First ride clipped in

[MattHB]

Well, took the plunge with my early Christmas pressie shimano m324 SPD/flat pedals, SH56 cleats and 2nd hand shimano shoes and went for my first ride clipped in.

Dark and mild tonight, was lovely to be out, still fighting off the end of a cold. I chose my favourite short route which is 13.5 to Wimborne and then along some of the lanes back via stir minster Marshall.

Needless to say it felt damn weird to be attached! Didn't seem to have any troubles unclipping when I needed to, although I. Hose a route with only 4 real stops in it. Clipping back in again was a bit tricky but after a little water stop at 9 miles I pushed off and clipped in without thinking, so that was good.

I've been reading up on proper 'complete' pedalling techniques and recon I did a reasonable job, although it felt weird and hard to maintain on the flat I was amazed at how much more power I had on hills while seated.

Got back and my average speed was 14.99. While I've been in the 14s quite a lot, it's the highest so far. As I've done a few night rides before and never averaged that much I don't think it was just me not focusing on the computer less that caused it. It'll be interesting to see if my average speeds remain higher over time.

Still struggling with saddle position though, but LBS have offered me a free fit after Christmas, so hopefully that'll cure it.

Anyway, SPD for me happy chappy

 

[DCLane]

This'll be me after Christmas. My present is a pair of Shimano 105 pedals for the Ridgeback and some Specialized BG Comp road shoes. I'm hoping to make the forum ride on the 30th, which should give me a couple of days practice.

 

[MattHB]

It was so much easier than I thought it would be and very enjoyable

 

[scotty110788]

I just put my carbon shimano clips on today and went for short 6 mile to town, was so wierd. just need to get into routine with clippin in as its a tad different to my caged 1s and so far annoying, once in, the rides great

 

[Blue]

Well done for not having a 'clipless moment'. Oh dear, maybe I shouldn't have mentioned that!!

 

[MattHB]

Well done for not having a 'clipless moment'. Oh dear, maybe I shouldn't have mentioned that!!

I'm sure it'll happen at some point!

 

[Blue]

I'm sure it'll happen at some point!

Of course it will,

 

[Muddyfox]

I'm sure it'll happen at some point!

Of course it will,

It'l be just when you think you've cracked it

 

[MattHB]

An hour today and still no off! Lol lets have a sweepstake

 

[Arrowfoot]

Well done .....and when you least expect it. It got me after a while, I felt relieved thereafter.

I wonder if anyone out there fell after a year.

 

[MattHB]

It's going to be those moments at a junction when I'm thinking 'go or not, yes GO! No! Damn! Stop! Crash!'

 

[vickster]

I always clip out one foot approaching junctions, that's way to avoid those moments

 

[MattHB]

I always clip out one foot approaching junctions, that's way to avoid those moments

I've managed to do exactly that so far, so here's hoping.

The bit I'm finding it hardest to get used to is consitantly pedalling in circles.

 

[Mrbez]

I was in the same boat.

I bought my first road bike in September and went clip less instantly. I was worried from everyone saying that I would come off, but I've not had an off yet.

I think it could be due to me remembering that I'm attached and being paranoid about falling off, but I've had no problems. Keep it up!

 

[MattHB]

Another 18 miles this morning.. Trying to work onmy circular pedalling technique. Man it works your glutes a lot more than 'normal'. Having to build myself up again distance wise, quite weird.

Nearly had a clipless moment tho! Left foot down, sitting at a red light, went slightly off balance to the right but managed to unclip without going over. Phew