Clipless Pedals FAQ

[deadpool7]

I've been using clipless pedals on my road bike for about 7 months now and am happy I switched. Pedaling my new MTB today felt weird without them and my feet slipped a couple times.

Like others here, I was terrified of going clipless and read as many articles and tips as I could. I practiced a bit in my lawn and fell twice. I've had a few very close calls at stops where I leaned the wrong way, but was able to unclip in the nick of time each time. I spent a good amount of time practicing the motion and always unclip a bit early if I'm approaching a stop.

I love the feeling of my feet being attached to the pedals and I can feel more of my leg doing work. I wouldn't say I've necessarily gained any speed, but I'm able to pedal faster without my feet slipping off, so it kind of makes me faster I guess. Overall, I oddly feel safer clipped in than without.

Good luck to all that take the plunge!

 

[Guyincognito76]

After 6 months of pretty much eventless clipless riding, I unexpectedly found myself at a standstill, and unable to unclip. Fortunately there was a verticle soil bank which broke my fall; I say fortunately, because as I tried to jump to my feet before anybody saw me I realised my arm was pointing in the wrong direction.

 

[Nomadski]

Well the shoes finally arrived and they are too small! I ordered what should have been a size 8 like all my shoes are but this seems way too small even though according to Wiggle its a 43 (size 8).

 

[deadpool7]

Well the shoes finally arrived and they are too small! I ordered what should have been a size 8 like all my shoes are but this seems way too small even though according to Wiggle its a 43 (size 8).

Yeah, I'm like a size or two higher in clipless shoes. Its weird how they are sized.

 

[Nomadski]

Well Im damned impressed with Wiggles return system, best I have ever experienced from any retailer. They use a system called CollectPlus. Once you have clicked on Return on your account details it gives you instructions on what to print out. Print it, attatch it to the original box along with the returns sticky provided in the box, and pop to your local newsagent or whoever is part of this system. They scan it and give you a tracking number.

Totally free and hassle free. Really impressed.

Just hope they send me a size 44 as requested on my sheet, as their website shows - size 43 and then + size 43...

 

[ianrauk]

Well Im damned impressed with Wiggles return system, best I have ever experienced from any retailer. They use a system called CollectPlus. Once you have clicked on Return on your account details it gives you instructions on what to print out. Print it, attatch it to the original box along with the returns sticky provided in the box, and pop to your local newsagent or whoever is part of this system. They scan it and give you a tracking number.

Totally free and hassle free. Really impressed.

Just hope they send me a size 44 as requested on my sheet, as their website shows - size 43 and then + size 43...

Yup, used the system a few weeks ago. impressive way to do business.

 

[antnee]

Well your right about the Shimarno shoe sizing I am normally about a 44 size or thought I was but with all the posts on all the forums I went to before getting my Shimarno MTB SPD shoes I thought I would order at least two sizes larger and I was more than pleased I did as the shoes were a great fit.
Plus what Nomadski says about Wiggles return service is a really good way of doing things

 

[chernij]

Thank you for this - an extremely helpful guide!

Just this week bought Shinamo boots (size 48!) and pedals. I can certainly notice a change over distance but it's a bit harder to start off. I've got the SPD; they took a while to get used to walking in them!

 

[deadpool7]

Thank you for this - an extremely helpful guide!

Just this week bought Shinamo boots (size 48!) and pedals. I can certainly notice a change over distance but it's a bit harder to start off. I've got the SPD; they took a while to get used to walking in them!

I recently read online to start from a stop by pedaling without sitting into the seat (pedal while standing). I have to say it is much easier to clip back in this way. I also make sure to shift down a few gears to something easy to make it that much easier to start back up.

 

[Basil.B]

Don't forget to check your cleat bolts. Make sure they are nice and tight.
I have had to tighten mine already.

 

[Phoenix Lincs]

Had my first (and hopefully last) clipless moment today .

I don't think I've been clipping in properly, I've been getting a nice little click, where my feet to allow me to bring the pedal up with my foot, but powering up a hill (slope) I heard a couple of really loud CLICKs and then when I came to the junction, I couldn't get either foot out. I was twisting my feet and legs like a hurricane going mental, but hit the deck to my right. My feet were STILL attached so I'm going into the garage soon to see if I can work out how to loosen the tension so I don't have another moment.

Bruised hip, grazed knee and a crooked saddle, BUT, most importantly, nobody saw me!!!!!

 

[Black Country Ste]

Well I attempted to fit my A530s last night but bost the multi-tool spanner in the act of removing the old pedals. Sheared straight in half. Got hold of a proper spanner today, fitted the new pedals nae bother. Faffed for ages trying to fit the cleats to the shoes, got there in the end.

Even on minimum tension, although clipping in while balanced in a door way is getting easier clipping out again is a nightmare. Clearly my weedy legs aren't happy with the necessary twisting motion. I'll keep practicing and do a few shuttles in a side road later on.

 

[Sterba]

I am still trying to make the transition from toeclips to clipless and finding it hard, for two reasons: first: fear, fear of not being able to get my foot out in time; second: difficult to locate the click-in without having to look down and move the foot around a bit until it is in exactly the right place. I am using Crank Bros pedals and cleats because they have a very easy release that is not related to the firmness with which the foot is held in the pedal. Even so, the whole process of changing to clipless is proving a worry, especially as I mainly cycle around town in constant stop-start traffic

 

[Sterba]

LIES!!
[media]
]View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trp_UZgMWTE[/media]

It says "This video is private" and won't let me see it. What am I missing?

 

[Louch]

When I got my bike I Only knew one person who cycled.her big push was for me to get clip less pedals, and she recommended I get keo look.I bought them and as yet haven't fit them. From reading this I'm a little afraid these may be too advanced for me. Should I be afraid of fitting them?