Clipping in and out

[gaz]

Looking at trying fixed for my commute, only worry for me is clipping in and out. I got a lot of potential stops on route so that means lots of clipping out and clipping in again.
I currently use SPD-SL's and would rather keep that system. Obviously it's not a straight forward stamp on the cleat and your in with this system.
I've been looking at what i currently do when clipping in and it involves a sometimes short wait at 12 O'clock for me to get my foot in.

Anyone got any tips etc.. on what they have learnt/do?

Should i just man up and trackstand all the time?

 

[Ibbots]

Couldn't face it myself and went for spd's on fixed even though have spd-sl's on road bike and previous single speed. The spd's are not that great compared SL's as you probably know but I have no intention of switching back until I mastered he rock solid track stand, which is quite unlikley to happen. SL's are just too tricky for me to be confident that I will clip in instantly everytime especially when trying to pull away fast at a roundabout or something.

 

[gaz]

I can trackstand pretty well on my roadie, so i'm hoping that will be an easy step to master on fixed.

 

[mangid]

I can trackstand pretty well on my roadie, so i'm hoping that will be an easy step to master on fixed.

If you can trackstand on your roadie you should have no trouble on fixed. I use single sided SPDs (have done for years) and seldom if ever unclip.

--
Dan

 

[colinr]

Should i just man up and trackstand all the time?

Yes.


(Though I wouldn't touch SLs on fixed for a commute)

 

[Bicycle]

I've been riding fixed for about 6 months now and cannot track stand.

I build my fixed-gear using Look road pedals (all I could find in my pedal box) and they were OK>

I've now changed to Egg Beaters and they are wonderful.

You can drag the pedal to the angle you want by leaning forward with the front brake holding you, so the rear is off the deck.

Then starting is easy-peasy lemon-squeezy.

Your other foot will know where to look for the pedal.

I thought clipping/unclipping would be a major issue with fixed-gear, but it simply isn't.

I'd love to be able to track-stand, but I can't and it's not an issue....

... although it does help sometimes to 'wait' at junctions doing about 0.00001 mph.

I hope this helps.

 

[gaz]

Id rather not change my pedal system as that is going to be mean new shoes.

 

[colinr]

Invest in some decent straps and cages?

Sure SLs will be fine if you commit to learning it, just don't fancy it myself.

I'm confident with trackstanding but part of that is I know I can whip out of SPDs in an instant, SLs are just asking for hot clipless tumble action

 

[gaz]

I'm sure that tumble will get me lots of hits on YouTube!

I shall practise in a side street and see how comfortable I feel

 

[3narf]

I must admit it worries me.

I'm also concerned that I won't be able to bunny hop craters & I haven't tried commuting yet because of all this.

 

[Rob3rt]

I dont ride road cleats on my fixed, I use flats with re-strap pedal straps and these are secure enough to skid stop. When I do eventually switch to clipless on the fixed, I'll not be using road pedals

I must admit it worries me.

I'm also concerned that I won't be able to bunny hop craters & I haven't tried commuting yet because of all this.

Why wouldnt you be able to bunny hop? If you come unclipped when bunny hopping then your clips werent set tight enough in the 1st place. Riding fixed, tension should be quite high.

 

[Bicycle]

I think the bunny-hop worry may not be connected with the thought of coming unclipped.

It may be to do with momentarily stopping pedalling....

As to the potholes discouraging commuting, I wouldn't fret about that.

For me, the major issue with riding fixed-wheel is the different way the bike slows down, particularly if you need to stop in a hurry.

I never ride fixed anywhere near anyone's wheel... although on a geared bike I ride about a tyre-repair patch from elder son's wheel.

I find the fixed-gear just doesn't want to stop in a hurry.

 

[GrasB]

With Looks I found that disengaging on the upstroke with a little bit of pull gives the easiest disengagement. With speedplay Zeros I just turn my foot anywhere in the stroke & they break away just fine.

 

[fossyant]

SPD's on the fixed as I've got to walk a bit at work. Also easier to clip in and out.

 

[smokeysmoo]

^ +1, SPD's on the Langster, Speedplay Zero's on my road bikes. Couldn't justify the cost of SP Zero's for the Langster.