My first Clipless experience



My first experience with clipless pedals was last Saturday. I clipped in my left foot pushed off with my right foot and rode around the block. I unclipped several times with no problem. Then I pulled into my garage stopped and forgot to unclip. As I was falling I was able to unclip my left foot and fell on my right side. Scrapped up my look pedals a little bit but no injury to me. I went on a 52 mile ride and fell once when I had to manuver between steel posts at park enterance at low speed. Again no injury to me execpt my pride. I think I have it down now but I should'nt get too confindent because that when something bad happens.
 
Originally posted by NewRider22
Alright, this is like the sixth time I've seen this so I'm wondering. What are SPD pedals?

I'm looking to go clipless soon and trying to get it all straight!

THANKS SO MUCH!

SPD are Shimano pedals, but also other brands make what you could call clones of it.

Other brands that use different systems are Crank Brothers, Speedplay and Look to name a few.

There are different characteristics of clipless systems. To name a few, degree of float (how far you can twist your foot without disengaging the binder). Stack height (how high above the pedal spindle centerline your foot is in your shoe, this affects performance). Ease of entry and exit is a factor. Whether the pedal is single-sided or double or, in the case of Crank Brothers, four sides. A practical reason is whether you can walk around on the cleats. Mountain bike systems have recessed cleats in the shoes so you can walk around comfortably. You may prefer this ease over road shoes and having to clack around like a penguin. Other characteristics are system weight, cost and size.

Go to a good bike shop where they are willing to show you the different systems and explain their advantages and disadvantages. For example, as a recreational rider it's much more practical to have recessed cleats for walking ease, so getting mountain bike pedals and cleats for use on a road bike is not a problem. Only racing would require the lightness of road pedals and cleats.

I have SPD cleats and pedals that came on my bike new. So I use SPD's.

My wife, having talked with a good bike shop person has Speedplay Frogs and recessed cleats in her shoes. These are mountain bike pedals and cleats, but enables her to walk around comfortably. If I am going anywhere where I will walk a lot, I have to use a backpack to carry sneakers or shoes with me.
 
The first time I ever used clipless my feet felt like they were sliding around so much that I was too sh1t scared to stand up on the pedals. On the same (first) ride I got some dirt in the cleats, the pedal got stuck, and I fell off. I rode straight home, took the clipless off, put my toe-clips back on, and haven't used clipless since -- that was 1992!!

The first time I strapped myself in to some pedals (1985), I went to take my foot off sideways, and subsequently fell over. Surely this happens only once. I hate to sound like a smarty pants, but it baffles me that people have to fall a few times before they get the message
:)
 
Hello nutbag

Many folks tend to make the same mistakes every once in a while simply because they are wired that way.
 
i am compelled to relate my clip trip. after riding with a set of shimano's on an old canondale, i had just purchased a new trek 2200. i adjusted the pedals for ease of entry/exit and off i went. two miles from the house i blew out a tube and much to my chagrin, could not release from the pedals. on the edge of the roadway,next to high grass i took the plunge and rolled over to my back still clipped in to the bike, legs in the air with bike attached. after having a great laugh at my circumstance i had to take my shoes off to escape the clutches of my pedals. little had i known that the pedals that came on the trek had entry on two sides and both sides had to be adjusted, not just one. there is no sense in being a polack unless you show it once in a while....
 
i first got clipless pedals (SPDs) on a mtn bike in '95 and practiced in the hall of my college dorm. everyone laughed at that guy who "kept falling over still attached to his pedals." they came in handy when i tore up my ankle 2 weeks later and couldn't hardly walk to class, but i could pedal all over campus with one foot. after using them about 10 years, getting out of them, even in very sketcy situations, becomes completely natural, and (knock on wood) i can't remember the last time i had a goof up.

on the speedplay topic - i just switched to speedplays on my road bike last month and I absolutely love them; would never go back. some people complained of the excessive float being a problem when out of the saddle, but for me it's not a problem at all.
 
Originally posted by nutbag
The first time I ever used clipless my feet felt like they were sliding around so much that I was too sh1t scared to stand up on the pedals. On the same (first) ride I got some dirt in the cleats, the pedal got stuck, and I fell off. I rode straight home, took the clipless off, put my toe-clips back on, and haven't used clipless since -- that was 1992!!

