just got clips on my Specialized

**whatabetty** · June 22nd, 2005, 07:41 AM

I'm a little nervous about clipping in and out of my new peddles. I don't want to be a tipped cow. Does anyone have any suggestions on the best way to get used to them?

**FitnessPhotos** · June 22nd, 2005, 07:53 AM

I had pedals added to my bike which flip and let you "clip in" and I bought a pair of shoes that you can walk on with clips built-in; but I don't have a clue how to use them and haven't even tried yet. I was planning on taking them to a spin class any trying them out there.

Any advise the pros have would be greatly appreciated here as well.

**whatabetty** · June 22nd, 2005, 08:03 AM

I do clip in and out at a spin class, but haven't on a moving vehicle.

**Old_Fart2** · June 22nd, 2005, 08:26 AM

I don't use the clips, I just use the pedals with the straps. I have enough trouble with them; I figured I didn't want to be falling over every time I stopped.

I actually have the clip pedals, too, but I'm going to wait a while before I try that. I've spent enough money on this as it is (I had to go buy one of those cool bike shirts and a helmet that matched my bike and a new floor pump, etc.)

**Brock Samson** · June 22nd, 2005, 10:24 AM

Okay, the best way to clip in and out is to do it while you are moving. Clipping in requires a certain finesse which varies among the different pedal systems available. Clipping out is a terrifyiing thought b/c nobody wants to fall over and scrape themselves up or be embarrassed in front of friend/strangers so heres what to do and it's quite simple. Just turn your heel away from the frame and it will unclip your shoe from the pedal. You can simulate the movement sitting at the computer as you read this.

The key when first starting out is to remind yourself to do it while you still have a good amount of momentum and after you unclip simply keep your foot on the pedal unclipped as you slow to a stop. You only have to do it with one foot and simply use the ball of your foot to pivot your heel outward. If this doesn't work then chances are your pedals are on a very tight setting from the factory and you can adjust them following the instruction manual or consult your local shop mechanic and have them loosened.

Within a couple of rides it will become second nature to you, most of the newer riders I interact with have a more difficult time clipping into the pedals than clipping out.

Old fart2:

I would use the clipless pedals, they are much safer and easier to use. It's like everything else; practice, practice, practice. I also think that may help relieve the soreness in your ankle if you use them on an easy setting. It should just be an easy "click" sound and nothing more. The Shimano road pedals are probably the most user friendly pedals I've used.

See you guys on the road!!

**Old_Fart2** · June 22nd, 2005, 10:34 AM

What are the "Clipless Pedals"? I haven't heard that term (bear in mind I'm a novice).

**whatabetty** · June 22nd, 2005, 10:49 AM

my understanding is clipless pedals are just what they call the pedals one clips in and out of. Please anybody correct me if I'm wrong, but that's what I heard froma a buddy of mine. Thanks Brock for your advise. I'm hoping to ride tomorrow on the WOD. I'll let you all know how it goes.

**Old_Fart2** · June 22nd, 2005, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whatabetty

my understanding is clipless pedals are just what they call the pedals one clips in and out of. Please anybody correct me if I'm wrong, but that's what I heard froma a buddy of mine. Thanks Brock for your advise. I'm hoping to ride tomorrow on the WOD. I'll let you all know how it goes.

So let me get this straight: "clipless" pedals are the pedals with clips?

**pigperson** · June 22nd, 2005, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old_Fart2

So let me get this straight: "clipless" pedals are the pedals with clips?

Well actually "Clipless" use cleats. The "Clip" that is used in reference is for a clip and strap system...the type you would have to slide your foot in and out of. They are also one sided, having to be flipped to mount (sounds like sex, hehe, sorry).

To practice using a clipless/cleated system is the key to happy rides out on the road. If you have a bike trainer or access to one, attach your bike to it. Then hop aboard your trusty steed and get a feel for the placement of the cleat. Most systems are "toe in first", meaning you have to tilt your foot slighty forward and toe down to engage the system. Once you have found the binding, apply pressure downward on your heel to fully engage the pedal. It is also good to practice clipping in while keeping your head upright, looking at an imaginary horizon line. You don't want to get use to having to look down at your pedals to clip in, especailly while your riding next to other moving vehicles or potential road hazards. Some pedal systems are double sided, a much easier design, like what is found on mountain bikes or touring bikes.

Once you are comfortable, just go find a road/path that you feel comfortable riding
on and practice clipping in and out. And as Brock said, pre-release if you know you are coming to a stop or are approaching a section that you may need to "dab" aka. set your foot down. Also with new pedals and cleats, apply a little grease to the binding of the pedal and to the shoe cleat itself. That will help with the break in period. You can also adjust the tension of the clamping mechanism should you need to increase/decrease the amount of pressure needed to engage/disengage the pedal. Once you get used to it, you'll never go back to the clips and straps again, it's so much better. Good luck.

**Brock Samson** · June 23rd, 2005, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whatabetty

my understanding is clipless pedals are just what they call the pedals one clips in and out of. Please anybody correct me if I'm wrong, but that's what I heard froma a buddy of mine. Thanks Brock for your advise. I'm hoping to ride tomorrow on the WOD. I'll let you all know how it goes.

\

You must live in the Metro area where I grew up. I'd ridden the WOD for yrs and bought my first race bike from Bike Pro Shop in Georgetown, a Bianchi with Campy Nouvo record. I still remember riding it home on the WOD, in short, it changed my life.

