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How long to get used to clipless pedals?
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 2006-04-14 6:41 PM |
Master  1686     Royersford, PA |  Subject: How long to get used to clipless pedals?I finally decided I'm going get some clipless pedals and bike shoes in a couple of weeks. However, I will only have about a week or so to get used to them before my HIM. Is that realisticly enough time for someone who has never riden with bike shoes/clipless pedals to get the feel of it (and not fall trying to clip in and clip out) or should I just go with the running shoes one last time. |
| 2006-04-14 6:43 PM in reply to: #397020 |
| Master 1534 | Subject: RE: How long to get used to clipless pedals? For clipping in/out it took me about three rides. As for the spinning part, I'll have to get back to you. |
| 2006-04-14 6:47 PM in reply to: #397020 |
Master 2629 brummie land | Subject: RE: How long to get used to clipless pedals? took me a good few rides to get used to my look ones; then gave up and bought spds instead - all of two minutes to get used to it (spds are deffo easier imho but maybe also by then used to the whole idea of cleats etc) just be careful though - my cleats have buggered my itb up and its still not sorted. off to another lbs tomorrow to gte my alignment looked at. tbh i'd stick to your running shoes, but then again cleats really improve the power of pedalling. |
| 2006-04-14 6:52 PM in reply to: #397020 |
Expert 831 Raleigh, NC | Subject: RE: How long to get used to clipless pedals? Go for it. You will only be clipping in and out once on race day. Just spend an hour or so jumping on (and off) the bike to practice sometime the week before. |
| 2006-04-14 7:17 PM in reply to: #397020 |
| Pro 4054 yep, | Subject: RE: How long to get used to clipless pedals? Took me a few rides to get the hang of it. I have Speedplays, so its a little easier then some of the other brands. But I definately notice a benefit from my other friend who can't go as quick as I can with his running shoes. |
| 2006-04-14 7:30 PM in reply to: #397020 |
Veteran 181 South Jersey | Subject: RE: How long to get used to clipless pedals? take it from someone who just learned about 2 weeks ago how to clip in and out, i did practice on my trainer for about 2 months but that is me...so then i decided to just get on my bike one saturday afternoon knowing that there was this group bike ride the next day so i went to a school parking lot and practice with them and it took me about 25 minutes plus a friend said get over your fear and just do it, and if i fall then get back up and try again...anyway, i finally got the hang of it and there is some fear, but eventually i will get over it. good luck at your HIM |
| 2006-04-14 8:23 PM in reply to: #397039 |
| Veteran 110 Stoughton, Wisconsin | Subject: RE: How long to get used to clipless pedals? I just did my first ride with clippless and I fell twice - both times I got caught leaning to the other side that I clipped out on. After that lesson I haven't had any problems with clipping out, still need practice with clipping in, but I've noticed if I go slow it works much better. I would go with the clipless in the race! |
| 2006-04-14 8:37 PM in reply to: #397020 |
Champion 5495 Whizzzzzlandia Silver member | Subject: RE: How long to get used to clipless pedals? I'd hold off. Unless you've got ample opportunity to practice practice practice and ride 56 miles with your new shoes and pedals... and practice getting in and out... you will fall or tip over... at least once. Happened to us all. You don't want to be rattled on race day... Or maybe you do... I wouldn't do it without practice. I'm conservative, though...
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| 2006-04-14 11:46 PM in reply to: #397020 |
| tustin | Subject: RE: How long to get used to clipless pedals? it took me atleast 2 weeks to get used to them. but i still fall down evry once and a while bc they are sticky. like yesterday  luckly i feel onto grass. Edited by me8 2006-04-14 11:47 PM |
| 2006-04-15 6:43 AM in reply to: #397020 |
Veteran 262 Shelby Twp, MI | Subject: RE: How long to get used to clipless pedals? Go for it! Easily accomplished in a few hours, it's not important how far you ride just get used to clipping in and out. Start by leaning on something, a car or bench, and spend about 10 minutes clicking in and out. Then ride a couple of miles on a quiet road and do nothing but clip in and out. By this time you will probably feel totally comfortable. Also worth putting some WD40 on your cleats and then wiping it off with a dry rag. This makes it much easier. Don't forget on your tri you only have to click in once and out once, good luck. |
| 2006-04-15 6:49 AM in reply to: #397020 |
Elite 2999 Hattiesburg, Mississippi | Subject: RE: How long to get used to clipless pedals? You shouldn't have any problems. I sat in my living room and held onto my couch and practiced clipping in and out. Just practice and you shouldn't have any problems. |
| 2006-04-15 7:32 AM in reply to: #397020 |
