No going back now....

[jamsarnie]

Yup, I've gone and got myself some SPD pedals and shoes.... I only went in for a saddle, but the pedals were so pretty and shiny on the peg that I found myself momentarily distracted...

Heres to my first clipless moment then!

 

[smokeysmoo]

There's no reason why you should have any moments. I've never fallen off due to forgetting I was clipped in, or because I couldn't unclip in time.
Take your time setting them up, make sure the tension is not too high or you will have a 'moment'
Then have a practice somewhere before you hit the open road. This way you'll build confidence and before you know it you won't even think about it.
Very quickly you'll find your riding style will probably alter too. You'll pace yourself upto junctions so you don't have to consider stopping, and you'll climb better as you get used to being able to pull up on the pedal as well.
Very few people switch back to platform pedals after cleats IME

 

[Gary E]

I walked into my local bike shop a couple of weeks ago to buy some spare tubes. Half an hour later I walked out with 2 pairs of SPD pedals and a pair of shoes.

It was like a visit to Aunty Wainwrights shop in Last of the Summer Wine!

I must remember to leave my debit card at home and take just enough cash for what I need next time. Only overspent by about £150

But you're right, they look lovely and shiny, just need to work up the courage to take them out and try them now

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

You need to try to remember to unclip about 10 metres from stopping until it becomes second nature

Tony

 

[DougieAB]

As Tony says, you should unclip before each junction or as you approach traffic, even if you think the junction is clear or traffic is moving you should unclip just to get used to it. Before long you will be unclipping without even thinking about it.

 

[Arjimlad]

Good for you. I have not fallen off due to clipless yet - I have come close to not getting feet out fast enough, but I have not actually fallen over yet.

 

[Fubar]

I've been clipless for approx 6 months now, have had 2 "moments" both on the same ride - one at a busy junction which was VERY scary!! But don't let that put you off, I was trying to be clever...

My rule now is that when I pull on the brake approaching a junction I automatically unclip one foot, just so I have something to balance on in case I do need to stop - helps that my pedals are double-sided so I don't have to think too much about clipping back in again.

One other thing, I find being clipped in for long periods my feet get numb, so occasionally I unclip just to let the blood flow again. Takes a bit to get used to but I don't miss my feet slipping off wet pedals anymore - enjoy! Mark

 

[smokeysmoo]

One other thing, I find being clipped in for long periods my feet get numb, so occasionally I unclip just to let the blood flow again. Takes a bit to get used to but I don't miss my feet slipping off wet pedals anymore - enjoy! Mark

I used to get this SPD's and still do a bit do my SPD-R on longer rides. Have you tried adjusing the cleat postion, and/or adjusting the tightness of your shoes? On my best bike the problem was resolved when I switched to Speedplay pedals, but that's an expensive fix, and it's seldom an issue with the SPD-R on my commuter due to my short distance commute.
I'd certianly check your shoe tightness, and failing that tweak your cleat position to alter where your weight loads on your foot. If all else fails it may be a case of trying a different style pedal, but you can usually find a suitable position with a little patience

 

[Fubar]

Yeah, I think I was strapping my shoes too tight to begin with - now it might just be the cold! Been looking at overshoes as well to give them a try, though I might try adjusting the pedals as you suggest - I'm always a bit wary of trying to fix something that aint broke!!

 

[Gravity Aided]

Adjusting the pedals helped me . It took me a long time to find the proper position and fine tune it .