Good luck and watch out for oncoming recreationalists...

ps Pigpersons post to this thread is great

**JayDog** · June 23rd, 2005, 10:45 AM

a picture is worth a thousand words... this will help Pigpersons description of "toeing" into a clipless pedal.

**Old_Fart2** · June 23rd, 2005, 11:56 AM

Any recomendations on shoes? I've just been wearing my Asics running shoes but realize this may be aggravating my ankle problems because of the non-rigid sole.

**bramstoker** · June 23rd, 2005, 12:56 PM

Thanks to Brock Samson and pigperson for the good advice. I agree completely. Clipless pedals are much better and safer than cleats. With cleats you need to reach down and loosen them to get your foot out unlike with clipless pedals. They do take some practice depending on the brand of pedal you use, but once you get used to them they are a lot nicer. I would never go back to a cleat and strap configuration.

Old Fart, “bike shoes” are the only way to go. You would be surprised how much more comfortable they are for riding than running shoes are, not to mention how much more efficient they are. The stiff sole, while horrible for walking, is great for riding, and may help alleviate your problem. I don’t really have any great advice on the make of shoe. Much is just personal taste. A nice, light-weight, breathable upper with velcro straps for quick, easy adjustments while still on the bike works for me. All shoes feel somewhat different and you just have to try them on and see which one fits the best. The pedal/clip system is the biggest concern for most people. Look/Shimano/Others are very different and some people like one and hate the others. I’ve never owned really expensive shoes so I can’t speak to how much better they are than the in-expensive ones. But even those will be much nicer than your running shoes. There are a few websites where you can get a lot of different opinions on a lot of products.

This one is for mountain biking gear
For shoes: http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/shoes/
All reviews: http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/

I can’t remember the road bike site, but when I do I’ll let let you know. Unless someone else knows it or a similar one before I can find it.

EDIT: I found the road bike review site. Like the MTB site it lists a bunch of consumer reviews of various products, some helpful, some not so helpful. Take it for what it's worth.

Road Bike Review.com site: http://www.roadbikereview.com/reviewscrx.aspx

**whatabetty** · June 23rd, 2005, 06:37 PM

Thanks guys for the great advise. Great visual of the exact pedals I have on my bike. They are double sided. I did go on the W&OD today and had a heck of time clipping in my left foot. (I'm going to have to loosen it some), but when it came to my first stop my left foot was in and I did my first cow tipping! It was quite hilarious. Got my first battle wound and finished the day with 30 miles without falling again. I can't wait to go out again for some more.

**pigperson** · June 24th, 2005, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whatabetty

Thanks guys for the great advise. Great visual of the exact pedals I have on my bike. They are double sided. I did go on the W&OD today and had a heck of time clipping in my left foot. (I'm going to have to loosen it some), but when it came to my first stop my left foot was in and I did my first cow tipping! It was quite hilarious. Got my first battle wound and finished the day with

30 miles without falling again. I can't wait to go out again for some more.

Way to go!! 30 miles with the new pedals. GJ!

I'm sure we've all had our fair share of "Cow tipping", I know I have.

**whatabetty** · June 24th, 2005, 05:28 PM

Thanks pigperson. I hope everyone has a great ride this weekend!

**Brock Samson** · June 26th, 2005, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old_Fart2

Any recomendations on shoes? I've just been wearing my Asics running shoes but realize this may be aggravating my ankle problems because of the non-rigid sole.

You definitely want to get cycling shoes. What kind of pedals do you have? My shoes are Sidi Genius 4's and they are like wearing bedroom slippers, very comfortable and a stiff sole. I race with the ergo 1.

A good rule with a new pair of shoes that are too stiff is to get them wet and ride, they will conform to the shape of your foot as they dry while you ride.

**Old_Fart2** · June 26th, 2005, 11:29 AM

I went and bought some Specialized shoes yestereday with the cleats. I already had some clipless pedals (Wellgo RC 713) that I got when I bought the bike.

I only fell once today! And that's was when I went of the trial and tried to come back on, the tire caught on the edge of the concrete and down I went.

My bike suffered a few scratches on the rims but i was OK. The pedals worked fine.

**bramstoker** · June 27th, 2005, 06:43 PM

I've fallen in the stupidest ways too. Once I was barely moving and my tire slid off the curb and down I went, in front of a whole bunch of people. That was embarassing...and pretty damn painful too.

But seriously, how are the shoes? Did you notice the difference between those and running shoes? When I first started riding, long ago, I remember saying "what the hell do you need special shoes for to ride a bike?". I didn't realize what a difference they made. I learned quick though.

**pigperson** · June 27th, 2005, 10:50 PM

Hmm, falling isn't fun at all, especailly in front of people. It's really funny when your shoes are full of mud and the hill gets really steep to the point you stall and start to roll backwards (we're talking mountain biking). My damn shoes will not release...*tug, pull, twist*...nothing gets them out. I finally come to grips that I'm about to have a "dirt lunch", so out goes the hand and down goes my face. Slap!! But thank you the dirt is much softer than asphalt. My ego is usually the thing that gets the most damage. It's all part of the fun I tell myself...yeah right.

It does make a big difference though. You can start to pedal circles instead of blocks now. Also if you need to clear something in the road, just jump, your bike will follow. plus they sound so cool "clipping" in, *SNAP!!* off ya go...