Clipless- oh dear

[Dan B]

Thanks for all the advice, i'll give them another go over the weekend, however, I do have a real concern !, im a bit worried that I will increase my chances of having more serious injuries from still being attached to the bike if I do come off or get hit ?

Only time I've come off at speed from the bike, I came out of the pedals too -and it all happened too fast to think about things. I realise that a sample of one is not good data.

If you're worried about falling over at lights etc, bear in mind that these falls will always always be from standing or very slow because otherwise the forward motion of the bike will be keeping you upright.
So, try not to break your elbow by landing on it with your full bodyweight, but other than that usually the only thing to get hurt is ones pride.

 

[Rhys_Po]

If you're worried about falling over at lights etc, bear in mind that these falls will always always be from standing or very slow because otherwise the forward motion of the bike will be keeping you upright.

Def. Also, at the lights in London, you are more or less guaranteed to have a fat bloke on an MTB within toppling distance to break your fall.

I've now given up on unclipping altogether and made it my stopping method of choice.

 

[BigCol]

I went for the Multi-directional cleats (Shimano SH56). As a new clipless rider, I found it easier to get used to. In an emergency stop, my foot has always come free. The only near fall that I had was slipping a gear while pedaling uphill. Apart from that, the SH56's have been great. If you do decide to go back to clipless, it is also good to make sure that you have the right shoes. I got some that were too big for my feet which meant that there was too much movement in the shoe to get the benefit from clipless. I have just changed the shoes for some decent (Sidi) shoes and they have made a lot of difference when cycling uphill.

 

[jcb]

Def. Also, at the lights in London, you are more or less guaranteed to have a fat bloke on an MTB within toppling distance to break your fall.

I've now given up on unclipping altogether and made it my stopping method of choice.

Or a fat bloke on a roadie trying to find the right gear (ie me).

Got passed - twice - by an MTB last night. Embarassing.

 

[beachcaster]

Went for a long ride on the clipless today, a varied route and no falls, however, I think i'll be refitting flats, I can see why people like them, but as "Beachcaster" says "Its the unusual things that happen fast........", I also think that I would cycle far more relaxed, im not a lycra speed king and as another earlier poster said, sometimes one wants to just jump on the bike.

good luck to the clipless converts, but im going back to the flats.

I have never really left flats.......though have just bought better flats with a larger platform for my large (13) size feet. I cycle on trails for half on my cycling and in the last week I have had 2 dogs run into the front wheel
.....these things do happen and they happen fast. I shall keep the clips on the shelf together with my cleats....but I am very much more relaxed knowing I can put my foot down in an instant ! Im just too old to fall off !!!

I guess the thing for me is enjoying my cycling........I did 62 miles this week.....6 weeks after starting cycling with the intention of loosing some weight..( with a more sensible diet )....Ive lost 2 stone.......and Im really enjoying the wonderful east sussex countryside.....cant be bad

barry

 

[briank]

You're never too old to fall off: it just takes longer to get back up again!

 

[rusky]

My first clipless moment was when my cycling computer fell off & I forgot to unclip, fell uphill but still hurt!

Second was at Preston circus Brighton in the rush hour. I unclipped my left foot, turned right & lost my balance & fell right.