Wish me luck

[NormanD]

Well after reading many posts about going clipless , I've taken the plunge and bought some Shimano M520 pedals and a pair of these http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/bg-sport-mtb-shoes-ec011618 .. I bought them at Edinburghcycles (great friendly service) ... very comfortable to wear which the salesman insisted was right before selling me the shoes (that’s good service)

I’ve also booked marked the many “set up cleat advice” you guys have posted and advice written in other posts, so won’t go into the “how do I” bit. … It’s lashing down at the moment, so can’t go out on my first test ride or road rash encounter (should it happen) lol

From a newbies point of view (first time clipless) it might be interesting if I post my feelings on switching to these … now when’s that rain going to ease a little?

Norm

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Good luck Norm. You'll be fine!

If you do have 'a moment' you'll be in good company - and your loss of dignity will be gone in a flash!

 

[spandex]

You will be fine !!

 

[arallsopp]

Depending on domestic arrangements, you might find a valuable hour spent watching Big Brother (or whatever) whilst leant up against the lounge wall, clipping in, backpedal, and out, foot down, repeat.
Muscle memory will build, and after a nights sleep you'll find it (almost) intuitive.
Then head out on the bike. They work in the rain too, by the way

 

[SimonC]

"Wish Me Luck", FFS, you are going on a bike with clipless pedals, not scaling Everest.

 

[John the Monkey]

This is the beginner's section, SimonC - we are not at home to Mr Snarky here, if we can help it.

NormanD - my own experiences are here, fwiw - http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=10291

 

[SimonC]

Beginner or no beginner - he's still a grown up isn't he. Doesnt need a group hug before setting off with his new pedals.

 

[John the Monkey]

I suspect the title to be at least a little bit in jest.

Again, this is the beginners section, and people can be apprehensive about all manner of things that (doubtless) you and I take in our stride (riding to work for the first time, moving from cyclepaths to riding in traffic, making the right choice for first bike &c). Popping up just to snark about those worries in this section seems a bit off to me, YMMV.

 

[Landslide]

Good luck NormanD!

 

[NormanD]

Ah Simon you fail to see the SOH of it all in the title, but then again if I were reading this post just to obtain a little advice, I'd be rather put off from your comments and fail to post again for fear of ridicule from such a (got it right first time every time, without asking) professional as yourself … now give me a hug and be nice to fellow potentional first time posters.

Well thank you guys a little encouragement does go a long way … I have to say I’m mightily impressed by taking this route, the bike feels so much more part of me now, in that I can feel the power I’m putting through it in both the down stroke and up stroke, I still have a bit more tweaking to do with the cleats / pedal tension, and some tweaking of the seat position as that’s changed a little too, but I’m learning

The best way to learn is to ASK people in the know; the “I don’t know” response is not an answer!

Norm

 

[I am Spartacus]

the “I don’t know” response is not an answer!

Norm

works for me....
I can say it in French and German as well.. but not currently Spanish or Italian

 

[HJ]

I don't know if you have tried yet, but if you have and you have had any difficulty in disengaging from the pedals, get a 3mm Allen key and adjust the tension spring on the binding (see here) on the pedal. In my expedience then new the tension is far to high making it difficult to disengage.

 

[Sittingduck]

*Begins group hug*

Don't listen to all this talk of "clipless moments". I think it's an urban myth

Go for it!
SD

 

[simongrant]

Good luck Norm,i was in your shoes 12 months ago,would never use platform pedals again,and i have had one moment only in a year.You will be fine,as for simon C i can't imagine what the 'C' stands for

Simon (without the 'c')

 

[potsy]

Hi Norm
I have just bought some spd shoes but have not yet plucked up the courage to get the pedals,the more I read on here the more I am convinced they will really help my cycling so will be getting some soon.
Not sure whether to get the single or double sided yet though,am erring towards the double.