New to clipless - tips please!

[oxford_guy]

Hi - I've recently got a new Hewitt Cheviot SE tourer (see the photos section for a picture) with Shimano A530 SPD pedals (they're flat on one side, have clips on the other) and Shimano MT51 SPD shoes (which I've found very comfy). I appreciate the power boost they give me, but am finding it a little slow to click-in to them and also have managed to embarrassingly fall off the bike twice at junctions after not unclipping quickly enough (fortunately with only minor damage to bike and rider). Does anyone have any tips for riding with clipless pedals? I don't want to damage my new bike (or myself) any further! How "tight" should they be, for example and any tips for clipping in and out quickly? Thanks!

 

[Downward]

Put them on the loosest until it's as easy to clip in/out as changing gear !
It's all about practise

 

[jayce]

Tension loosen it and if its all new too you it will come in time ,practice clipping in and out when leaning against a wall

 

[oxbob]

+1 as above advice,also try to remember to unclip left/right foot(your preferred foot to put down) as you approach junctions/lights

 

[HLaB]

I tend to keep one foot, the most powerful clipped in at stops (my right) and put the unclipped foot down (left in my case). You quite quickly get in the habit. I find that easiest for pushing off at junction the other foot usually clips in naturally when I push off when the left crank is at about 10 o'clock. If I miss its no problem, I just leave the foot unclipped and clip in at a safer point away from the junction.

 

[jayce]

I use my left for putting down after a while it all comes without thinking

 

[Mista Preston]

hello

I am new to clip less too. Done about 150miles now with them Found it was easier to clip out by actually clicking my heal inwards as opposed to out which is the recomendation. Whilst my clips are still stiff on the most loose setting I no longer feel at risk of falling.

After each ride I feel better with them. For the record I have fallen 4 times and all of them were at either junctions or traffic lights with people in cars laughing at me

 

[HJ]

Having a clipless moment is all part of the fun when you start but don't let it put you off.

Take you bike into the living room, find a position where you can lean against a wall and see the TV, then send the rest of the evening clipping in and out, by the time you switch off the TV it will be second nature.

I have only fallen over one, after making an emergence stop when I was still new to it, we all do it at sometime...

 

[Randochap]

It just takes time to "wire" your brain to a new action.

I never fiddled with tension on SPD pedals all the years I used them (now use Speedplay). Always left them at factory settings. They also wear in a bit.

 

[gbb]

It just takes time to "wire" your brain to a new action.
I never fiddled with tension on SPD pedals all the years I used them (now use Speedplay). Always left them at factory settings. They also wear in a bit.

I found this very true....
What i was doing at first was getting to a stopping point, then frantically trying to unclip. I couldnt seem to get it....until i started concentrating, and more importantly preparing mentally for potential stops. As i approached, i'd start to really think about what i was going to do, sometimes actually unclipping one foot, but leave it on the pedal. Sometimes, you dont have to stop...and just clip back in.
As Rando says...its just getting mentally used to it. FWIW, i never adjusted mine either.

 

[HJ]

If you are still worried you can always get Shimano Cleats SM-SH56, which allow to disengage by rolling or twisting the foot in any direction, even upward if given enough force. But as is said above, practice makes perfect...

 

[MajorMantra]

If you are still worried you can always get Shimano Cleats SM-SH56, which allow to disengage by rolling or twisting the foot in any direction, even upward if given enough force.

No doubt some people like them, but that really strikes me as a bad idea. I pull up hard with my SPDs especially when accelerating away from lights (partly because I'm riding fixed), and I can only imagine the mess I'd get into if they released when I was doing this.

Matthew

 

[mickeydrippin60]

i often lean on near buy railing's or do a track stand but thats just me bein lazy i suppose

 

[Lone Rider]

I took mine off, and went back to normal pedals - less problems - less accidents.

 

[gbs]

Hi - How "tight" should they be, for example and any tips for clipping in and out quickly? Thanks!

I have ridden in cleats for some 10 weeks or so perhaps 2x each week. FWIW here are my comments:
1. always uncleat left foot (to use the curb) and lean bike slightly to the left (away from traffic0
2. use lowest tension. I wonder at the utility of higher tension having not suffered any slippage yet
3. WD40 or similar works wonders if you have difficulty unclippoing
4. pedalling uncleated is feasible for short distances.

Enjoy!