2009 is the year...

[Cathryn]

...when I go clipless.

UTTERLY terrified (and the husband went pale too). However a) it's been time for a long time and the parents bought me and the husband trial sessions at the Manchester velodrome so I have to learn in preparation for that. (Cool prezzie, eh?)

What I want are pedals that are 'normal' one side and clip-in on the other. Do such pedals exist? I don't know what to search for on cycling websites.

Also...any hints about where to try first? How to try first? How not to break more bones? I am seriously bricking it...but also quite excited.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Shimano_A530_SPD_Single_Sided_Touring_Pedals/5360031862/

 

[ColinJ]

What I want are pedals that are 'normal' one side and clip-in on the other. Do such pedals exist?

They certainly do! Here's an example. PS Beaten to it with a better-looking pair by BOAB!

Also...any hints about where to try first? How to try first? How not to break more bones? I am seriously bricking it...but also quite excited.

Set the release tension to mininum so you can get your feet unclipped more easily. I never bothered to set my tighter and very rarely unclip by accident.

Try riding on grass so that when you fall off it won't hurt as much! I say 'when' rather than 'if' because I don't know anybody who hasn't fallen off at least a couple of times in their first couple of rides !

If you fall over on grass, you should be okay. Just don't stick your arm out to break your fall (that's how wrists and collar bones get broken).

Good luck! After a few weeks you will never want to go back, and you will clip in and out without even thinking about it.

 

[Priscilla Parsley]

I'm going clipless in 09 too! next week in fact and im getting those 2 differerent sided peddles and i'm going to manchester Velodrome this month -how spooky is that?

in addition i am going to work harder at training and harder at university, cut back on the booze a lot since i wont have time nor energy for it.

 

[ColinJ]

I should just add - I think that you can only get SPD type pedals with flat bottoms. If you have Look/Time (etc.) compatible shoes then you are out of luck.

Another thing - double-sided SPD pedals are actually easier to use because you don't have to think about which way up the pedals are before you clip in.

I'd suggest only going for the SPD/flat type if you are sometimes going to cycle in ordinary shoes or boots. Don't forget - you can walk about in SPD shoes because the cleats are recessed, unlike Look/Time.

 

[vernon]

...when I go clipless.

Also...any hints about where to try first? How to try first? How not to break more bones? I am seriously bricking it...but also quite excited.

Find a park with plenty of trees and or railings to lean against when you stop. Like Colin J said, set the tension quite low so that the release is relatively easy. You are not likely to want to use the upward stroke to its full potential for a while.

It took nearly four years before I had a 'clipless incident' I wasn't paying full attention to a car at a junction as I approached it and as I dithered, forward progress came to a halt and I gently toppled over to my left onto a nice grass verge.

I also had one 'off' while using clipless pedals. I came to a sudden halt on the Leeds Liverpool canal went over the handlebars and mercifully was released from the pedals before impact.

I mentally rehearsed a stopping procedure; start braking, unclip left foot, complete breaking put unclipped foot down. It works for all of my stops apart from the aforementioned mishap.

 

[WindyRob]

Try riding on grass so that when you fall off it won't hurt as much! I say 'when' rather than 'if' because I don't know anybody who hasn't fallen off at least a couple of times in their first couple of rides !

If you fall over on grass, you should be okay. Just don't stick your arm out to break your fall (that's how wrists and collar bones get broken).

Good luck! After a few weeks you will never want to go back, and you will clip in and out without even thinking about it.

Don't worry about the falling as you'll be stationary or at least almost when it happens and if as said in previous posts the tension is loose then you'll probably be able to yank your foot out and make contact with the ground before completely falling.

You know what they say.... 'Once you go clipless you'll never go back!' ... funny that doesn't sound right i always thought that saying rhymed

Windy

 

[fossyant]

About time.........

 

[Blott's Mate]

Best starting tip I was given was unclip BEFORE you stop.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

please note: the hire bikes at the velodrome were look delta compatible only (flats and toe clips being the alternative) when i went a year or two ago. give them a bell and find out what pedal cleats are needed.

i'd recommend look/time etc over spd, they are superior in every way on the bike, why base your choice on the few steps you take off the bike rather than the many miles you'll be doing on it? i'm told that look keos and spd sl are easier to walk in than the old look delta cleats.

 

[iLB]

not to alarm you but i had my first proper clipless ride on monday, and had two clipless moments. the first was fine, straight on to a patch of a grass; but the second i chose to save the bike from the pavement by putting my arm out, and got a broken and dislocated thumb for my efforts-bad times. but the clipless are staying on and i shall persevere within 4-6 weeks.

 

[rich p]

i'd recommend look/time etc over spd, they are superior in every way on the bike, why base your choice on the few steps you take off the bike rather than the many miles you'll be doing on it? i'm told that look keos and spd sl are easier to walk in than the old look delta cleats.

Possibly it may be a better long term option as Cathryn is a tourer and will want shoes that are comfortable to walk around in.

 

[yenrod]

Cathryn,

You need some Time pedals

 

[Joe24]

not to alarm you but i had my first proper clipless ride on monday, and had two clipless moments. the first was fine, straight on to a patch of a grass; but the second i chose to save the bike from the pavement by putting my arm out, and got a broken and dislocated thumb for my efforts-bad times. but the clipless are staying on and i shall persevere within 4-6 weeks.

Sorry shouldnt laugh.
Good look with clipless, i have a few tips for you.
Practice in a door way, just be there clipping in and unclipping(i did that for abit then went out on a club ride the next day)
Relax, and unclip in preperation for things so you dont have to rush(less chance of a clipless moment)
When you unclip keep your foot in the right place so if you dont need to stop you can just push down on the pedal and your away.
Relax
Dont worry about clipless moments
I havent had a proper one for a while but today when stopped waiting for the group at the top of a hill my front wheel turning and the bike toppled to the right, couldnt unclip so i just rolled over. Quickly unclipped and got up and back on the bike
Have fun, it really isnt anything to be worried about really.

 

[Cathryn]

SO much excellent advice and so much to take in!! I like the idea of practising clipping in and out at home. I shall investigate what type of clips I need for Manchester.

I feel the need to review this thread when slightly less wine-d up!

Fossyant...you made me laugh, and you're very right.