Thinking about trying clipless one more time...

[Catrin]

I am going to try it again - things have changed since my failed experiment back in Feb. This time I am going to try the 2-sided pedals, platform/SPD so I don't HAVE to commit. I am still nervous - the last time I fell over a LOT and even gave myself a small concussion & had to replace a helmet.

At least this time I can use whichever shoes I want, so we will see. The plan is to practice clipless bit by bit - I am certainly not going to start out trying to do my weekly long ride with them

I am thinking that if I can adjust to them over the next month, that they will help me for my brevet. Also, the longer I put it off, the less the chance that I will ever try again...

This time I have a great fitter who is going to make sure everything is adjusted properly - including spring tension - which has to help!

[Bike Chick]

Good luck Catrin. If you figure it out, it will definitely be a big help.

[schnitzle]

I think the 50/50 pedals are a great way to go! That's what I plan to move up to.
I bet you'll get it this time Go Catrin go!!

[Catrin]

Good luck Catrin. If you figure it out, it will definitely be a big help.

I know it will help if I can do this. So I need to stop saying "if" and say "when"

I think the 50/50 pedals are a great way to go! That's what I plan to move up to.
I bet you'll get it this time Go Catrin go!!

I sure hope so - if I could just forget how things when last time However, I am a stubborn woman, and that does help

[islandgirl2]

I have been in a similar situation. I have the Speedplay Frogs and was feeling uncomfortable clipping out. No problems clipping in. I fell once, was clipped out but leaned the wrong way, and then the rest of the time practicing I didn't fall, but I was so tense, just was miserable.

I decided to wait and try again later this fall. I just completed my first metric century (actually it ended up being about 66 miles, 15 mph ave pace in a hilly, for me, course.) I am doing my first full century ride in Sep. I figured I might as well get through those rides with my toe clips for now and try again after that in the late fall. I usually have a 15-16.5 mph ave pace depending on the ride and who I am riding with. I know the clipless will be great and give me more power, I just have to mentally be ready for it.

One thing I have been doing to get ready for it, is practicing pulling my foot out of the toe clip with a little bit of a turn (as if I would need to do with the clipless) a few minutes before a stop. I was so used to pulling my foot straight back but now I am just trying to turn it at the same time to create that memory when stopping. I also found myself letting my foot hang and reaching for the ground often. Instead of doing this, I now step forward and off the bike at every stop, it makes me feel so much more stable vs trying to reach the ground. (which I can barely do because of the height of my seat.)

I like your idea of getting used to it slowly and not going on a super long ride with it in the beginning. I am going to do the same once I eventually get used to them.

Good luck with the clipless! I can't wait to start using mine without fear- I will try it again in October.

[soprano]

About a week before I made the switch, I started visualizing myself clicking out before I came to stops on my regular rides. I got used to thinking about when I needed to click out before I actually had the pedals on the bike. That way, when I actually put the new pedals on the bike, I had less to adjust to. Never did fall.

[dinabean]

I have 50-50 pedals, and I love them. I can hop on my bike to ride with the kids, or I can get serious about it and wear my shoes. Good luck!

[Crankin]

Just beware that the dual sided pedals are weighted and it seems like I always have to kick it over to be on the correct side (which for me is the side you clip in on). It's not a big deal for me, more of an annoyance, but it might add another level of "practice" for you, in the beginning.

[Catrin]

Just beware that the dual sided pedals are weighted and it seems like I always have to kick it over to be on the correct side (which for me is the side you clip in on). It's not a big deal for me, more of an annoyance, but it might add another level of "practice" for you, in the beginning.

I will remember this - right now I have nothing but BMX pedals, not even toe clips. I've also ridden 3 metric centuries in the last three weeks, so I am hoping this will give me enough skill and confidence to finally figure this out in time to get accustomed to this by mid-October...