Setting off from stationary in clipless pedals

[Flyingfox]

I've just been for my first ride on my new road bike, I started off going around the flats where I live (gated development so no cars to speak of) getting used to the gearshifters and clipping in and out - I think I have the tension about right for a beginner.

Anway after about 20 minutes I decide to head out around the side roads, stopping on purpose at junctions to practice setting off and clipping in. I didn't do too badly, nearly went into the kerb a couple of times as I tried to flip my pedal into the correct position to clip in (I've got SPD SLs with grey cleats), but the hardest thing I found was my unclipped foot slipping around on the road surface and not getting any grip as I set off.

Maybe I'm just so used to having ordinary pedals and wearing trainers that grip the road surface, but is there a technique to setting off from stationary, or is it just a case of 'what you're used to'?

 

[gaz]

The question is how are you tryin to set off?
You shouldn't be slipping and sliding around in your shoes.

You need your bike in a good gear, one which you can push off in and get some good speed. Have your clipped in foot between 1 and 2 on a clock if you look at it from the right. When setting off do not push with your unclipped foot but instead put as much weight and power on your clipped in foot and the bike will start moving.

Now leave your clipped in foot at the bottom of it's rotation and you just need to aim the bottom of your shoe to just brush the top of the pedal and then push down. Yor cleat will engage and off you go.

If you don't get enough speed at first then you can pedal with just your clipped in foot until you get enough speed.

It takes a lot of practice but it's easy once you have it nailed in.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

The question is how are you tryin to set off?
You shouldn't be slipping and sliding around in your shoes.

What you should is have your bike in a good gear, one which you can push off in and get some good speed. Have your clipped in foot between 1 and 2 on a clock if you look at it from the right. When setting off do not push with your unclipped foot but instead put as much weight and power on your clipped in foot and the bike will start moving.

Now leave your clipped in foot at the bottom of it rotation and you just need to aim the bottom of your shoe to just brush to top of the pedal and the push down. Yor cleat will engage and off you go.

If you don't get enough speed at first then you can pedal with just your clipped in foot until you get enough speed.

It takes a lot of practice but it's easy once you have it nailed in.

I wonder if the cleats are proud of the shoe? Wouldn't that cause slippage?

 

[gaz]

I wonder if the cleats are proud of the shoe? Wouldn't that cause slippage?

The cleats have to be proud of the shoe with the 3 bolt system. But they are made of plastic and genreally have good grip.

I've only ever slipped once when using spd-sl's and that was on a smooth piece of wet metal. I've been using them for 5 years and walked many miles in them.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

The cleats have to be proud of the shoe with the 3 bolt system. But they are made of plastic and genreally have good grip.

I've only ever slipped once when using spd-sl's and that was on a smooth piece of wet metal. I've been using them for 5 years and walked many miles in them.

I didn't realise they were plastic. Cheers for that

 

[Flyingfox]

Thanks for the advice Gaz, it's only my first time out so I will take on board your advice and practice your tips to build my confidence up. It's such a different feel from my hybrid, don't think I'll be using it on my commute for a while yet.