Clipless

[karen.488walker]

Am getting the hang of my shimano MTB clipless system. Have had the compulsory topple, where I released the wrong side. I have shimano reflectors on mine so that I can unclip and flip the pedal when I'm nervous. The problem I am having is on long steep uphills I'm finding it hard to unclip once I lose momentum. i.e. exactly when I need to stop. So I'm unclipping before and wimping out. But this is exacly when I need better contact with my pedals. Any ideas??

 

[marinyork]

Steep hills are a problem both clipping and unclipping, especially when tired. I don't think it's especially silly unclipping early as I've gashed my legs several times in those situations. Try selecting a lower gear and just making it up whatever.

 

[Breedon]

Have had the compulsory topple, where I released the wrong side

LOL happened to me twice you feel bit of a tit don’t you.

TBH I think it's a matter of confidence and time with them, I had them on my MTB but took them off as I was starting to get a little scared using them.
I have just brought some that you can flip over so there flat on one side so I would gain a little confidence and get on with them better.

Just persevere with them and you should be ok.

 

[Dave5N]

As with so many things things, practice improves performance.

Bike in doorway facing telly. Sit on bike. Watch telly for an hour. Clip in and out whilst doing so.

Sorted.

 

[Randochap]

Yes, it really is just a matter of practice.

But I'm interested in your description of toppling because you ran out of gears. Are you gearing down soon enough and do you have gears low enough for the terrain you are riding?

There should be no reason to find yourself in that position.

Have a look at the gearing information in the "randonneuring" section and "touring bike" sections of VeloWeb.

 

[HJ]

It might help to reduce the tension on the cleat, there is usually an allen nut to do this, it will make it easier to get out quickly. However make sure you don't make it too loose...

 

[montage]

It might help to reduce the tension on the cleat, there is usually an allen nut to do this, it will make it easier to get out quickly. However make sure you don't make it too loose...

Here is your answer

 

[simongrant]

"It might help to reduce the tension on the cleat" just to clarify to OP this means reduce tension on the pedals using the nut rather than the cleat.

Simon

 

[Dave5N]

I doubt it. You need the foot to sit firm in the pedal. Just get comfortable with getting in and out.

 

[karen.488walker]

Have nut in lowest postition already. As I say I'm fine on the flat, it's just because I'm losing momentum on hills. Don't understand gear comment. Am in lowest gear. MTB. 3 X 7? Guess it would be easier on my road bike but need the mountain bike for Off road sections. Guess I need to practice on less steep hills. Or I wondered if I should buy some multi directional release clips?

 

[simongrant]

I doubt it. You need the foot to sit firm in the pedal. Just get comfortable with getting in and out.

Whats in doubt?
Okay,go right ahead and loosen your cleats and let me know how you get on.

 

[HJ]

I doubt it. You need the foot to sit firm in the pedal. Just get comfortable with getting in and out.

I my experience the tension on new SPD pedals is often set to the maximum which can make cleating in and out difficult, especially for those who are new to it.

 

[simongrant]

Yep agree 100% HJ,both sets of my spd's were set to maximum when i first got em,backed em off to minimum and slowly increased as i got used to them.I hope you don't mind my earlier post about the cleat tension,obviously myself and many others knew what you meant but you might get a newbie to spd's who reads that and starts loosening his cleats which would'nt be good news lol.

 

[HJ]

Yep agree 100% HJ,both sets of my spd's were set to maximum when i first got em,backed em off to minimum and slowly increased as i got used to them.I hope you don't mind my earlier post about the cleat tension,obviously myself and many others knew what you meant but you might get a newbie to spd's who reads that and starts loosening his cleats which would'nt be good news lol.

Re-reading my original post I am glad you added in the clarification

 

[simongrant]

No problem at all HJ.

Simon