Cleats

grasshopperNC

I fell in my own hallway!! I was trying to get use to a new cleat position (and I'm a new rider) anyway, I was using the stairs and the wall to balance myself and clicking in and out of my pedals, when my cell phone rang. Thank god it was my brother because I forgot I was on a bike and I lost my balance!! It all happened too fast and suddenly I was wedged between the wall and my bike - on the ground - and still hooked in!! I was laughing so hard I couldn't get up! He hung up on me!!

You in great company - keep riding, I'm sure it gets better!
(I also fell the very first time I took my bike for a ride, and on my very first road ride! !!

lesliegee

For my birthday two years ago, my BF bought me pedals on our mountain biking vacation in New Mexico. I fell so many times, I was totally black and blue when we got back - and refused to use the pedals again until this spring. The bike shop guy told me that they must have been too tight, because I just could NOT get out of them. Anyway - with loosening, and lubricating them, I am now a total convert, as my feet slide out easily. I haven't fallen all summer. I love them. - especially in the hills :-)

btasquared

First time out on my mtn bike with clip-ins... half way up the steepest hill on the loop... unsuccessful attempt at clip-out... tipped over sideways... skidded to the bottom still attached to my rig... riding buddies nearly choked from laughing so hard. My pride was bruised, as was my right hip from a strategically placed rock, but the benefits of cleats so outweigh the risks.

Donna T

I love my clips, but I am still trying to get used to my new Ultegra SPDRs. I have a habit of leaning towards the side I'm clipping out. My latest zero velocity incident was when I was trying to clip out on the "Bridge of Flowers" in Shelburne Falls, MA, and fell right into a bed of flowers in front of about 6 absolutely horrified senior garden club types. I know I yelled something foul, but I can't remember what I said. One of the other riders I was with told me I should have told them I was just trying to smell the flowers. I just am thankful it wasn't a bed of roses!
I was told later on that my clips were designed specifically to release only with a horizontal movement, unlike my old SPDs, which incorporates a little bit of a vertical release action too.
Whatever, I figure it's part of the package, and will continue to fiddle with the adjustments (and my technique) until I get it right.

__________________
The climbs are worth it when you get to the descents.

sm266

Just made the switch from toe clips to clipless. Saw a hottie from the bike shop stopped at a light, and rode up to the light beside him. I tried to wave and put my foot down, but forgot that I was now clipped in and fell over onto my side in the middle of the road. It happens. A lot. You'll get better, I promise.