First clipless ride

[iAmiAdam]

I'm using toe clips atm as I don't want to spend a lot on my current bike. Being able to pull up aswell as push down helps a lot on hills and sprinting.

Cycling shoes really arn't for walking lol. Only option is to go for mtb shoes and pedals.

 

[guitarpete247]

I've gone for SPD pedals. M520's on road bike and EBC revolution two way pedals on MTB. Only clipless moment was when cleat bolt came out so cleat stayed still when I twisted my foot. Rolled gently onto a grass bank . I've since used thread lock to keep them in place.
I went for SPD so I could wear MTB shoes if I want to go off walking using either bike or dhb R1's on road bike if I'm just riding.

 

[paddymobile]

ive used clipless for a few charity cycles back home, but because im cycling through london evereyday with lots of stops and starts, and where immediate accelerating is paramount im hesitant about fitting them to my bike. has anybody else had problems with clipless and urban cycling???

 

[Peter10]

i'm still using toeclips. they really don't bother me too much. but i would maybe like to try clipless. my big worry would be the strain on my knees. i'm just recreational so don't really need the extra power on the pedal up which is really the only advantage?

I was concerned about the same thing. I have always used normal pedals and then went for clipless when I got my commuting bike. I find it much more efficient which in turn is actually less strenuous on my knees. Where normally to get a good bit of acceleration, it all comes from the downstroke, that same effort will do so much more. That's what I found anyway. I've had less issues with my knees since going clipless than without.

 

[HLaB]

ive used clipless for a few charity cycles back home, but because im cycling through london evereyday with lots of stops and starts, and where immediate accelerating is paramount im hesitant about fitting them to my bike. has anybody else had problems with clipless and urban cycling???

I'm not in London (Edinburgh is small by comparrisson) but my tactic is to go for a spd pedal with a cage, always keeping one foot clip in (in my case the right) and I actually find that better at stops in traffic as I can raise that foot/ pedal to the 2 O'Clockish position and I'm ready for an almost instant off. The cage helps with the other unclipped foot because if I miss the clip I can still get good traction and can clip in at a later date away from the junction and can unclip /stay unclipped as I feel safe.

PS don't overdo the tension, you want your foot to come out when needed.

 

[dnrc]

I just had my first go with spd's tonight

Went out for a ride through the city centre and didn't have any problems really

I actually found them easier to get out of than to clip in, not a problem though, just cycled with my heel till i got enough speed up to be steady enough to clip in.




I was maybe trying to be too accurate, it seemed easier to get in when i just jammed my foot down on the pedal.

My first clipless experience was good though.

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

So typical, my first runs went fine apart from stopping on the drive when I got home. I think most clipless falls must occur within five yards of home

Mine don't, I usually fall about 50 miles from home when I least expect it - I am not the world's greatest advert for clipless pedals!

 

[Peter10]

Touch wood, I haven't had any falls on my bike yet. I've had a few wobbles where I have pushed off a lamppost or railing when I haven't clipped out at the lights. Usually start wobbling as I forgot to change down a few gears before stopping.

 

[ianrauk]

ive used clipless for a few charity cycles back home, but because im cycling through london evereyday with lots of stops and starts, and where immediate accelerating is paramount im hesitant about fitting them to my bike. has anybody else had problems with clipless and urban cycling???

None whatsoever on a 34 mile round commute through South East London's finest sometimes gridlocked streets.
Anticipation is the key, and after a short while it becomes automatic anyway.

 

[oliver]

well i was about to start a new thread on this topic, but as there was already one i may as well use this
i speant 15-20 minutes clipping in out.... so i set off and at the first junction i spot a neighbour, they wave, i wave back.... and luckily my foot disconects and i manage to save myself, any hints on ways to train your self to remove your foot of does it take a few "atemps" and a few grazes

 

[Willo]

From the various accounts on here, some find it very natural and with others it takes plenty of practice and time. I was the latter and found it took me ages to feel confident clipped in. Well done for getting out on the road (and for not falling off). For me it was just anticipating a little more when approaching junctions, lights etc. and eventually it became second nature. One of my 2 clipless moments (and another v.near miss) can be attributed to waving/greeting someone. The added distraction can make you forget about being clipped in until you feel that horrible slow-mo descent to one side! My advice there is to be rude, at least until you're foot is out. I tend to unclip one foot (my right) 90% of the time when having to stop. This is 2nd nature, but I try and force myself to switch foot every now and then to be prepared just in case. IMO worth sticking at.

 

[philhul]

I've just fitted mine today. Practiced round the block a few times clipping in and out, no problems - yet! I'm sure I'll forget at some point when I'm on my long ride tomorrow though!

I did, however, go a**e over t*t on the laminate floor in my new shoes!

 

[oliver]

thanks willo- seems i need to keep at it.

another quick question- can you get spd cleat covers- to stop wearing and to ad a bit mor grip!!

 

[Willo]

Not sure about SPD covers, are the cleats not recessed; I use MTB shoes on my road bike. However they're Sidi dominators and while recessed in theory it's not by much and there's limited tread compared to more commuter/walking friendly options. They're okay for walking but not too far and can be a bit slippy. I know you can get covers for road cleats but haven't seen them for SPDs (hopefully someone more expert than me will answer that one). Not much use now, but there are a variety of SPD shoes with more walking friendly soles, but I prefer the roadish look of my Sidis!

 

[Willo]

Another thing, worth looking at cleat position. I was a bit blase, but worth a little read online to help understand and avoid knee injuries etc. Posting from my phone so struggling with links, but some useful advice and links under my recent aching knee rambles under health and fitness.