Clipless Pedals FAQ

[fabregas485]

Thanks. Just one more thing, when on the hoods does it take a bit of getting used to the position? I ask because I get some discomfort between my thumb and index finger when on them.

When I got my road bike I went straight to the drops, so when someone told me the more efficient riding style is on the hoods my hands started to hurt. I found the problem to be the way I was holding it, and the lack of riding with that weight on my hands before. Now I do not feel any pain, but I do think I need a shorter stem. (How do I know if the handlebar - saddle setup I have is right for me?) Where should my hands reach etc

 

[GmanUK65]

I'm going back to clipless soon, do you think I'll be more or less likely to experience the 'moment'?

There is one bit of advice. Remember you are using clipless pedals and unclip well before you have to until it becomes natural (I am not up to the natural stage and I unclip well before junctions and traffic lights. The only problems I have had is when I have to make an emergency stop).

 

[Uncle_Fluffy]

After 3 weeks of using the clipless pedals it's all pretty much second nature now.

I'm still waiting to fall sideways into the road with my feet stuck to the pedals tho

 

[GmanUK65]

Its sort of second nature to me too except when trying to unclip when my foot is in the upstroke which I have gotten into the habit of doing and sometimes I have trouble unclipping. When I unclip on the downstroke everything is fine. I suppose I have to get out of the habit of trying to unclip on the upstroke and get into the habit of unclipping on the downstroke.

 

[bozmandb9]

I've been using the clip less pedals for a week now, not long, but I must say it's been a lot easier than I expected. Clipping in has been fine, once or twice I struggled, but most of the time it goes in first time, I find the more I try, or worry about it, the more I struggle, whereas when I'm relaxed they it tends to go straight in.

As for unclipping, no problem whatsoever, and no moments. As commented above, I think if you expect a moment, then maybe you'll have one. It's really not that difficult (I know a week is not a long time to go clipless, but I'd assume that the moment becomes less likely over time).

 

[GmanUK65]

I find a moment may happen when you stop and your mind is in other places, never had a full moment yet but there has been several close shaves

 

[Leodis]

Guys thanks for the advice, clipless is the way forward, they are great although my shoes are a little big for me I enjoy more power up hills.

Going to pop some Look on the commuter, anyone used these Exustar Look Keo Pedals from Planet X? Are they just cheap Look copies or are they a good brand which use Look's system?

Thanks in advance

 

[fabregas485]

For the record, I am now officially clipless. I fell yesterday in the dark, after forgetting to clip out after my rear light fell off. I fell onto some grass lucky, otherwise it would have been a broken wrist.

 

[SHornswaggle]

I love clipless pedals! I use spd SL and the yellow cleats! I have mine on the weakest setting.. My biggest fear and guaranteed to make me fall off is stopping at the top of a steep hill that has taken all my energy.. I can never unclip..

That said I can unclip when the pedal is at 6 o'clock - no other position at all...

How do you all get past this or am I alone?

 

[Born2die]

Never really thought about it but now I do I unclip at 6 too

 

[fabregas485]

If you try just sitting on a chair, bend your knee and then try twist your heel out, you will find it to be hard, where as with a straight leg its easy.

 

[SHornswaggle]

I'm doing it lying down in bed tut! I do everything I read haha! But you are right!!

 

[themosquitoking]

I tend to do it at twelve o'clock, find i have more leverage there.

 

[fabregas485]

A little advice for anyone who is going to go clipless. Ensure the pedals you buy are suitable for you. I wanted to buy multi angle release, but I wanted black pedals to match my bike and did not find out they were single point of release till they arrived. That said, I am glad I have single points as it allows me to pull on the pedal if I am struggling.

 

[themosquitoking]

A little advice for anyone who is going to go clipless. Ensure the pedals you buy are suitable for you. I wanted to buy multi angle release, but I wanted black pedals to match my bike and did not find out they were single point of release till they arrived. That said, I am glad I have single points as it allows me to pull on the pedal if I am struggling.

I think if you want multi release you need new cleats not pedals.