Getting the second foot in

[Matt12345]

I just took the plunge and bought clipless shoes. I have been practising in a field with many falls trying to clip in and out my 1st foot clips in with easy it's just getting my second one in the pedal always seems to be the wrong way round and I get it in about 1 in 5 attempts. Can anyone have any suggestions on what to do my shin can't take that much more!!

 

[vickster]

You could get double sided SPDs like M520 easy peasy. I gave up with single sided pedals after an accident

What pedals are you using? Are they on the loosest setting?

Or you may just needed to persevere until the muscle memory kicks in and you get the technique sorted. Which foot are you using as first and second? Might want to see if it works better the other way round? I'm not sure why you are falling trying to clip in, that normally happens because you can't clip out in time

 

[arch684]

You can get double sided spd pedals and spd-sl are weighted so should be the right way up

 

[Matt12345]

The bike I bought already had single sided spds and they do seem fairly old. They are on a loss setting as I clip in and out with easy on my right foot it's just getting my left foot in that's the problem. The pedal always seems to be the wrong way round and I just slip with my left foot and hit my shin

 

[vickster]

Get some M520s, job done for about £15-20

If the pedals have been on the bike a long time, they might be hard to get off, so getting an LBS to supply and fit might be easier (and safer for your knuckles)...although your post says you bought pedals?

 

[Matt12345]

These are the pedals atm

 

[vickster]

Ah those are SPD-SL type ...SPDs use different cleats (2 bolt). I've considered road pedals but have rejected the very reason you have given. Double sided SPD for me

Maybe the issue is worn pedal vs new cleat?

 

[Matt12345]

The cleats were given to me as well when I bought the bike. Shall I look to buy double sided spds?

 

[arch684]

The cleats were given to me as well when I bought the bike. Shall I look to buy double sided spds?

You will need to check if your shoe's will take spd cleats,spd are only 2 bolt fitting.wiggle sell spd pedals for about 17 quid and they come with cleats and they are look pedals you have the are not compatible with shimano spd-sl cleats

 

[martint235]

These are the pedals atm

Try moving your foot slightly from the rear rather than just pressing down on to the pedal. Slide the shoe from the toe which should then pick the front of the pedal up and you'll clip in smoothly.

 

[winjim]

Yep, knocking it up with your toe is the way. And if you find yourself losing momentum, keep pedalling with your other foot!

 

[Matt12345]

Yes that is what I found if I kick it with my toe but it is so hard to get still. Think I might get a double sided spds as my shoes are compatible with them

 

[si_c]

If you have look cleats, then it's unlikely your shoes will be compatible with SPD pedals and cleats unfortunately.

As has been said the pedals you have should be weighted so that the clip part it upwards, meaning you should have no problems. Not being overly familiar with the pedals, I would have thought that a service of them should likely fix the issue of them not being right side up. However, it may just be easier to get some new pedals and cleats.

Halfords have a set of spd-sl shimano pedals and cleats for not much..

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bik...imano-pdr-540-spd-pedals-sl-road-pedals-black

 

[midlife]

Try getting a bit more speed up and that will give you a bit more time to coast and put the other foot in.

Shaun

 

[vickster]

@si_c Not necessarily so, there are shoes (e.g Shimano R078) that will take both two and three bolt cleats, you'll still skid around like a crazy thing though as there is no recess