well ive bit the dust and just fitted spd's roll on broken ribs and skinned face monday morning

[ianrauk]

oh i think i will have quite a few clipless moments, hopefully i grasp it straight away

You really are over thinking things.

Just get on with using them and stop all the worry.
Not everyone has a 'clipless moment' despite what a lot of people say.
A little practice before hand goes a long way and practice clipping in and out when on your first ride.

 

[jazzkat]

You'll be fine clipping in and out.
It's forgetting that's the problem. You'll be riding along, coast to a halt and go to put your foot down....oops!
Have the tension at the lowest setting so that your foot comes out easily. As easytigers says, as you come to a halt remind yourself to unclip.
At least you won't be going fast so it'll just be your pride that hurts (hopefully).

 

[young Ed]

i only had 1 clipless moment and a fair few where it almost happened and but i just about managed to 'rip' my foot out in time whilst on the way down!
Cheers Ed

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

The only offs I've had from clipless have been at very slow speed, usually when stopping. I believe that's the classic situation for these mishaps. The very worst injury that this caused has been a slightly bruised hip. Embarrassment is probably what stings the most.

 

[Sharky]

Once you've mastered the technique on your freewheel bike, move up to clip-ins with a fixed gear, then you will have earned your spurs. Although don't try using these on a bike!

 

[andytheflyer]

The spring tension on the pedal is adjustable - set it to the weakest to start with - you'll find it easier to unclip in a hurry.

 

[Rouge79]

You really are over thinking things.

Just get on with using them and stop all the worry.
Not everyone has a 'clipless moment' despite what a lot of people say.
A little practice before hand goes a long way and practice clipping in and out when on your first ride.

what he said!!!

Do you have to think to pull the brake when you need to stop?

Clipping in and out becomes second nature.

It also saves your nuts from crashing down on the top tube when you slip off flat pedals

 

[Maylian]

well as the title says i have moved to the world of spds, just fitted the pedals. i reckon at least a fracture and a huge gaping cut awaits me when i test them for the first time on my way to work monday

Take it out for a practice. The day I upgraded I cycled up and down my quiet side road for about 30 minutes practicing. Never had any issues, unless it has been an emergency stop or something unexpected happens.

 

[jim55]

if i was u and felt apprehensive id get and try multi release cleats ,they release in more ways so avoiding that panic situation and u can unclip easily ,some people find them too easy to unclip but i use them all the time for commuting and have never had an issue,about the only downside (if u can call it that)is that they WILL clipout if you do the pulling up thing while pedalling (i bet most people dont anyway)
my pal has just got a new bike and i persuaded him to go clipless and it was the multi release cleats i got for him and he loves them ,,your feet are attached as normal until you try and pull out there must b a "limit "and beyond that they just let go (kinda half clipped in ,,,,KINDA),much safer imo and a lot easier for beginners
the cleat your after is sh56 (standard is sh51)and theyr the same price ,highly reccomended

 

[kevin_cambs_uk]

Its one of those things you only ever do once!
He says having 3 clip less moments I can think of since having them!

However they are the best cycling invention since sliced bread. You will wonder how you ever managed without them. Seriously.

 

[kevin_cambs_uk]

The only offs I've had from clipless have been at very slow speed, usually when stopping. I believe that's the classic situation for these mishaps. The very worst injury that this caused has been a slightly bruised hip. Embarrassment is probably what stings the most.

This is the truth

 

[I like Skol]

I had a clipless moment just a week or two ago. This is after using them for around 2 decades. I was out on the MTB and had messed up the food and drink provisions so was hungry, dehydrated and energyless. I was setting off to climb the final rocky, steep ascent and just stalled when I was trying to get going. Toppled sidewards and banged my shin on the rocks.

The funny thing is that normally as soon as I start to lose traction, or think I am going over the bars, I have a foot unclipped before I even realise I am in trouble. This time I was barely clipped in and suddenly was lay on my side cursing!

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Although a Clipless moment can happen enexpectedly to any of us, I find it much safer as you don't slip off the pedals in a situation - ie, dodging dog or cars that run/pull out on you.

I have SPDs on my hybrid and MTB, and SLs on my roadie and CX - couldn't live without them now!

 

[Rouge79]

Me and my big mouth.

Had 3 near moments today, one of which almost had me swimming in the Regents Canal!!

 

[ayceejay]

I don't think clip less pedals will improve basic riding skills like balance but once over this hurdle the improvements (like full 360 pedaling) are noticeable. A few precautions are advisable. As a lot of tumbles occur when coming to a halt it is wise to unclip at the approach to traffic lights, for instance or at a potential hazard.