First time out - Any advice?

[STT]

Hello

Having purchased my shiney new trek 1.2 at the weekend, I'm planning to cycle home from work tomorrow afternoon (about 13 miles). Having originally thought I would have the toe loop thingys I was persuaded that I would be much better off with 'clip in' / 'clipless' pedals so with the shop offering me 10% of the value of the bike in free accessories I thought I might as well go for it but now I'm worried.

Not only am I riding a road bike for pretty much the first time, I've also got my feet locked into the pedals! I just wondered if anybody had any tips to avoid finding myself upside down in a hedge still attached to the bike?!?!

I've a couple of main roads to cross so its not just a case of getting on and going, there may be some stopping and starting and dont want to end up looking a fool!!!

Thanks in advance

 

[Ravenz]

Hello

Having purchased my shiney new trek 1.2 at the weekend, I'm planning to cycle home from work tomorrow afternoon (about 13 miles).

I remember the days when the bike shop would give a 'youth' to run with you for the first 100 miles so that you got used to clipless

 

[fossyant]

Get on, clip in, ride, unclip one foot before you stop at first..Enjoy.

Might be worth taking an allen key just in case you need to adjust your cleats whilst out !

 

[bonj2]

Hello

Having purchased my shiney new trek 1.2 at the weekend, I'm planning to cycle home from work tomorrow afternoon (about 13 miles). Having originally thought I would have the toe loop thingys I was persuaded that I would be much better off with 'clip in' / 'clipless' pedals so with the shop offering me 10% of the value of the bike in free accessories I thought I might as well go for it but now I'm worried.

Not only am I riding a road bike for pretty much the first time, I've also got my feet locked into the pedals! I just wondered if anybody had any tips to avoid finding myself upside down in a hedge still attached to the bike?!?!

I've a couple of main roads to cross so its not just a case of getting on and going, there may be some stopping and starting and dont want to end up looking a fool!!!

Thanks in advance

For clipless pedals, practice on a quiet road until you get the hang of it. Remember, unclipping is very easy, you've just got to remember to do it. Clipping in is relatively easy depending on what pedals you've got - some people find different ones easier than others.
You'll normally leave one foot clipped in all the time, and just unclip your other one when you need to stop.

can't help noticing you say you've got a couple of roads to *cross*, which kind of implies you're not cycling ON the roads, i presume it's a cycle path that you use...
Once you're confident with your clipless pedals you could try just cycling on the road all the time. Less bumpy, and you'll almost certainly make faster progress.

That said one thing you can do to avoid unclipping is to just grab onto the post with the button on it if it's a pelican crossing.

 

[Ravenz]

That said one thing you can do to avoid unclipping is to just grab onto the post with the button on it if it's a pelican crossing.

..all fine until you put yur hand into/onto something disgusting

 

[STT]

Thanks for the replies people, I'll keep an eye out for bad things on posts! Must remember to unclip!!!

When I leave work I have to cross a busy dual carriage way to get to the quieter roads, I thought it best not to be going near dual carriage ways!!!!

 

[caz]

Before going out on your first ride I would suggest sitting on your bike whilst propped against a wall or garage door and practise clipping in and out. Adjust the tension on the pedal so that you can unclip easily (and not get "locked", as you said, into your pedals) - that way you won't have a "clipless moment" at your first stop/junction!!

 

[gbb]

Hi STT...
IMO, going for it straight away is a bit dodgy. Maybe i'm thick, but it took me a week or so to get used to unclipping. The rest of its easy, but its those moments when you want to unclip fast...they may be a bit hairy at first.

If you're going for it, two pieces of advice...(i'm basing this on Look pedals)

Prepare yourself well ahead (maybe 20 mtrs) from any potential stopping points. Be alert at all times....if you're not, you'll suddenly find yourself needing to unclip...just when you're unfamiliar with it.
At TL's etc, I used to unclip one foot well in advance, even if you dont think you're going to stop.
Theres a knack to unclipping, and its easy when you know how. The natural instinct at first is to get flustered and lift your foot to unclip...it doesnt work.
Keep your foot flat and twist outwards, or sideways...this is the knack. It took me a while to work it out.

Be prepared for stopping...think think think.

Good luck anyway, and enjoy.

 

[spence]

Agree with caz & gbb, good advice. Set the tension loose at first and tighten as you get more confident. Also do one foot at a time. My first go, both feet clipped into very tight bindings, fell over. Looked very daft laying on the floor with a bike attached to my legs and no way of getting out.

The "comedy spd moment" is right of passage.....

 

[fossyant]

Hi STT...
IMO, going for it straight away is a bit dodgy. Maybe i'm thick, but it took me a week or so to get used to unclipping.

No, that's your age showing...........

 

[Cubist]

Thanks for the replies people, I'll keep an eye out for bad things on posts! !!

You'll find most of them on helmet and hi-viz debates.................

 

[PaulSB]

Hello
Not only am I riding a road bike for pretty much the first time, I've also got my feet locked into the pedals! I just wondered if anybody had any tips to avoid finding myself upside down in a hedge still attached to the bike?!?

We all fell off the first few times, it's just part of the learning curve. I've three points for you. Unclip the left foot first, if you're going to fall off it's best to try and go left rather than into the traffic!!!

It will take a while to find the most comfortable position for your feet. Mark the original positions and then make small adjustments till you find the ideal position.

Over time the cleats slacken off so keep an eye on this.

 

[HJ]

We all fell off the first few times...

A few times?? Most of may admit to one clipless moment, there are some here claim never to have had a clipless moment (I'm not one of them).

Things to remember is that it happens when you stop, so the risk of injury is minimal, and then mostly to your pride...