Yesterday was the first time I wore my shiny new SPD pedals outside. I promptly fell over 4 times, the first time being 3.0 nanoseconds after getting on my bikeThat was a much gentler fall being as I was standing still at the time
The next three falls were due to figuring out what my body really wants to do when I stop. I planned it like this:
1. think ahead and unclip left foot
2. slow down/apply brakes
3. stop with left foot
That was the PLAN - apparently over-thinking things againWhat actually happened was that at "step 3" my body says - "stop with LEFT foot? What is up with that? I insist on using BOTH feet, or whatever foot is still clipped in".
I got the message after the 3rd fall in which I wrenched my elbow/shoulder and hit my head. The head hit even gave me a small headache at the point of impact, but my helmet seems fine. I got the point, and after that started unclipping BOTH feet before slowing down. No more fallsWe will see what happens this afternoon (I am practicing in a local park that has a circle drive in which there are always cyclists).
My question is this - how long should I expect it to take to become confident with these pedals? I know everyone is different, and probably everyone doesn't fall over 4 times in their first session with them
At least my derailleur should be fine - each fall was to the right but my body was between bike and groundI have some soreness today, but that isn't gong to keep me from my bike and a sunny 48F afternoon!
added: At least I learned first hand that when you fall over unclipping happens automatically![]()