aalenkin

yes I am embarrased, got my first ever clipless pedals, problem is I have fallen each and every time I try to clip both feet in, its been pretty bad. I have read other posts, asked friends etc etc, Im frustrated and thinking about turning them in and just riding regular pedals....Please any tips on how I can get going safely while clipping in? ive tried it now on grass for about 20 min cant get it! help I need tips! advice! etc etc, dont be too harshI am a newbie and im trying!!

mrvrsick

Look for the sheldonbrown.com page on starting on a bike. Same thing, just start clipped in with one foot and keep pedaling AFTER you clip the second

Jynx

grass is probably making it harder since you cant get up to speed and balance. juts clip in one foot and then start with the pedal at 3/9 o clock. push down and get some speed. when you balance clip in the other foot and continue to ride.

cwathne

unclip way before coming to a stop; its not rocket science

Jynx

he is talking about starting, not stopping. it's not rocket science.

cwathne

either way

gabdy

Ditch the grass, do as Jynx said.

laxer24

Practice "riding" in a doorway. Line your shoulders up with the doorframe, so as you fall, you just lean against the door. Once you get to the road, just remember to unclip before you stop

aalenkin

hey there thanks for the quick responses guys, what do you mean riding in a doorway?? I already tried clipping unclipping on a trainer, totally different than out in the street.

rumblebelly

Start off pushing yourself on the bike with your shoes to get momentum, line up your pedal and push down properly (not too hard, but you can't go easy on it either.. if you slip off via slamming down on the pedal and miss, bad things will happen like they did to me lol).

Once you get going, unclip 1 shoe and use that to lean on when you go to stop (make sure to downshift to an easy enough gear to pedal with 1 foot or again, bad things will happen when you try to get momentum without being able to pedal ).

s4one

If you have a trainer that helps as well or just use a wall, use one hand to hold ur self up. Dont be embarrassed...

chains1240

Hello there. I too am new to biking. This is what I did: I leaned my bike against a wall inside my walk out basement with my biking shoes on. I clipped in and out about 50 times. Then i ventured out on my first ride. I decided ahead of time that my right foot was going to be the one I would always plant on the ground. I clipped in my left foot at the 6:00 position, spun it backwards to the 11:00 position, started peddling with the left foot clipped in and just clipped in the right foot. No I didn't clip in the right foot on the first try. Sometimes I had a bit of a struggle and sometimes I got it without even thinking about it. When I had to stop at a stop sign I unclipped my right foot about 10-12 feet ahead of time, applied brakes, slightly turned wheel to the left to tip bike to the plant foot and plant foot. Fortunately I have yet to fall. Keep trying.

KevinF

I always start out by clipping one foot in while the other foot is still safely on the ground. i.e., you're not moving, you're not balancing, so getting one foot in should be easy.

Then start pedaling using just your clipped-in foot (hold your "free foot" out to the side somewhere). Since you can now "pull up", you should be able to get to an easy-to-balance speed using just one foot (assuming the road is flat, or better yet, slightly downhill)

Now start coasting, use your toes to flip the pedal right-side-up, stomp in, and you're good to go.

Don't try to get your second foot clipped in until you have a little momentum on your side. (Getting clipped in on a hill can take some practice).

Flatballer

Have someone video it. Then post it here. That will probably help.

Gromulus

You are using SPDs, which are among the easiest to to clip and unclip. If you aren't using them ready, switch your cleats to the Shimano SH-56 Multi-Release SPD Cleats and adjust to the lowest tension at first, gradually working up when your skill and confidence build. As others have said, forget grass and stick to your driveway or even a parking lot until you get the hang of it.

https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-SH-56-...0386726&sr=8-1



Good luck!

Rupert

Agreed. The only time I've had problems with my clip in pedals was when stopped. My advice when practicing is to try focusing on one foot and leave the other clipped, within a day it should be muscle memory.

kwrides

Tell us very explicitly what the situation is when you fall. You've said the problem is starting off. Are you going slow or fast? Are you trying over and over to clip in until you are going .5mph and then fall over? Are you stopping? etc.

The advice above to get some speed up before clipping in is good. Get comfortable on the bike and then try. If it doesn't work, get your speed back and try again.

Also, have you adjusted them to the absolute lightest tension possible?

Are you on SPD or SPD-SL?

Diesel-CAAD9

curious as to what pedals you are using, cause with SPD style cleats and a MTB style shoe you should still be able to pedal even if you are not clipped...

i always clip my right shoe in with the pedal at about 2:00, push from there, and as i gain momentum ill clip the left shoe at the bottom of the next stroke...

estabro

Stop thinking about it and just keep practicing. Soon enough it becomes automatic...

hurley1718

This is what I do, I also just starting using clipless a little over a week ago.