Clipless Systems

I know this is a hackneyed topic but I just got a new bike with SPD clipless pedals...I didn't even make it out of my driveway without falling. Definitely feeling a bit discouraged and uncoordinated. Any tips?

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Life is a journey...enjoy the ride

I know this sounds basic, but practice clipping in and out. Lean up against a wall or something to steady yourself and get comfortable with getting in and out. Slide your heel outward keeping your foot level and you'll pop the clip.

After that, try doing it in a low danger area, like an empty parking lot or grass field at gradually increasing speeds. Oh, and always try getting a foot out a bit BEFORE you're coming to a stop, ie not as you're starting to wobble (obvious, but many people -including me- learned it the hard way).

I've set my bike up on a trainer and I can get them in and out but the problem I'm having is getting my second foot in while I try and stay upright. Maybe I just need more practice? I have SPDs, are there any other types that are easy to clink into?

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Life is a journey...enjoy the ride

the pedals on my old bike used SPD-SL cleats, i never really had any problems with those. i sold that bike and right now im in between bikes and have been training on my roomates bike in the meantime. he uses SPD cleats and I find them very hard to engage, and that's just on the trainer! IMO u should just go with SPD-SL's or another type of cleat if you can. the SPD's have been the hardest to engage out of any of the cleats i have ever used.

Besides practicing clipping in and out, check the release tension adjustment. All my spd pedals have come new set to maximum tension... which can make it hard to clip in or out, especially if your new to clipless.

Actually SPD should be easy to clip into an out of.

And based on what you just said…. I clip in my right foot while standing (this is a personal preference kind of thing, right or left would be fine). Start riding and THEN clip in the other foot. At first it took me some distance before I’d be totally clipped in, now generally with one pedal revolution

Also… waxbytes nailed it… Adjust the spring tension to a minimal setting to make it easy to clip in. And if you ever (I never did) pull out of the pedal then consider increasing the clip in spring tension.

I agree, set the tension super low at first and it will be way too easy to get in and out of. Then slowly start to adjust the tension up until you find a comfortabel level.

The first foot for me was always very easy and then I would ride for a minute trying to get the seecond foot in. Now it goes in super smooth.

hey ive definately got a tip,basically do not be discouraged by the fact you have fallen a couple of times,let me tell u ive been clipless since 2002,yeah i fell over a couple of times,but once i got used to it which took about 3 days,ive never fallen off since,well not for foot in pedal reasons anyway,and also let me tell you once you begin to feel the benefits of clipless pedals,i gaurantee u will never look back
kleinmarin....u.k