cycle pedals

phoneclock

Hi I just changed from regular pedals to clip on pedals andkeep falling off the bike - has anyone else had this problem, does it get easier ??

TonyStark

phoneclock wrote: »

Hi I just changed from regular pedals to clip on pedals andkeep falling off the bike - has anyone else had this problem, does it get easier ??

Recently made the switch and have fallen off once due to my stupidit. It gets easier, practice against a wall for a couple of hours.... You'll soon train yourself to unclip in time. Best of luck!

Darkglasses

Practice for a while first up against a wall. Clip-out early and often when approaching junctions or whenever you need to stop. Make sure your cleats are fully tightened to your shoes, and if possible, set the tension on the pedals a little lower. You'll be a natural in no time at all!

Mycroft H

Do not be afraid to clip out early. Anticipate stopping at junctions, roundabouts, lights, traffic etc etc. Better than falling over and hurting something if only it's just your pride.

Have ONE foot you clip out (always) with and then the other. If you suddenly need to clip out, you don't need to be panicking with both feet.

Invincible

phoneclock wrote: »

Hi I just changed from regular pedals to clip on pedals andkeep falling off the bike - has anyone else had this problem, does it get easier ??

I've been using clips since I got the Giant over 2 years ago,I have the left strap a little looser and can therefore slip my foot out when I need to stop, haven't fallen off yet

shaka

When your coming to a junction or stop clip one leg out in anticipation till you become quicker at it , everyone takes a tumble or two at the start. Practise against a wall is also sound advise

sparrowcar

I use SPD clips for my MTB. It does get easier with time and practice.
Loosen the tension on your release until you are more comfortable with them and then tighten as your confidence grows.

smacl

I also use SPDs and had a few gob****e falls getting used to them. Don't even notice they're there these days, and feel slightly less comfortable on a bike not clipped in.

youtheman

You'll get used to it (at least you should). Bit like putting the car into neutral when you stop (if tthat's what you do). Becomes second nature.

Only risk is when you have to suddenly stop, or when you're going up a steep hill when you have effectively no momentum (not a nice feeling, you're about to blow a gasket and you don't have the luxury of freewheeling for a few seconds while you unclip, so you have to keep pedalling while you unclip).

The onlt time it nearly happended to me recently was when my rear DR failed while I was going up a steep hill. One second I'm grand, the next the pedals are spinning and I have to unclip before I do a faceplant. Just about got the foot out in time.

Cee-Jay-Cee

Invincible wrote: »

I've been using clips since I got the Giant over 2 years ago,I have the left strap a little looser and can therefore slip my foot out when I need to stop, haven't fallen off yet

Think you misunderstood the topic here, OP is asking about clipLESS pedals, the type you clip a cleat attached to the bottom of your shoe, into. You are talking about toe clips.

petethedrummer

phoneclock wrote: »

Hi I just changed from regular pedals to clip on pedals andkeep falling off the bike - has anyone else had this problem, does it get easier ??

Make sure your cleats are firmly screwed to your shoe. If they are at all loose it makes them difficult to disengage.

Mcofferon

OP
I've had two or three falls myself since converting at Xmas. All the above advice is good, especially concentrating on uncliping one foot regularly and it will become second nature eventually. I'm an old dog so this new trick has probably taken more practice and concentration than most.

Most embarrassing moment was in front of a packed 46a when I had to stop and dutifully unclipped my right foot - then started to lean over left... Doh!

Stick with it, it'll pay dividends in the end.

merc230ce

I too switched at Christmas, but I haven't fallen... YET
*touches wood, rubs rabbits foot*

Jocry

Ive had two close ones since switching after christmas but thankfully there was a lamppost and a set of lights to rest up against. Definitely as people have said practice practice practice, up against the wall.

And remember, if you're EARLY, you ANTICIPATE and you clip out SIDEWAYS you'll be fine

Wishbone Ash

On very windy weather, especially with heavy crosswinds, it may be advisable to unclip both feet at traffic lights.

I once had the embarrassment of being blown over onto my still clipped in side at a busy junction with a large audience witnessing my spill.

phoneclock

Thanks for all the advise, I fell when I had to stop suddenly, people crossing my path, turning slowly at a junction etc.., have to get my brain working with my feet!!!! 3rd time lucky !!

doozerie

phoneclock wrote: »

Hi I just changed from regular pedals to clip on pedals andkeep falling off the bike - has anyone else had this problem, does it get easier ??

Non-frivolous answer: It's usually easiest to unclip with your foot at the lowest (6 o'clock) position since you are using pretty much all of your leg as a lever (rather than just the lower half of your leg). So try to get into the habit of getting the foot you wish to unclip into this position as you prepare to unclip.

Frivolous answer: Yes, falling off the bike does get easier with practice. In no time it'll be second nature, a bit like riding a bike.

Darkglasses

doozerie wrote: »

Non-frivolous answer: It's usually easiest to unclip with your foot at the lowest (6 o'clock) position since you are using pretty much all of your leg as a lever (rather than just the lower half of your leg). So try to get into the habit of getting the foot you wish to unclip into this position as you prepare to unclip.

Really? I think I nearly always unclip at the top, because then the foot which is on the bike is at the most stable position, i.e. at 6 o'clock. Will try it your way next time.

merc230ce

+1 to 6 o'clock position

doozerie

Darkglasses wrote: »

Really? I think I nearly always unclip at the top, because then the foot which is on the bike is at the most stable position, i.e. at 6 o'clock. Will try it your way next time.

Unclipping at the top is fine if it works for you, the issue is that you have to twist your knee a bit to do so which can be tricky - it tends to make it harder to click out (less leverage) and can be uncomfortable or even painful as it puts more pressure directly on the knee. In the 6 o'clock position you end up twisting your hip to unclip rather than your knee, and as a bigger and more easily rotated joint it tends to handle it more easily.

Basically you can unclip in pretty much any position you like really, but when first getting used to clipless pedals the mechanical advantage of the 6 o'clock position can be particularly useful to exploit.

easygoing39

Go mountain biking with youre clipless pedals,you'll learn much much quicker how to un-clip,as there's any amount of times when you need to un-clip,rocks,roots,halfway up a mud bank,getting caught in a gulley etc etc.