Beginners Cleat Float

[Louise Harley]

Yes. Try and unclip before you reach traffic lights. It's dead simple and soon becomes second nature.

thanks will try, have loosen them off a little to for the time being, can always tighten them again when used to them

 

[Louise Harley]

As a new rider/SPD-SL user who hasn't fallen off (yet!) I find the easiest way is to release my left foot just before traffic lights/junctions then slide forward off the saddle as I come to a stop. This makes sure you don't lean the bike the wrong way and fall into the road.

The only near misses I've had are when I first wore them, was stopped and leant to the right, forgetting that foot was still clipped in! Having the pedals on the loosest setting made sure I could get my foot out in time though.

I have Shimano R078 shoes and the yellow cleats.

Thanks I have loosen mine off a little and will bear your advice in mind although I don't normally come off my saddle when stopping so that is another factor to practice lol

 

[RSChris1980]

I started off using the yellow cleats on my Shimano R077s but found there was too much swing. It just so happened the SH-12 (blue) cleats with 1 degree either side had not long come out, gave these a try and couldn't be happier.

I have fallen off once myself, luckily was down a farm road whilst turning round, no injury but pride took a bashing lol

 

[Louise Harley]

I started off using the yellow cleats on my Shimano R077s but found there was too much swing. It just so happened the SH-12 (blue) cleats with 1 degree either side had not long come out, gave these a try and couldn't be happier.

I have fallen off once myself, luckily was down a farm road whilst turning round, no injury but pride took a bashing lol

Thanks for this but I am using SDP for now as I am told they are easier and also better for walking. I was more concerned about the bike when I fell lol

 

[Soup890]

It's all about Specialized shoes, bikes, clothing and helmets

 

[Louise Harley]

this is driving me nuts, everytime I go out on bike to get used to these pedals I shake like a leaf and its been ages since I have been on any real distances
Not sure if I should just go back to old pedals

 

[Nigelnaturist]

this is driving me nuts, everytime I go out on bike to get used to these pedals I shake like a leaf and its been ages since I have been on any real distances
Not sure if I should just go back to old pedals

Keep with it, besides it dont hurt to much a slow speed spill just try not to do it front of traffic or near a kerb, I switched about a year ago and would never go back, not even less than 100yrds.

 

[Allweathershorts]

I started using SPD-SL ( I have Shimano R088 with yellow cleats) at the start of the year, only fell over twice so far!
I've found the only trouble I have is clipping back in, I found after the first week I was uncliping naturally before stopping and now it's second nature!
Still a a bit less confident on the bike than I was without them but I wouldn't go back now, I've found where I'm comfy with having them and it doesn't matter how far I'm traveling I tend to use em!

 

[Louise Harley]

Keep with it, besides it dont hurt to much a slow speed spill just try not to do it front of traffic or near a kerb, I switched about a year ago and would never go back, not even less than 100yrds.

I have only fallen over once and thankfully at slow speed and on a very quiet estate. Although this has almost stopped me venturing out again. I am also finding it difficult to stop with my left as up till now I have preferred my right but my brother says that I should be stopping on the left foot for safety reasons. I am practicing and have been out for a 10 mile cycle since the fall put hardly had to stop lol

 

[Louise Harley]

I started using SPD-SL ( I have Shimano R088 with yellow cleats) at the start of the year, only fell over twice so far!
I've found the only trouble I have is clipping back in, I found after the first week I was uncliping naturally before stopping and now it's second nature!
Still a a bit less confident on the bike than I was without them but I wouldn't go back now, I've found where I'm comfy with having them and it doesn't matter how far I'm traveling I tend to use em!

I have only fallen over once and thankfully at slow speed and on a very quiet estate. Although this has almost stopped me venturing out again. I find the clipping in really easy but finding it difficult to stop with my left as up till now I have preferred my right but my brother says that I should be stopping on the left foot for safety reasons. Do you clip out in advance of stopping?
I am practicing and have been out for a 10 mile cycle since the fall put hardly had to stop lol

 

[Peteaud]

I have only fallen over once and thankfully at slow speed and on a very quiet estate. Although this has almost stopped me venturing out again. I find the clipping in really easy but finding it difficult to stop with my left as up till now I have preferred my right but my brother says that I should be stopping on the left foot for safety reasons. Do you clip out in advance of stopping?
I am practicing and have been out for a 10 mile cycle since the fall put hardly had to stop lol

If you are using SPD (2 bolt cleats) try the SH56 Multi release cleat. You probably have the SH51 standard.

 

[MisterStan]

I have only fallen over once and thankfully at slow speed and on a very quiet estate. Although this has almost stopped me venturing out again. I find the clipping in really easy but finding it difficult to stop with my left as up till now I have preferred my right but my brother says that I should be stopping on the left foot for safety reasons. Do you clip out in advance of stopping?
I am practicing and have been out for a 10 mile cycle since the fall put hardly had to stop lol

You should clip out on whichever side is comfortable for you.
I tend to anticipate if i'll need to stop and clip out as appropriate, when I first started using SPD-SLs I used to unclip before stopping every time - your confidence will grow with practice.

 

[Louise Harley]

If you are using SPD (2 bolt cleats) try the SH56 Multi release cleat. You probably have the SH51 standard.

Don't mean to sound too thick but what benefit do they offer please?

 

[Louise Harley]

You should clip out on whichever side is comfortable for you.
I tend to anticipate if i'll need to stop and clip out as appropriate, when I first started using SPD-SLs I used to unclip before stopping every time - your confidence will grow with practice.

So you think I should just stick to the side I am used to, although I guess that way if I fall its into traffic

 

[MisterStan]

So you think I should just stick to the side I am used to, although I guess that way if I fall its into traffic

It appears from what you've said that it is more natural for you to clip out on the right, so go with it. If you clip out early (before stopping) you are unlikely to fall. I'd suggest going for a ride up and down your road and practicing unclipping and stopping a few times. As mentioned before, practice will help and it will come to you naturally after a while. Rome wasn't built in a day.