From a guy for the gals...

ELR

I've been using clipless since I started riding. Well, almost since I started. When I first jumped back on a bike (at age 19 for transport - first time since childhood) I used flats and then toestraps for the 12km trip to uni. But it wasn't long before I 'graduated' to clipless at my dad's suggestion. Actually, he pretty much just changed the pedals over one day, and before I left he said, "oh, you'll need to wear these shoes today [handing me a set of old cycling shoes] 'cos I changed your pedals." But hey, I like learning from the deep end.

Having said that, I didn't have too much trouble learning to clip in and out which was good. I started out on Shimano SPDs (even on my road bike) because they were easier to start off with (you only really need to push down and they're in, and they're double sided) but now I use them just on my mountain bike and use Looks on my road and track bike. I'll most likely change to trad toe straps for track (what the sprinters use) where you have to stop and tighten your shoes before you start riding around and then stop again to undo before you get off.

All the girls I ride with (way off here in faraway Australia ) use clipless for both road and mtb. So we are out there!

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wackydeirdre

Thats because us old bags are more seasoned and it doesn't take us as long to get hip to things. tee hee

Faferoni

Maybe people my age haven't seen the light yet eh? Being 20, I hardly see any women my age cycling at all...let alone using clipless pedals. I bike for my University. We have 28,000 students, and only 8 women on the cycling team. Only 2 of us are under 30.

I, however, use Speedplay Zeros. Love 'em.

wackydeirdre

Write an article for the school paper indicating all of the perks of cycling. I bet you'll have more cyclists on campus in no time!
I also have Speedplay Zeros, they're awesome!

jessmcph

I'm 29, i ride clipless, and without a male present (to the earlier comment). I don't do it for the performance but because on longer distance rides in other shoes my foot would move and cramp. I love my CP's and wouldn't ride without them. But Where are all the chicks, I ride and never see women and if i do they're with guys.

Conniebiker

I hear ya. I love my SPD for everything mainly because I got a nasty gash from slipping off the flats(would have been 3 stitches if I did them). Not to mention its so much nicer to pull on the pedals for long hills.
Yeah there seems to be a shortage of unattached biker chicks. In my wed night trail group there are 2 chicks who are free but ironically they are same age(late 20s) and names.
There seems to be a generational gap of sorts, at least in my view, being 21.

wackydeirdre

The "chicks" are in the hen house. The women are cycling and doing various other things. A word of caution, if you wish to meet any women cyclists try treating them with respect.

origanic

Since I got into riding, I've been using clipless pedals There's no other way! I'm 21, from Ontario Canada. I started off riding mountain bikes, clipped in. Then swapped over to road riding. I just need that power of being clipped in! That's quite a cute thread you have going there. I'm in a happy, committed relationship in that department but my input on the importance of clipless pedals is still important! He's a cyclist too, it's the way to go!

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Sham

great thread here...
i'm 17, and i ride clipless.
not as many women get into cycling as a competive sport, nor at as young of an age, hence fewer number of girls riding clipless... but if you look you shall find. convience is a major factor. and the fear of injury, because, remember the first time you tried clipless pedals? and probably fell over?
thanks guys, this really gave me a good laugh.

wondergurl

Just bought my bike and had to take off the "cage" from the pedals as it just wasn't working for me (a lot of start/stop when riding around the city). Once I put a few miles on the bike and am sure i am coordinated enough,I am going to invest in clipless. BTW: hitting 30 in september (ouch!)

wackydeirdre

Ouch to 30? You still are a kid. Wait until you at least hit 40 before you say ouch. No doubt you still will be cycling though, it's really addictive! I only began cycling last October or November and I'm 42.

LindaNo1

Me too. 42 in a few weeks time! I don't feel no ouch ... in fact I feel better about myself now than I have ever done! I got a wave from a particularly gorgeous guy driving past in a car this morning ...

I would love to invest in a shoe and pedal combo, but they can be quite expensive, I believe and what if they aren't right, there is all that hassle with returning them, etc.

Any particular combos to be recommended?

wackydeirdre

I have Speedplay Zeros and Body Geometry cleats. I'm far from wealthy but felt I owed it to myself to do something nice for me for once. Get yourself cleats and new pedals, the kids ate yesterday. By the way, I totally agree with you on the first one. I haven't felt this physically great in my entire life!
I also am catching lots of double takes but don't really get a big thrill from them. It's a real bummer not having a good man to share my life with. I guess that may come eventually. I didn't lose 80-100 lbs and get this toned overnight. I just hope I don't have to wait until I'm a cycling grandma taking my teeth out and putting them in a cup at night to meet someone, yuck! Imagine it if you can " come over here and give me a great big kiss!" ~ eew!!

wackydeirdre

PS When you get your cleats & pedals you might want to ride close to home where there isn't much traffic. They take a little getting used to chao!