First clipless ride

[chris-s]

After getting my new bike earlier this week, I aborted the clipless shoes for my trainers on the first ride but 'went for it' last night and they were great. Only exception was at a major roundabout where I struggled to get my foot back in after I set off, causing wobbling chaos as I went around! Fortunately the motorists were very forgiving and didn't give me any grief whatsoever. My calf's are a little strained today, but I think that is more to do with trying to go too fast and general un-fitness than anything else.

I'm thinking of joining my local cycle club on an 'easy run' this sunday just to see how I like it.

Chris

 

[HLaB]

Nice one chris-s

 

[numbnuts]

That’s great, my first ride I fell off after 30 seconds after fitting them I was still outside my garage

 

[2Loose]

That’s great, my first ride I fell off after 30 seconds after fitting them I was still outside my garage

So typical, my first runs went fine apart from stopping on the drive when I got home. I think most clipless falls must occur within five yards of home

 

[Eoin Rua]

I think most clipless falls must occur within five yards of home

So true!

Clipless is definitely the way to go, once you get properly used to it it's a dream and you'll never look back!

 

[chris-s]

That’s great, my first ride I fell off after 30 seconds after fitting them I was still outside my garage

Thats precisely why I abandoned them on the first night!

Chris

 

[Banjo]

Well done .Dont forget to retighten the cleat screws now and then as they can become loose as the cleat beds in. I had a major "moment" in a que of rush hour traffic when one cleat had become loose preventing me unclipping.

Insult to injury a friend of mine and his wife were in their van right behind,they said they would have helped me if they could have stopped laughing .

 

[Jmetz]

So typical, my first runs went fine apart from stopping on the drive when I got home. I think most clipless falls must occur within five yards of home

So true.. exactly the same happened to me... then a few days later at 5.30am on my way to work coming of the drive, car comes; i stop and sideways i fall into the neighbours gardens. I did one whilst out last friday, walking home with my gf from the train station, although i was on my bike, i clipped in and cycled by her, anyways at a roundabout we had to wait in the middle of the carriageway on a traffic island due to a large group of vehicles, and over i go.

she found me lying on the ground in the fetal position hilarious, personally it was more embarassing haa.

The falls definately occur when concentration dips such as starts and ends of rides or activities out of the ordinary where you arent quite in that 'riding mind'.

I love clipless though!

 

[Jezston]

I've been clipless for two weeks now - haven't fallen off yet! And not sure I will - I got crank brothers 'egg beater' style pedals and cleats - I've noticed you can unclip by sharply pulling your foot to the side, not just twisting, as you would if you were going to put your foot down off a regular flat pedal.

One issue I have had, is that when I stand up to pedal hard, I can feel my feet sort of floating about on the pedal and can't keep it up for as long. Is there any way of sorting this on a Crank Bros pedal? Not sure there are ways to tighten/loosen such pedals...

 

[automatic_jon]

I'll add my voice here too, I've been clipless for several months. Apart from one clipless moment while practicing in the hall way in my flat (which ended with me and the cat laying in a heap at the bottom of he stairs with my bike on top of us) and one moment in front of the entire local CTC contingent at a coffee shop I think they're great. Even if I do look a tool walking up to lecture in the shoes sometimes.

 

[decca234uk]

They're a bit nerv-wracking to use for the first few times but once you've got the hang of it they are well worth it.

 

[Willo]

I think most clipless falls must occur within five yards of home

True for my first clipless moment - on the patio where at least no-one was watching. My 2nd (and last to date!) was in front of the bus stop at the train station while waving to someone I barely knew. It took me a while to get used to them but glad I perservered (I had to having splashed out on some sexy Sidi's as part of my mid-life crisis

 

[the_mikey]

I've fallen off my bike too many times at junctions, still can't get used to them, I've come to the conclusion they're not really suitable for urban riding. Also lost a tooth from a bad landing, so I'm thinking it's best to abandon this idea!

 

[HJ]

Clipless isn't for everyone, don't let it get you down...

 

[BrumJim]

Almost had a clipless moment today - just about saved it at the last moment. Still all clear, and coming up to my first anniversary.