for this reason specifically, my boyfriend doesn't think I'm ready for clipless yet and frankly neither do I.... help

[Tek]

I've never used cage pedals- Only normal and clipless.

It would seem to me that the cage pedals are harder to get ou of were as with properly fitted clipless, you just twist amd are out.

Not to say that you won't fall over a few times when you first learn. Just make sure you have grass where you are learning. =)

[oldbikah]

Have used all 3 types of pedals (platform, cage, clipless) and I think (by far) clipless are the best. They are way easier to get in and out of than those horrid cages, your feet do not slip as on platform. I agree..practice in a soft spot and set on really light tension at first; actually I keep them fairly light. (I am not a real aggressive rider ) Also with clipless, you can spin a couple of revolutions without being fully cllipped in when you need to get going. Get some, you'll love them.

[Tek]

To be honest, I actually fee safer in my clipless pedals because I am attached to my bike. It makes it easier for me to get more power to speed out of trouble or on the few occasions I have needed to do some manuver to physically move my bike to get out of harms way, I can because the bike is a part of me, so to speak.

At first I was scared of them but once I learned I am more afraid without.

[Trek420]

Tek wrote" I actually fee safer in my clipless pedals because I am attached to my bike."

sometimes you can accelerate out of trouble better than you can brake out of it. without clipless I feel like when driving and I realise my seatbelt is not on...does not feel safe.

[aka_kim]

llv24, maybe you just need more practice in less stressful situations than traffic lights. When you approach a stop, try disengaging your foot early, and then flipping the cage over to the platform side. At first this usually requires looking down, but after awhile your foot will "remember" what to do. Same goes when starting up, take a few pedal strokes on the platform side to get yourself moving and balanced, then flip the cage into position. And I don't know that toe cages are more or less difficult to get in and out of than clipless, just different -- but after some practice they both become second nature.

[llv24]

thanks for all of your responses... I think I will eventually get clipless pedals but for now I think I'll try and master the cages... thanks again!

[maryellen]

Do you try gearing down a bit just before you stop? That helps me get off to a quicker start after the stop.

Also, do you stay out of the saddle for a bit after a start? That helps me add power to the start.

[jplum4]

My husband and I bought road bikes yesterday and went out to the bike trail. Of course, the very first thing that I did was to fall over (couldn't get out of the clips!). But I must admit, it wasn't bad at all and that is the only problem I had. THe clips really are easy to use, and if I can do it, I know that you can!

Good luck!

[Trek420]

aka_kim advised "When you approach a stop, try disengaging your foot early, and then flipping the cage over to the platform side."

when in doubt, clip out ;-)

[llv24]

shifting down is definitely something I haven't tried. I'll make sure to do it next time. ) Thanks all!! I'll update you all with my progress... I was riding a mtn bike for a bit but then my boyfriend surprsied me with a new road bike, so although there are many things I still need to learn, so far it's been a blast!

[KkAllez]

Originally posted by llv24
I have cage pedals.... and for this reason specifically, my boyfriend doesn't think I'm ready for clipless yet and frankly neither do I.... help

Ya know, this post has bugged me all week. I didn't respond because I figured what I'd have to say would be radical and I didn't want to sound rude or critical of your boyfriend, so don't take it that way.....but.....here I go....

Caged pedals ought to be outlawed. To me they are the most dangerous type of pedal you can use. You simply cannot get out of them fast enough in an emergency situation. Starting on caged pedals until you are "ready" for clipless is tantamount to learning to ride a giraffe until you are good enough for a horse. From my personal experience the only thing clipless and caged have in common is that they are pedals.

Clipless look daunting but I promise you, they are very easily mastered. Even in moments when I panicked and forgot how to get out of them my foot naturally twisted and popped me out. I use Eggbeaters and the most trouble I ever had in the beginiing was actually finding the sweet spot on take off and getting clipped into them. But I just kept pedaling and generally in a rotation or two I've got it.

I'm sure your boyfriend means well and has your best interests in heart but I'd think you'd be much, much happier, not to mention safer in clipless.

Okie dokie...hope I didn't step on any toes here.

[slinkedog]

One thing my hubby showed me (after he saw me fall over at a stoplight) was that when I clip out with my right foot, turn my front wheel to the left... it makes the weight of the bike naturally fall to the right (and vice versa.) I was clipping out really early and coasting and then if my bike was leaning opposite of my clipped out foot, I would fall. He's trying to get me to clip out right before I actually come to a stop. It's scary to me, but it's working. I haven't fallen since I started trying both things.

[Dogmama]

Practice in quiet neighborhoods before you take your show on the road.

I agree with Kim about caged pedals. Especially if you're wearing sneakers - they can get caught in the cage when you're trying to get out of them.

When I got my first clipless pedals (back in the stone ages before "float") the bike shop put my bike on a trainer and I practiced clipping in & out over & over again. They also positioned the clip so that it was correct for my foot & pedal stroke. If you bike shop balks - put your hair up under your hat, swagger in, spit on the floor & scratch your crotch. They'll think you're a man & they'll take you seriously.

<was that out loud?>

[Tek]

Personally, I think I would be more scared to be in a cage!!

I'm actually thinking about getting new shoes and clips.

Perhaps I should start another thread about what is a good system to use.