The first time I strapped myself in to some pedals (1985), I went to take my foot off sideways, and subsequently fell over. Surely this happens only once. I hate to sound like a smarty pants, but it baffles me that people have to fall a few times before they get the message
:)

If we all quit using them the first time we had a problem there wouldn't be anyone using them today. But once you get used to them you'll never want to go back. I think it's time you gave it another try but you might want to talk with some experienced people to make sure you get something that doesn't make you feel like you have so much float that you think you can't trust the pedals. I encourage you to give it another go and expect one or two problems before you get the hang of it.
:)
 
I'm brand new to clipless as well. I've only ever ridden on platforms before. I'm going on three weeks now, and I've yet to have the first problem.

Now, having said that, stay tuned for tomorrow's follow-up post... :rolleyes:
 
Originally posted by Beastt
If we all quit using them the first time we had a problem there wouldn't be anyone using them today. But once you get used to them you'll never want to go back. I think it's time you gave it another try but you might want to talk with some experienced people to make sure you get something that doesn't make you feel like you have so much float that you think you can't trust the pedals. I encourage you to give it another go and expect one or two problems before you get the hang of it.
:)


The day these guys stop using straps is the day I'll also think about doing so.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2004/may04/WTC04/?id=day4/img_4591

The only thing wrong with toe-clips is that they're not cooool.
Ok, they can get a bit uncomfortable on cold days. I'm not sure that automatically coming out of the pedals during a crash, as usually occurs with clipless, minimizes injuries that much anyway.

Old style pedals are also very cheap. I can supply all my four bikes with 2nd hand Suntour Superbe Pros for a total of about 50 bucks!!
 
OH, I didn't know you were a track racer. Those straps are lighter than clipless. Of course, on a track, they shave fractions of an ounce to gain an edge.

You are a Luddite, it seems. To each their own, I guess.
 
Originally posted by nutbag
The day these guys stop using straps is the day I'll also think about doing so.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2004/may04/WTC04/?id=day4/img_4591

The only thing wrong with toe-clips is that they're not cooool.
Ok, they can get a bit uncomfortable on cold days. I'm not sure that automatically coming out of the pedals during a crash, as usually occurs with clipless, minimizes injuries that much anyway.

Old style pedals are also very cheap. I can supply all my four bikes with 2nd hand Suntour Superbe Pros for a total of about 50 bucks!!

If you're happy with your toe clips, then by all means, ride what you like. I'm only saying that by not giving clipless a fair trial, you may be cheating yourself. There is a reason almost everyone has switched. Toe clips are an improvement over plain platform pedals but they don't provide the same secure feeling and ability to use all your strength like clipless pedals do.

On the other hand, I guess you can ride with any shoes you happen to be wearing and don't need to worry about getting gravel stuck in your cleats when you walk around.

I know that when I first switched, I figured that if I didn't like the clipless after giving them a fair shot, I'd just go back to my old toe clips. Well, the fair shot meant I fell over a few times and one or two of those times I came up a little bloody. But by my third ride most of the mishaps were behind me and the next time I got on a bike with toe clips I found out you can't go back. Clipless is that good.

:)
 
Originally posted by Insight Driver
OH, I didn't know you were a track racer. Those straps are lighter than clipless. Of course, on a track, they shave fractions of an ounce to gain an edge.

You are a Luddite, it seems. To each their own, I guess.

I'm not a trackie any more, but I did start on the track, and I still can't get over using straps:D
 
Originally posted by Beastt
If you're happy with your toe clips, then by all means, ride what you like. I'm only saying that by not giving clipless a fair trial, you may be cheating yourself. There is a reason almost everyone has switched. Toe clips are an improvement over plain platform pedals but they don't provide the same secure feeling and ability to use all your strength like clipless pedals do.

On the other hand, I guess you can ride with any shoes you happen to be wearing and don't need to worry about getting gravel stuck in your cleats when you walk around.

I know that when I first switched, I figured that if I didn't like the clipless after giving them a fair shot, I'd just go back to my old toe clips. Well, the fair shot meant I fell over a few times and one or two of those times I came up a little bloody. But by my third ride most of the mishaps were behind me and the next time I got on a bike with toe clips I found out you can't go back. Clipless is that good.

:)


Agree. I'll give clipless a try one day when I can afford to spend the money on a really good pair.
 
Originally posted by Beastt
The only warning I can give those who may not have switched yet is, you can't go back. Platform pedals will never work for you again once you've become used to the secure locked-in feeling. The good part is, it would be silly to go back. Riding on platform pedals deprives you of part of the riding experience and robs you of what you're really able to do.

