Clipless pedals

[Roadstar_Rider]

I feel like an ass.

I got my first set of clipless pedals today and some shoes to go with them. I installed everything and put my shoes on.

I read the directions on how to clip in and out and got on my bike.

I cliped in my right foot, went to start riding, lost my balance and fell right over on my right side.

I got a little bit of road rash from the fall and I wasnt even riding

I got going the second time though

[silverspot]

Chalk it up the the clipless learning curve. You might want to take some time and ride on some grass somewhere (maybe a local park) while you clip in and out. That way if you fall it won't hurt.

[ezzyride]

I just got clipless pedals and a new fork on my bike. Just picked it up from the bike shop. Also got my new shoes ready.

My friend Pato suggested I practice at home in a doorway...clip in and out. That's what I'll be doing tonight.

Good luck Roadstar Rider!

[Jman]

Ah yes, the whole reason I have 50/50's on my XC bike...but my day will come.

Jman: I'm not afraid!!!
Yoda: You will be...you will be!

[allison]

You'll fall over a few times for the first week or so. Just practice unclipping before you stop. Also, what pedals are they? Make sure you're on the easiest setting!

[station]

Multi-release cleats. I'm telling you they saved my life when I was learning, and still enjoying them today.

[BSki]

Hell, after a long climb when my legs are really spent, I dont even try to unclip anymore, I just fall over.

When I tell people in advance, they dont laugh......as much.

[uno-speedo]

It becomes second nature to unclip. Give them a few more rides and you won't even be thinking about it.

[reflux]

Par for the course.

Don't worry about the learning curve. Before you know it, using clipless pedals will become second nature.

[Drum n MTB]

I just started riding clipless. I've done 3 rides on my CB Acids and so far I've only fallen once. I'm sure there will be plenty more. I've ridden Chino Hills, Santiago Oaks and Aliso/Rock it with them and only fell once while climbing a nothing hill at Chino Hills. Good luck...it will come faster than you think!

[Jay]

I did the same thing. The first time on the trail I fell over twice. Good thing I was almost stopped both times. Many times you can adjust the tension to make it eaiser to clip out. I set mine really loose until I got used to them.

[slowSSer]

Originally Posted by ezzyride

My friend Pato suggested I practice at home in a doorway...clip in and out. That's what I'll be doing tonight.

Good luck Roadstar Rider!

this is some of the best advice. you WILL fall over your first few times. it's also called a "horizontal track stand"

[capnsavem]

ahh... i remember posting my story of my 1st clipless mishap as if it was yesterday...

actually it was only like a month ago i think... lol

[BFloFoxRider.]

it does become second nature... in my crash in my race... i dont remember unclipping but i did =)

[graves.z]

I did the same thing...in my living room. I was next to the wall, clipped my foot in to test the tension. My wife said something and in my distraction I fell right over, tugging up with my leg like an idiot.

Originally Posted by station

Multi-release cleats. I'm telling you they saved my life when I was learning, and still enjoying them today.

I just got a set of these and they work like butter. I love them.

[el_d00der1n0]

I cut my clipless teeth on the trail. I think it was best for me. Sure I fell, but I bombed through stuff I would have otherwise dabbed on cuz I was too scared to try to clip out.

[guero]

stair steps in aliso or t&a in lcwp are great places to test your balls after you've been riding clipped in for awhile.

[katonk]

I did my first horizontal track stand right in front of my kid, his friends and our neighbors. It rocked. There's really no way to gracefully recover from that.

[BoingBoing]

If it makes anyone feel better, I am still a total wus when it comes to clipless. I KNOW it's safer to be clipped in, but I don't BELIEVE it. So I ride around unclipped a lot of the time. But I get better slowly.

About a week ago, I found myself clipping IN for the hairy part. Never woulda thunk it!


One of the best things is: you can't do a Horizontal Track Stand unless you're going about 0 mph. Just don't do them in the rocks!