Any cyclists out there?

safewaygreenbox

Hi

So - I have started cycling after putting my name down for a 100 mile challenge 2nd August!! My longest ride to date is 45 miles and it took me 3 hours 50 mins. I have progresses (ahem!!) to clipless shoes and since then had a few crashes!! Not feeling very confident at the moment.

Just wondering is there were any cyclists out there who have had similar issues?

cheshirecatastrophe

Oh yeah. Making a fool out of yourself when adjusting to clipless pedals is a rite of passage. Have you fallen in your own driveway/in front of your residence yet?

Nothing for it but to wear a helmet, buy some Neosporin, and get right back on the proverbial horse! Good luck with the century challenge!

Scott_2025

I have never done a century.. It is on my bucket list though. I just hope it isn't the reason I kick that damned bucket.... I switched to clipless pedals this season. My third as a cyclist... And have not had a crash yet. I use the shimano spf (i think that is the style) and they seem very easy to slip into and out of. the pedal is clipless on one side and a platform pedal on the other. I bought these because I don't always want to be forced to wear my cycling shoes.

EvgeniZyntx

I'm an old cyclist. Like crazy.

If you don't feel confident about clipless then ride with only one foot clipped. Alternate. Or go back to flats.
Starting with clipless does result in crashed for a lot of people. Usually in embarrassing situations.
But it gets better. Promise.

Depending on the type the release tension can be set.

Enjoy the century. Stay hydrated and fed!

cheshirecatastrophe

Scott_2025 wrote: »

I have never done a century.. It is on my bucket list though. I just hope it isn't the reason I kick that damned bucket.... I switched to clipless pedals this season. My third as a cyclist... And have not had a crash yet. I use the shimano spf (i think that is the style) and they seem very easy to slip into and out of. the pedal is clipless on one side and a platform pedal on the other. I bought these because I don't always want to be forced to wear my cycling shoes.

Shimano SPD. I have the same pedals, the M-324s! @EvgeniZyntx is right--if you adjust the tension on the pedals, it is easier to clip in and out--you can do it faster so you are more likely to get the proper foot free when you need it! It's the little hex (Allen) wrench bolt in the middle of one side, at least on my pedals. I just turned it a little bit and they were much more forgiving.

glevinso

If you aren't crashing, you aren't trying hard enough. We all crash, especially during the adjustment period to clipless. It happens. No worries.

SBRRepeat

Right there with you, OP. I crashed an impressive 7 times in 8 miles my first time using clipless pedals. Couldn't tell you hoW or why most of those happened.
Still do it occasionally, if conditions are right. I don't trust cyclists without a few road rash scars!

brocantrs

Just changed to clipless and have fell 3 times in my driveway already! Tried to adjust but couldn't turn adjustment screw. Getting ready to ride in about an hour and will try some liquid wrench to break screw loose. I'm sure it looks kind of silly to just fall over with the bike.

safewaygreenbox

Blimey SBRRepeat that's impressive :-)

Thanks - Well sounds like I'm not the only one then :-) My last three rides have been crash free - woop woop. Have also been on my first group ride (beginners with a local cycling club) I kept up fine and wasn't the slowest on the hills even tho I was the only one not on a road bike. But the lead suggested that I change my tyres to sleeker ones but the bike shop guy said what what I might gain in speed (which would be slight) I may loose in fixing a puncture time and a less comfortable ride. If I want to carry on with road cycling after the 100 mile ride then buy a road bike. I am using a specialised sirrus sport - which I like. So I think that I will go with what the bike shop guy said. After all I don't think I'm going to be the winner lol

How did it go brocantrs?

On the plus side I get to talk about cycling a lot when people ask about my bruises :-)

FitFitzy331

I did a century a couple years ago when I got my clipless pedals. The guy who sold them to me told me to test out by only clipping in one foot at a time until I felt comfortable so I could avoid crashes as much as possible. I've only had a couple so I think that worked for me! Good luck!

Marmitegeoff

many years ago now I converted to clipless and my off was in the middle of a light controlled junction in the middle of town. There were many people to witness the occasion, so all I could do was take a bow, I got a round of applause. Not happened again as I did not want the shame.

beemerphile1

safewaygreenbox wrote: »

Hi

So - I have started cycling after putting my name down for a 100 mile challenge 2nd August!! My longest ride to date is 45 miles and it took me 3 hours 50 mins. I have progresses (ahem!!) to clipless shoes and since then had a few crashes!! Not feeling very confident at the moment.

Just wondering is there were any cyclists out there who have had similar issues?

