advice for clipless pedals! (new cyclist needs some comfort)

ianbar0

hello, bit of a new cyclist, bout my bike just over a month ago but got using it over last 2 weeks, it is meant to suppliment my running and general fitness. i have really enjoyed it and after been boyant after doing 20 miles on friday i bought clipless pedals and shoes. went for a ride on sunday and well yes i did fall...about 5 times lol

i know this must happen to most people but now dreading cycling with them again although i want to use them really as i want to get as good as i can and i felt the extra power from using them, but had real trouble unclipping even though they are set on the lightest setting.

not sure what i am asking really just any thoughts on the whole thing really, think for the time being i will go back to my standard pedals and trainers.

JCP

Are you positive that you have got them on the lightest setting?
Are we talking SPD or Look? I'm guessing if your pedals are new, your cleats are too and it can take a bit of work to loosen them off a bit.

The easiest thing is to practice. Before I went out for the first time, I sat on the bike leaning against a wall and practiced getting my feet out. When I finally felt confident enough to go on the road with them, I had a couple of mates with me who shouted at me before every junction - I think half the battle was getting my foot out in plenty of time before I started to panic about it.

Thinking back, I had some real problems, but that was because I was attempting to use dual sided pedals (one side SPD the other a regular pedal) with mtb shoes - the nature of the mtb shoes interfered with the pop up nature of the SPD on the pedal. I ended up just getting straight SPD pedals and being done with it - much easier.

Stick with it - it really is worth the effort and it'll be second nature before you know it. Good luck!

MX5huggy

The only problem I have with them is when I know I will be stopping and unclip but then find I have cliped back in too late and bang I hit the deck.

freakybacon

Yes, I had this problem to start with. Eventually you get used to twisting your foot to unclip. Perseverance will pay.

ianbar0

thank you for your replies. yes the cleets are new too, i did wonder if they may be stiff with been new. i may try practicing a bit at home like you say for a while. i did feel they were producing much more power when i was not worrying about getting my feet out! strangely i could get my right in and out easier easier than left but put this down too been right sided. the pedals are shimano and shoes are specialized.

Marco_Panettone

You could always learn to track-stand... ;-)

Find somewhere flat, ideally traffic-free and with grass to aim for (local park?). Ride clipping in and out on each foot until you're confident. You'll probably find it easier on one side than the other to begin with, but it'll come.

When on the road you need to look further forward and be ready for junctions and lights well in advance. This gives you more time to slow down and unclip safely. You might not even have to stop at all!

One more word for you - triathlon!!

soup

Ive always used this stype, easy in and out, have not fallen off ever.

Strider590

The trick is getone foot clipped in before you move and then use only that leg to move away with (pedalling in a circular motion with one leg) until youve enough speed to keep a good balance, THEN clip the last foot in.

Eventually out won't have to think about it, you'll be able to "catch" the clip as the pedal rotates, without even trying to.

soup wrote: »

Ive always used this stype, easy in and out, have not fallen off ever.

Too much messing about with those + they damage your shoes if you ride a lot.

Clipless are just stomp clip and go, but those require looking down at the pedal, rolling them over and sliding you feet in.

sequence

It just takes some getting used to. And yes, you will fall off at some point. I can't pedal a bike without clipless any more, it's just unbearable!
Don't forget you can now pull up on the pedals as well as down, smoother pedaling.

How do people ride in trainers!?

bigjl

Everytime I have tried to use clip-ons it has ended in tears, mine, I just can't do it, maybe I have big feet?

chorlton

I think the term to describe those early falls is 'a clipless moment' - everyone has at least one (mine was outside my house in front of several people and resulted in a broken wrist - not something I want to experience again!)

All the advice above is sensible - for a long time after my fall I was super cautious and unclipped very early when i approached junctions etc. I move my unclipped foot forward so the pedal rests on my instep to avoid accidentally clipping back in. As as you get more comfortable and know your own limits of balance, when to unclip and when to not becomes second nature.