Mark Burch wrote:
> "den911" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
>
news:[email protected]...
> > after years on toe clips tomorrow will be my first outing on clipless pedals my old shoes could
> > be used after reluctantly peeling off half of sole or so it seemed , very strange thing to do
> > when you have never done it before . got the concept after seeing cleats in place , can any one
> > give me any tips on how best to use them or is it quite easy , or any advice of upgrades ie
> > shoes to match pedals . thanks
>
> Be careful. I fell off at least half a dozen times before I got the hang of them. It was worth it
> though. I wouldn't be without them now.
It took several years before I took the move to spds and now regret waiting so long.
> Practise slipping out of them on a deserted road and,
I set up the bike on the turbo trainer and sat there practising clipping in and out for several
evenings before venturing out. That was three years ago, and <touching wood> have only fallen off
once due to being clipped in. That was from a standstill and embarrassingly allowing my centre of
gravity to shift. Luckily it was onto a soft verge.
I used the same 'training method' with my children and my 10-year old is now competent using them.
Even my 8yr old daughter occasionally uses them, but only on grass.
> until you are used to them, slip out of them any time there is a possibility you'll have to stop,
> e.g. approaching junctions. Be extra careful to change down the gears before stopping.
Practice on grass choosing a place to stop and riding up to it pretending it is a real junction.
Once on clipless you'll never go back to toeclips and straps.
John B