Keep coming off my road bike!

[axwj29]

Of course reading the road and being prepared for what's ahead comes with experience, as does confidence. When we start to feel confident it's easier to be prepared for what's ahead.. Just a learning curve I guess.

 

[nobbyp]

I went spd at Xmas

2 off's both at less than walking pace due to brain wandering off and completely forgetting I was attached

I only have my half wit brain to fault so sticking with them as I really notice the difference particularly pm short sharp inclines where I get out of saddle and can feel the effect of pulling the pedal up.

If being clipped in worries you go flat. If your roadie worries you go hybrid. Just enjoy being on any bike that works for you

 

[mjr]

Of course reading the road and being prepared for what's ahead comes with experience, as does confidence. When we start to feel confident it's easier to be prepared for what's ahead.. Just a learning curve I guess.

And then there's another problematic part of the curve, where you get a bit arrogant...

Many flat pedal users are quite confident that they don't need to be clipped to the pedals

 

[axwj29]

And then there's another problematic part of the curve, where you get a bit arrogant...

Many flat pedal users are quite confident that they don't need to be clipped to the pedals

Hmm... yes it's really arrogant to come on to a forum and admit to multiple moments of failure isn't it... Just because you choose flats doesn't make someone else arrogant because they're finding that a bit of time and experience leads to more confidence with clipless. Each to their own

 

[mjr]

Wow, sorry you misunderstood it @axwj29. I mean the bit where people get a bit overconfident about predicting road events, get it wrong and end up in a bad place. Nothing to do with clipless or not, that bit

 

[axwj29]

Ooops mjray... my bad!

 

[Trickedem]

On my first mountain bike with spds my kids used to ride deliberately slowly in front of me so I would fall off. (They told me this years later). I had the spds set far to tight on reflection. I would second the advice to get multi release cleats and have them very loose. I love spds now, simply because it ensures my feet are in the right place on the pedal.

 

[Doobiesis]

It's also a fear of mine going up hills and losing momentum! I'm going to have to persevere with them as the shoes alone cost me £180. Will get there - bike so till in the shop being mended but am hoping to have it back on Saturday and going out on it. I'm also starting spinning to get my cardio fitness back.

 

[Berk on a Bike]

I fell a few times after going clipless. I lost confidence and became very apprehensive of using spds. But believe me, it becomes second nature eventually.

 

[Doobiesis]

I do need to loosen off the cleats as they're on a bit too tight.

 

[Berk on a Bike]

I do need to loosen off the cleats as they're on a bit too tight.

The cleats or the pedals? My pedals are on the loosest setting and they're fine.

 

[ColinJ]

I do need to loosen off the cleats as they're on a bit too tight.

Cleats should be tight, and pedal tensions loose (if you are worried about not being able to unclip).

One of a friend's cleats came loose and he was completely unable to get his foot off the pedal!

Oops - beaten to it by Berk!

 

[Doobiesis]

So I loosen the pedal?

 

[Berk on a Bike]

So I loosen the pedal?

There should be an adjuster which reduces the spring tension. It takes a small allen key. Turning it counter-clockwise will loosen the tension and make it easier to twist your foot out.

 

[ColinJ]

Ha ha - duplicate second reply aborted!