We've all been there and in fact there is a thread about clipless pedal difficulties in the bicycle group. You should join; community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/344-bicycling-road-and-mountain

brocantrs

Ride went ok, up to 7 miles. Still couldn't adjust the pedals though I did not fall this time! I hope to be back up to 20 miles a day by the end of the month. May consider training for a Century if all goes ok. Longest ride for me has been 39 miles but that was several years ago.

Dragonnade

Yes! Newbie cyclist here, also converted to clipless recently. I nearly fell over with right foot clipped in, standing over the bike, left foot flat on the ground. My boyfriend had to save me. And then mock me because who knows how that was even possible.
Since then I've been really lucky and only had a clip-related falling incident once. Where we took a wrong turn in a country lane and I forgot about my feet, slowed too much and ended up falling sideways into a ridiculously comfortable grass bank. Not my finest hour. Thankfully only the boyfriend to see.

I did a 69 mile ride over the weekend (https://www.strava.com/activities/320672892). I would definitely recommend you train sensibly for your 100 miler. I foolishly agreed to do my ride whilst studying for a Masters and working full time and only got about 5 hours training in 2 months. Needless to say, there was crying on the bike and I nearly fell asleep in my post-ride meal. Today is the first day I've felt vaguely awake since!

safewaygreenbox

beemerphile1 wrote: »

safewaygreenbox wrote: »

Hi

So - I have started cycling after putting my name down for a 100 mile challenge 2nd August!! My longest ride to date is 45 miles and it took me 3 hours 50 mins. I have progresses (ahem!!) to clipless shoes and since then had a few crashes!! Not feeling very confident at the moment.

Just wondering is there were any cyclists out there who have had similar issues?

We've all been there and in fact there is a thread about clipless pedal difficulties in the bicycle group. You should join; community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/344-bicycling-road-and-mountain

Thanks - I have just posted on there :-)

Dragonnade - your life sounds a bit lime mine, working full time (and extra for the money)/ trying to do a masters.

Longest ride last weekend was 50miles and that took all my willpower!! I raelly have to get around to learning how to change a tyre too lol

brocantrs wrote: »

Ride went ok, up to 7 miles. Still couldn't adjust the pedals though I did not fall this time! I hope to be back up to 20 miles a day by the end of the month. May consider training for a Century if all goes ok. Longest ride for me has been 39 miles but that was several years ago.

I think I'm getting there - shear panic gets me out of the pedals sometimes

andrew6ger

I spent a year riding with Shimano SPDs. Never really got on with them. Then I changed to Look pedals and haven't looked back since. It is about confidence as well. I think if I spend time looking at my pedals to clip in it will take what seems and age. If I don't think about it I clip in quickly and off I go. I have the tension on my pedals light. I automatically start to twist out my left foot when approaching lights etc. Its become second nature. I can also sit on top of my pedals with out clipping in. Even if they are upside down and I need to spin them the right way. Just gently pulling away until I have enough momentum.

SteveCro

The local bike shop when I bought mine said " It's not if you crash but when" Yep it was the the first time out. I told myself this would be stupid to crash. I know I am clipped in and I know I have to clip out when I stop. Very first crossroad guess what.... I fell over and bloodied up my knee. Don't give up they do help on the long rides and hills.

safewaygreenbox

I am getting used to them now but I find it hard to clip out when going up hill - i threw myself into a bush to stop the
other day lol ..... strickly speaking not a fall but a controled descent :-)

brocantrs

I believe my problem is not pushing down on pedal when twisting foot out. Still learning but haven't fell in a while.

safewaygreenbox

Oh ok, that might be me too as I unclip when my foot is on the up ... I think ....... not sure. I love the clipin sound

glenn_VEGAN_lejano

glevinso wrote: »

If you aren't crashing, you aren't trying hard enough. We all crash, especially during the adjustment period to clipless. It happens. No worries.

Crashing is part of what we've signed for. I wear my scars proudly.

glenn_VEGAN_lejano

safewaygreenbox wrote: »

Hi

So - I have started cycling after putting my name down for a 100 mile challenge 2nd August!! My longest ride to date is 45 miles and it took me 3 hours 50 mins.

Best of luck in August! Train hard for it and enjoy the whole experience.

I remember my first century years back and it felt like I have been riding my bike the whole day. I must have hit the wall plenty of times but refused to call home and get picked up. Know I am doing double centuries with crazy elevation gains. I am trying to complete the California Triple Crown 1000 Miles Gold Club. It's a prestigious club that many cyclists in CA are trying to achieve. You have to complete five 200 mile ride events plus one volunteer in one year. I am on my fourth at the beginning of August. There's been lots of strugles and road blocks but I worked hard for this and wasn't going to let that stop me. After my third double century, I got in to a California Triple Crown Winner (3 double centuries). There's still lots of work left, wish me luck!

jstika

I remember once I was in traffic, on my fixed gear with SPD's, forgot I was clipped in and lost my track stand and fell over on the road at a stop light. Man, I felt stupid when that happened... I wasn't even learning to ride clipless either, had been riding clipless for a few years at that point. D'oh!

