First ride in clipless

pudge44 said:

After getting some advice on the board, I just had my clipless pedals installed yesterday. I opted for the LBS rather than cheaper online prices, and I'm glad I did. They really took quite a bit of time making sure I got the right fit in the shoes and the cleats were installed properly and in the right position.

After getting the bike home, I took it for a couple of spins around the block. I'd never used clipless pedals before, so I practiced a bit before taking off. I was worried about getting my feet out of them, but I actually found it was harder to clip in than clip out. Anyone else have this experience? Oh well, I'm sure I'll get used to it over time.

Since I ride quite a bit on busy streets and plenty of traffic lights, I opted for Shimano M324 pedals that are SPD on one side and regular platform on the other, along with some Specialized Taho shoes. After just a brief ride, I could already feel the difference going uphill when clipped in. Can't wait to try them out on a longer ride this weekend.

SPDs are a bit tougher to get used to clipping in than say Looks where the toe of the pedal tips up. Clipping out is always easier because it is simply a heel movement outbound. Congrats. Keep at it, it'll become second nature. I've endoed a few mtbs and still instintively unclipped.

I had SPD's and they killed my knees. They were extremely hard to get into. I changed to Speedplays, and my knee pain disappeared, and all I have to do is step on them and ride. No look entry is nice. I would take the Speedplays over the SPD's. YMMV

All the pedals are different and everyone has an opinion. You will like what you have not matter what because the system is so much more efficient.

Ride a Lot!
--Jeff

I´m new on clipless pedals too (on road bike at least, been using it on MTB).

Am using the Time RXE and clipping in is a little bit easier than clipping out. i dont have problem clipping in/out though. It automatically clips in once my foot is on the 6 oclock position.

the day i bought my roller trainer, i used the clipless. i was off balance but was able to clip out very easily.

i think road clipless pedals are much easier to use than mtb clipless.

capwater said:

SPDs are a bit tougher to get used to clipping in than say Looks where the toe of the pedal tips up. Clipping out is always easier because it is simply a heel movement outbound. Congrats. Keep at it, it'll become second nature. I've endoed a few mtbs and still instintively unclipped.

Funny thing. Today, I rode for the first time in a year without clipless pedals. My knees were hurting after a short while.

I use SPD pedals and all I can say is that they help my knees better than any therapy. My knees feel better after a ride.

pudge44 said:

After getting some advice on the board, I just had my clipless pedals installed yesterday. I opted for the LBS rather than cheaper online prices, and I'm glad I did. They really took quite a bit of time making sure I got the right fit in the shoes and the cleats were installed properly and in the right position.

After getting the bike home, I took it for a couple of spins around the block. I'd never used clipless pedals before, so I practiced a bit before taking off. I was worried about getting my feet out of them, but I actually found it was harder to clip in than clip out. Anyone else have this experience? Oh well, I'm sure I'll get used to it over time.

Since I ride quite a bit on busy streets and plenty of traffic lights, I opted for Shimano M324 pedals that are SPD on one side and regular platform on the other, along with some Specialized Taho shoes. After just a brief ride, I could already feel the difference going uphill when clipped in. Can't wait to try them out on a longer ride this weekend.

My first clipless pedals were SPDs and I found them hard to get into for quite awhile. It will get easier as you go along. Good luck!

I bought my first set of clipless pedals about 45 days ago. I had no clue what I was doing. I went my LBS and found some great help. They put me into some pedals and shoes and showed me how they worked. After a little practice I was hooked. I felt like I was on a brand new bike.

Well I haven't had any knee pain riding without clipless, so hopefully this will be no different. I've still only had a chance to take that first spin around the block -- too many late nights at work this week -- but I'll put in 50 miles or so this weekend. Can't wait.