Bike Advice Needed - Specifically Pedals

[Foxy]

I have had the same Specialized Rockhopper for a few years now. I use it mostly for commuting, but I sometimes do some "off road" stuff, though pretty tame. For the longest time, I had regular run of the mill pedals on it. I could get going pretty good, even if I wasn't maximizing the power on my pedal strokes by using toe clips or clipless pedals.

I made the switch to clipless pedals about a year and a half ago, and I have hated it ever since. Even though I have the clips as loose as I can get them, I can't ever seem to get used to getting my feet out of the pedals, and I feel nervous and unsettled while riding. I know this is mostly a mind over matter thing, as I have first hand experience that if I really need to get off the bike, I naturally find a way of getting my feet out of the pedals in a hurry. But most of the time I just don't feel comfortable with my shoes clipped onto the pedal, to the point that I haven't been riding much anymore and I am strongly considering switching back to regular run of the mill lame-o pedals.

Before I do that, I was wondering if any other cycling enthusiasts on here had some advice about how they got used to clipless pedals. Do you suppose that they're just not for everyone, and I shouldn't think it's lame to make the switch back?

Any advice is most appreciated, and thank you for taking the time to read my post.

[Frank the Tank]

Hmmmm, I always go with toe clips as I just don't trust the clipless variety. Sorry I'm not much help.

[Mean Mr. Mustard]

With regards to clipless pedals it is definantly awkward at first there is a definate advantage with regards to the power transfer from yourself to the pedals (noticable with regards to climbing hills). I would first make sure that the pedals are not extremely tight which makes it more difficult to "pop" your shoes in and out. This is usually done with an allen key (unless you have egg beaters).

But just go out on a flat bikepath where you aren't going to have to stop all the time - and from there just practice, practice, practice....

Also remember just to swing your heal out to the side in order to get them out of the clips.

[Tron_fdc]

I friggin hate clipless pedals.....but then again I use a chairlift or get off and push my 45lb tank whenever I have to go up anything. You may not believe it, but there is a pretty hilarious feud between the DH riders and the the spandex wearing, silly helmet using, ounce counting cross country riders.

My advice? Go to Mtn Bike City and get a good pair of Azonics. They're what I use, and the grip on those bad boys is pretty insane. Just watch out if you miss your pedals.....those mofos will eat your shins up pretty quickly. There's nothing wrong with "beartraps" on mtn bikes, it's all personal preferance.

[oddsrule]

What I found worked was to fall over like a moron a couple of times, preferably with people watching. Nothing too painful, but embarrassing enough that you don't wanna repeat it. Trust me, your brain will figure out how to run the show after that.

And once you're used to the pedals, for the type of riding you're doing you'll wonder how you got by without them, especially whenever you get to the top of a hill and just keep on givin' er.

[Foxy]

Thanks for all the advice, guys! I think I'm going to keep at it a while longer. I can always change up the pedals later on if I truly hate it.

Keep the advice coming if anyone out there has anything to add! It's always good to get tips from others.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

I've been using some for a while - here's what I'm using:



I like these as with the aluminum cage if I just go for a spin around town I can use flat shoes in a pinch (although it's not the best for the binding itself).

As for getting use the fear it's truely a mind over matter thing. I just make sure I felt confident in popping out super quick, with a quick flick of the ankle. Master that and you shouldn't worry at all.

I'm not quite sure where the fear comes from - I've bailed quite spectacularly and rest assured, the bike finds a way to seperate itself from you without mangling your ankle. Uphills climbs - perhaps start out "unclipping out" sooner than you rather would when you start to fall and reduce that time with experience.

Wouldn't trade clipless for the world, your pedal stroke is so much more powerful and efficient with them....

[sclitheroe]

Something to keep in mind, that might be causing your problems, is that if you set the clips too loose, you actually have to swing your heel farther out to make them pop, at least in my experience. Try tightenting them up to a middle of the road setting, the more positive click-in-click out feeling might help.

I guess it's all personall preference, but for me, riding without clips feels like driving without a seatbelt - not uncomfortable, but WEIRD.

-Scott

[pope04]

I say give clipless pedals some time. I got them a little over three years ago for Christmas, and on my first ride I turned into an icy alley and bit it hard. I just couldn't unclick, and my feet disengaged from the pedals just as my shoulder and head smashed onto the (icy) ground. I was very leery of them for the rest of that winter - like you, Foxy, I set the pedals so I could unclip very easily - but now I love them. I spend some time on the bikepaths pulling my kids in a Burley, and the clipless pedals are a dream on hills.

[pope04]

Originally Posted by Mean Mr. Mustard

Also remember just to swing your heal out to the side in order to get them out of the clips.

This was the toughest thing to get used to, especially in "panic" situations. After going without clipless for over thirty years, it's just not natural. I should've gotten mine many years ago. Like I said, give 'em a chance....you'll love 'em.

[Mr. Ski]

Stick with em.

Took me a good 10 or so hours of targeted-practice-riding to get really comfortable with them. Spent the time at a grass field (for softer landings) riding slow and working on building muscle memory for both a fast, accurate click-in when starting, and the heal-out release motion. All totally instinctual now, and I'd never go back to not using them.

[habernac]

stick with 'em, or get two-sided ones (one side clipless, the other side platform) I love clipless, been riding them for the better part of 14 years. You can't beat the efficiencies, you just have to learn the whole turn your heal out when you need to dismount.