swapping to toe clips and drop bars ! help

[Lucy loo]

Hi ,ihave been commuting for three years now on a hybrid bike and have caught the cycling bug.
My company started a bike scheme so i have treated myself to a basic Speacialised road bike which i love , but only to look at at the moment , as i am finding it hard to use the gears and the clips . the clips in particular , and i feel im losing my confidence .
Any tips please .

 

[tyred]

Toe clips can be a bugger to get the hang of. It takes practice, and if yours are the fine webbing type material, they can be too flexible and catch on your shoe rather than allowing your foot to slide in as intended. They can be removed from most pedals if you like or try using proper leather straps which are much easier to use.

No doubt someone will be recommending clipless pedals shortly but that is a matter of personal opinion.

I would say remove the clips and cages and get the hang of the gears and the feel of the road bike which is probably "twitchier" than what you're use with and then try them again.

 

[snailracer]

The spidery toe clips designed for use with straps can be difficult to get in and out of. Fortunately, there are alternatives, such as Zefal MT45 toe cups, £6 a pair:

 

[Dave Davenport]

Yep, remove the toe clips for the time being then go somewhere quiet, maybe an industrial estate on a Sunday and practice using the gears etc.
You can think about what type of pedals you want when you've got used to the new bike.

 

[HLaB]

The first time I went to drops the bike felt very twitchy and I thought I'd made a mistake, that twitchyness was non existent on the second go.

Also how are you riding your drops, most riders ride on the hoods which is similar to riding a flat bar. I usually only transfer to drops on down hills or into strong headwinds.

Straps can be a pain at first too you may consider changing the pedals for flats or urban (strapless toe clips) or maybe at a later date when you are more confident you may consider clipless.

Just don't rush anything confidence will come with time.

 

[Lucy loo]

Toe clips can be a bugger to get the hang of. It takes practice, and if yours are the fine webbing type material, they can be too flexible and catch on your shoe rather than allowing your foot to slide in as intended. They can be removed from most pedals if you like or try using proper leather straps which are much easier to use.

No doubt someone will be recommending clipless pedals shortly but that is a matter of personal opinion.

I would say remove the clips and cages and get the hang of the gears and the feel of the road bike which is probably "twitchier" than what you're use with and then try them again.

thank you
i think i will do as you suggested and just concentrate on the gears , and positioning as it is so different .

 

[Lucy loo]

Yep, remove the toe clips for the time being then go somewhere quiet, maybe an industrial estate on a Sunday and practice using the gears etc.
You can think about what type of pedals you want when you've got used to the new bike.

thats a great idea thanks !

 

[Rob3rt]

Maybe consider some straps such as "Re-strap" footstraps. They are mightily easy to use and they are secure enough for everyday riding.but I agree with the other posters, its likely more productive to just ride flats while you get used to your bike.