BrianSharpe

cheshirecatastrophe wrote: »

Oh yeah. Making a fool out of yourself when adjusting to clipless pedals is a rite of passage.

And you're guaranteed to fall at the most embarrassing possible moment....

If you're a newbie to clipless you may also want to consider Look KEO pedals (very similar in appearance to Shimano SPD/SL). The cleats are available with varying degrees of float and I've (personally - purely anecdotal) found them easier to clip in and out of than the SPD/SL (I've just started experimenting with the SPDs on my mountain bike....) The red cleats have the most float & the black the least.

Roza42

Nah, I put half clips on the fun bike, and clips on the fast bike. My commuter has flat pedals. Eventually I'll try clipless.

professionalHobbyist

In time you get it

You will eventually just put your foot in without looking and hear click

Unfortunately there is a learning curve and it involves blood and band aids

Machka9

safewaygreenbox wrote: »

Hi

So - I have started cycling after putting my name down for a 100 mile challenge 2nd August!! My longest ride to date is 45 miles and it took me 3 hours 50 mins. I have progresses (ahem!!) to clipless shoes and since then had a few crashes!! Not feeling very confident at the moment.

Just wondering is there were any cyclists out there who have had similar issues?

First of all, I grew up with cycling. I was born into a cycling family, learned to ride a 2-wheeler when I was 6, and spent my life surrounded by bicycles.

I kind of drifted away from it for a few years, but 25 years ago, I renewed my acquaintance with cycling and have been cycling avidly ever since.

In that time, I've cycled recreationally, commuted, raced, toured, and have gotten into long distance cycling. I've travelled the world with my bicycle ... and met my husband on a long distance cycling event in France (the Paris-Brest-Paris, back in 2003).

I can't imagine my life without cycling.


Secondly, in the late 1990s I switched to clipless pedals. I fell twice. The first time I landed on my left knee and a hard, painful little bump came up, about the size of a large marble. Just when I was thinking I should have it looked it, I fell again, landed on my left knee, and when I stood up ... the marble bump was gone.

However, I lived in the flattest place on earth, and a few years later when I was cycling in the UK, up some 20% grade, I fell again trying to clip out so I could walk the rest of the way ... and for reasons I can't explain that instilled a fear of hills in me.

Over the next few years I realised it wasn't the hills so much as the fact that I felt I couldn't unclip quickly on them if I needed to. So I started riding with one foot unclipped ... which was really awkward and uncomfortable.

In 2007, my husband and I were in France again, browsing through a Decathlon and found inserts a person could attach to a pedal to turn it into a platform pedal. I used one of them in my right pedal for the next year, it worked really well, and so I purchased dual pedals ... with platform on one side, clip on the other.

I am the only person I know so far who rides with her left foot clipped in, and right foot on the platform. I've been doing that since 2007, and it is comfortable for me.

hamptontom

as a relative newbie to cycling who's never even entertained the thought of clipless, maybe those of you who've put yourself through this learning curve can explain to me...

...what exactly is the point of it all? what are the advantages to not having traditional pedals?

(and yeah, i know the question probably sounds snotty, and i can't think of a way to pose it without sounding that way...i'm not being argumentative, i legitimately want to understand why they're even a "thing".)

BrianSharpe

misterwendy wrote: »

as a relative newbie to cycling who's never even entertained the thought of clipless, maybe those of you who've put yourself through this learning curve can explain to me...

...what exactly is the point of it all? what are the advantages to not having traditional pedals?

(and yeah, i know the question probably sounds snotty, and i can't think of a way to pose it without sounding that way...i'm not being argumentative, i legitimately want to understand why they're even a "thing".)

I thought the same way for may, many years but.....there are significant advantages from riding clipless.

The first is that the cleat positions your foot correctly on the pedal (cages will do pretty much the same thing) which gives you mechanical advantage over someone who may position the pedal father back on their foot.

Secondly your foot is held securely in place so that you can be applying energy throughout the pedal stroke not just mashing down on it.

Thirdly (applies more to stiff road shoes than more "street shoe" like MTB shoes) the rigid sole encourages you to not drop your heel through the bottom of the stroke.

Depending on the type of riding you're doing clipless may not be the best choice for you but I've never regretted making the change.