I fully agree. I started riding a road bike last summer and loved it. I went clipless after two weeks of riding. A few weeks ago, I bought a mountain bike. I test rode it without any type of clips and found myself trying to "pull" the pedal up on the rear part of the pedal stroke. I decided to go clipless before I got back to the bike store.

Catherine
 
Originally posted by onstcroix
i am compelled to relate my clip trip. after riding with a set of shimano's on an old canondale, i had just purchased a new trek 2200. i adjusted the pedals for ease of entry/exit and off i went. two miles from the house i blew out a tube and much to my chagrin, could not release from the pedals. on the edge of the roadway,next to high grass i took the plunge and rolled over to my back still clipped in to the bike, legs in the air with bike attached. after having a great laugh at my circumstance i had to take my shoes off to escape the clutches of my pedals. little had i known that the pedals that came on the trek had entry on two sides and both sides had to be adjusted, not just one. there is no sense in being a polack unless you show it once in a while....

Hi, I noticed your online name ("onstcroix"). Do you live there? I did several years ago, but left before Hr Marilyn. Just wondering how the island is / has recovered? Is the economy decent?

IRIE!
 
Originally posted by nutbag
The day these guys stop using straps is the day I'll also think about doing so.


Right. So it's safe to assume you have also removed the brakes from your bike? And you only ever ride fixed gear? Disc wheels? Hmm?
 
Originally posted by davek
Right. So it's safe to assume you have also removed the brakes from your bike? And you only ever ride fixed gear? Disc wheels? Hmm?

Hmmmm, your analogy is so fatuous that you must be joking, so I'll assume you are -- either that, or you're 14 years old.:D

Anyway, you've gotta wonder: why do track sprinters still use straps?

Answer: because clipless pedals have not yet been perfected.

Companies such as Time and Look are huge, and if they still can't throw enough money at the big guys on the track to use their products exclusively, then it begs the question.
 
Originally posted by nutbag
Anyway, you've gotta wonder: why do track sprinters still use straps?

I always thought it was simply that in track you pretty much never ever want to remove your foot from the pedal and there isnt a need for a system that allows some flexibility on the matter. To your advantage to get your foot attached to the pedal as well as possible.

In a road situation for longer distances, a slight bit of floating on the foot/pedal location gives a bit of comfort. Not to mention lessens the risk of injury on a crash due to easier release. Helpful too for those of us that deal with traffic.

Although really, its a personal preference ultimately and if straps are working well for you, far be it from me to urge you to change. Give some a test ride sometime though.
 
Originally posted by nutbag
Hmmmm, your analogy is so fatuous that you must be joking, so I'll assume you are -- either that, or you're 14 years old.:D

Anyway, you've gotta wonder: why do track sprinters still use straps?

Answer: because clipless pedals have not yet been perfected.

Companies such as Time and Look are huge, and if they still can't throw enough money at the big guys on the track to use their products exclusively, then it begs the question.

I do believe your assumption is incorrect. Clipless pedals are perfected and new models are only incremental improvements. Cycling, as many people know is steeped in tradition. It is elitism and tradition, only, that track bike racers still use straps. Why does the ICA restrict bikes to diamond frames and tubes? That begs a question and the answer is the same. Monocoque carbon bikes had advantages and the ICA wanted to level the field. It's like Nascar does with restrictor plates and such to keep speeds on the track down.
 
Originally posted by nutbag
Anyway, you've gotta wonder: why do track sprinters still use straps?

Answer: because clipless pedals have not yet been perfected.
With all due respect, Nutbag, I don't think this is a reasonable conclusion. To be perfectly honest, it's a bit silly, 20 years into the technology. Flesh the argument out a bit further. Many (not all) track riders use toe-straps, but just about every road racer, time trialist, crit-specialist, climber, sprinter, and moutain/XC racer over the last decade has built their competetive career on clipless systems -- clearly, track racers are the exception among serious cyclists. Why that is may be up for debate, but whether clipless technology in general is lacking next to straps is not. From Tyler Hamilton to the guys in my local crit night, the things have been given a very fair shake and passed the test.

It stinks that you had a bad experience with clipless pedals 12 years ago -- reading your description ("The first time I ever used clipless my feet felt like they were sliding around so much that I was too sh1t scared to stand up on the pedals."), it's hard to figure out what the problem was, but it didn't sound good. Like a nasty childhood moment with the donkey at a petting zoo, I submit (respectfully!) that the experience has sort of tweaked you for life.

This much, though, seems annecdotally true: just about everyone who has spent serious time on each (straps and clipless systems) agrees that there's no contest where safety, security, ergonomics, and all-out performance is concerned.