Veteran 158 Southeastern PA | Subject: RE: How long to get used to clipless pedals? I usually don't make any changes a week before a race especially longer races. However, as others have suggested you could take a trip to the local park and give em a try. Definitely practice getting in and out. It may come down to how comfortable you are. I don't remember being uncomfortable at all when upgrading to clipless. If it feels awkward or different then you might want to hold off. If it feels alright then try a couple of rides. My cleats were tight in the pedals at first, but became easier to clip in/out after a couple weeks. Most importantly good luck in that race!!!! |
| 2006-04-15 7:39 AM in reply to: #397020 |
| Youngstown, Ohio | Subject: RE: How long to get used to clipless pedals? |
| 2006-04-15 9:14 AM in reply to: #397020 |
Not a Coach 11473 Media, PA | Subject: RE: How long to get used to clipless pedals? Hey Andy, you still have a few weeks until your HIM. Any chance on getting those pedals sooner? It really shouldn't take you very long to get used to them and they will help you a lot on a 56mi ride. You only have to unclip once during the race so I'd say give it ago and just practice as much as you can prior. |
| 2006-04-15 11:38 AM in reply to: #397020 |
Extreme Veteran 461 Northeast Ohio | Subject: RE: How long to get used to clipless pedals? The best thing I did was to ride behind my 5 year-old. She stopped, always without warning, at least every 20 yards. By about 2 miles, I had clipping in and out down pat. And don't be afraid of falling- when it happens, it will no doubt be when you are coming to a stop- falling from a stand-still really doesn't hurt. |
| 2006-04-15 12:16 PM in reply to: #397020 |
Master 1686 Royersford, PA | Subject: RE: How long to get used to clipless pedals? Thanks for the advice everyone. I can pick these pedals up sooner, but I still won't have a lot a time to practice with them out on the road, since I am going to be out of town for work. I guess we'll have to see how natural it feels come race day, and make the decision at that point. Edited by southwestmba 2006-04-15 12:18 PM |
| 2006-04-15 2:28 PM in reply to: #397212 |
| 94 | Subject: RE: How long to get used to clipless pedals? imnotjoking - 2006-04-15 11:38 AM The best thing I did was to ride behind my 5 year-old. She stopped, always without warning, at least every 20 yards. By about 2 miles, I had clipping in and out down pat. And don't be afraid of falling- when it happens, it will no doubt be when you are coming to a stop- falling from a stand-still really doesn't hurt. I'll second that. I practiced a bit in the yard, so that I could fall on the grass. Which I did a few times. Then I moved up to the street with my 3 and 5 year olds. I felt like a fool, but I was in and out a zillion times. Then I went for about 15 miles alone and clipped out whenever I needed to at intersections. A few hairy moments, but never fell. The next day I did a group hill workout. One close call, no falls. I've felt pretty confident ever since. So, really just one day, but I am far from graceful! I had more trouble getting in than getting out. I'm sure I jinxed myself and I'll lose it on the next ride!  Good luck |
| 2006-04-15 3:53 PM in reply to: #397248 |
| Champion 6539 South Jersey | Subject: RE: How long to get used to clipless pedals? It seems a lot of the posts are telling you it may take a while and that maybe you shouldn't try it before your HIM, but I got used to clipping in and out on my first ride. I've been using them for a year now and have never (knock on wood) had an issue in which I had trouble clipping in or out. The only time I ever "went down" w/o clipping out was when another cyclist rode right into me from behind and I didn't have time to react. I use the shoes with the recessed clip, though, so the pedals are two sided and tightness can be adjusted. Perhaps the other type of clipless pedal is a bit more difficult to use...I don't know. Hey, good luck with the pedals and good luck at your HIM!! Oh, you know what - I just remembered that I did pop my bike on the trainer (just for stability purposes) and sat on it clipping in and out a few times before I hit the road. But, a day or two should be good. -Lauren |
| 2006-05-07 8:01 PM in reply to: #397020 |
Master 1686 Royersford, PA | Subject: RE: How long to get used to clipless pedals? Update: I got the pedals 2 weeks before the race however the LBS forgot to back order the shoes, so I got them the Wendesday before the race. I practiced on the trainer and hanging on to my couch and decided what the heck!! Race day I get to the mount line clipped in on my right foot which worked the first try. I was so suprised, I leaned over that direction and had my first clipped in fall slow motion, in front of everyone fall.. Scuffed up my knee and hand and got my other shoe tangled in the spokes of my rear wheel. Bloodied but not out, I recovered, clipped in and went. About 1 MPH faster with an relatively conservative effort and my legs were so fresh for the run I distroyed my PR. RR to follow!! It was the best of times, it was the worst of times!!! Thanks everyone for the advice! |
| 2006-05-07 8:32 PM in reply to: #417141 |
Not a Coach 11473 Media, PA | Subject: RE: How long to get used to clipless pedals? So you had a great race and got your first clipless fall out of the way at the same time. Congrats! |
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