Problems clipping in.

[markharry66]

I use clipless pedals daily never have a problem clipping in.
Just got my girlfriend into cycling (poor girl).
She had a motor cycle accident a few years back and her foot is not as mobile as it once was.

At start of cycle ride she seems okay clipping in. At the moment I have set up her up with standard shimano clipless pedals. I have also trying getting pedals as loose and as tight as possible seems to make little difference.
She refuses to use toe straps. I have suggested going back to flats any suggestions would be helpful at this point.

 

[Doobiesis]

I would try sitting on bike at home and practice the art of clipping in and out!

If she's a beginner it may be worth having flats till she gets used to bike and then go on to pedals. Check the cleats are in the correct place on the shoes and also that they're not too loose or tight.

 

[BigAl68]

I have very limited mobility in my left foot due to nerve damage from an old accident and found practice and more practice was the key. I started with SPD and moved to SPD-SL after about 6 months as I preferred the feel of them.

 

[markharry66]

Thanks she is currently on spd. She has been cycling for a few months finds it difficult to get used to clipping in flats might be way forward but she doesnt want to use them.

 

[Bazzer]

You say she refuses to use toe straps, but is this with them tight? May be loose to give some security to the foot, or even without the straps?

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Why doesn't she like flats?

Not really a lot of options if she doesn't like toe clips and isn't getting in with cleats.

You can get flappy plastic toeclips with no straps that locate your foot on the pedal and give a bit of support.

As clipping in seems to be the bugbear, maybe suggest she starts off with her toe to the rear edge of the pedal and slides her foot forward to locate & engage the cleat.

Otherwise maybe encourage her to leave the weakened foot clipped in and favour the other one for pushing off and the twisty work?

Never used look cleats so maybe not much of an idea, but they look (haha) like they're easier to locate and engage into than straight SPDs.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

I like the flat pedal option, Nothing wrong with that. But, if you want to persevere with clipless, why not spray some silicone lubricant onto her cleats as often as possible and just remember to keep those shoes off the carpets. Lubricant makes clipping out much easier.

 

[jnrmczip]

Maybe go for a double pedle flat one side clip on the other. This way if her foot gets sore flat side can be used

 

[markharry66]

Not sure she can use flats due to her foot quite weak. Really spd or other clipless option is really her only chance to cycle.

 

[jnrmczip]

Speed play peddles was talking to a guy in the cycling club about them and he seems to think they are a bit easier to get in and out of maybe go to the lbs and try some out ??

 

[Dayvo]

Is the cleat in the sole of your shoe the right way round?

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

SPD multi-release cleats? Can't remember the part number

 

[axwj29]

This thread just made me realise that I now clip in and out without a thought.

At first I really struggled and couldn't clip out going up hill/in a hurry. This was resolved by lubricating the pedals and cleats (they were already set loose).

I then found that maybe 50% of the time I was struggling to clip my right foot in. Now it just happens. I started in November (don't cycle all that often), so it can take a while. I'm not sure if the mobility will be the problem? Obviously it's another factor but perhaps it's worth persevering a little longer?

 

[markharry66]

SPD multi-release cleats? Can't remember the part number

Thanks for suggestion not a problem getting out of the clip its clipping in that she finds difficult.

 

[markharry66]

Is the cleat in the sole of your shoe the right way round?

Yes as I have spds so its me that put them on there.
I am personally at a loss what to do. She is on verge of giving up.